Is Lamictal used for depression or anxiety?
Is Lamictal used for depression or anxiety?
Lamictal (lamotrigine), a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any anxiety disorders. It is approved to treat bipolar disorder and seizure disorders.
Is Lamictal a good mood stabilizer?
Lamictal is considered a mood-stabilizing anticonvulsant and is most commonly prescribed to prevent or control seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Recent studies have shown it may possess antidepressant effects in bipolar disorder.
Does Lamictal make you calm?
Lamotrigine is the only mood stabilizer that calms mood swings by lifting the depression rather than suppressing the mania, says Dr. Aiken. “That makes it a great choice for the bipolar spectrum, where the depressive symptoms usually outweigh the manic ones. Its greatest benefit is in prevention.
Is it safe to take lamotrigine for bipolar?
Lamotrigine has good evidence as prophylaxis of depressive episodes as part of Bipolar I disorder. [Goodwin G et al., 2004] Lamotrigine is a safe and effective option as an add on to ongoing lithium treatment in acute bipolar depression. [LamLit study group]
Are there any safety concerns with lamotrigine medication?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a controversial safety alert reporting an increase in suicidal thinking or behavior with all antiseizure medications, including lamotrigine; however, concerns have been raised regarding the methodology used in identifying this risk ( 9 ).
What can I take to lower my lamotrigine level?
The following medications may decrease the level and effect of lamotrigine: 1 Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®/Carbatrol®/Equetro®), phenobarbital, and primidone (Mysoline®) 2 Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) 3 Rifampin (Rifadin®), ritonavir (Norvir®)
How often should I take lamotrigine with valproate?
When using lamotrigine with valproate, the manufacturer recommends 25 mg once every other day for weeks 1–2, 25 mg once daily for weeks 3–4, 50 mg once daily for week 5, and 100 mg daily thereafter ( 6 ). There are additional titration schedules if an enzyme-inducing agent is concurrently prescribed.
When to tell your doctor about Lamictal side effects?
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lamotrigine on the baby. Birth control pills can make lamotrigine less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills.
How is Lamictal used to treat bipolar disorder?
Lamictal is used alone or with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults and children. Lamictal is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression ). Immediate-release Lamictal can be used in children as young as 2 years old for seizure treatment as an add-on treatment to other seizure medication.
Is it safe to take Lamictal during breastfeeding?
Lamictal is not recommended during breastfeeding. Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects 4.
Can a birth control pill make Lamictal less effective?
Birth control pills can make lamotrigine less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills. Your lamotrigine dose may need to be changed. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I take Lamictal?