Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant medication which is prescribed to people suffering from bipolar disorder and from epilepsy in order to stabilize moods and treat seizures. In the first of these roles, it is one of few available substitutes for lithium. Because of its chemical composition being different than most other drugs prescribed for epileptic seizures, the side effects of Lamotrigine are usually less serious. It was approved for seizure treatment in the United States in 1994, and then for bipolar treatment about ten years later. In addition, the drug may be prescribed for additional, so-called "off-label" purposes, most of which relate to neurological difficulties (neruopathic and neuralgic problems, and migraine headaches).
Note that Lamotrigine is the drug compound name for a medication which is currently marketed under the brand name Lamictal by the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical corporation. Generically produced Lamotrigine is also becoming available.
There are a number of relatively mild and common side effects of Lamotrigine. These include mental difficulties (reduced concentration, altered vision, reduced motor skills, and altered moods), a cough, digestive difficulties (vomiting, heartburn, and either diarrhea or constipation) and altered sleep patterns (either difficulty staying awake or, in other cases, difficulty sleeping). As with all medications that cause drowsiness, it is important not to drive a car or operate heavy machinery at a time when you may come under the effects of the drug. Lamotrigine may also disrupt the menstrual cycle or cause genital irritation in women. If any of these side effects of Lamotrigine are particularly bothersome or persistent, you should discuss them with your doctor.
There is a skin rash associated with Lamotrigine, which is most likely to develop within a few weeks of starting treatment, and many doctors will prescribe a gradually increasing dosage in order to build tolerance for the drug with reduced side effects. You should, as always, carefully discuss and understand prescription and treatment decisions with your doctor.
In addition, there are some more serious side effects of Lamotrigine which indicate a more serious reaction to the drug. The National Institutes of Health warns that Lamotrigine can cause upper right abdominal pain, jaundice (in which the skin or eyes begin to turn yellow), headaches, a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), chest pain, lost appetite, trouble breathing, dark red urine, mouth and eye sores, hoarse speech, and the classic signs of an allergic reaction (such as a skin rash, swelling of the face and extremities, and trouble breathing). Some patients taking Lamotrigine may continue to experience seizures, which are more serious than in the past. If you experience any of these serious side effects of Lamotrigine, the National Institutes of Health warn that you need to contact your physician or seek medical attention immediately, especially if you are having trouble breathing or are experiencing chest pain.
Note that studies suggest the side effects of Lamotrigine are more pronounced among women than among men. This may be because of interactions between Lamotrigine and hormones that are higher in women.
The above information is based on research into publicly available resources. However, when it comes to prescription medication, there is no substitute for professional medical advice from your doctor and your pharmacist, which should always be followed precisely.
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