Lamictal side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of Lamictal. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Lamictal, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Lamictal is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), a tablet that dissolves in liquid, and an extended-release (XR) tablet. It’s available in a generic version called lamotrigine. This article describes possible side effects of Lamictal.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious skin rashes

Lamictal has a boxed warning for the risk of serious skin rashes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.

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More common side effects of Lamictal

Lamictal may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of Lamictal that occurred during the drug’s studies. The more common side effects varied based on the condition being treated.

More common side effects reported in people taking Lamictal oral tablets (including ODTs and tablets that dissolve in liquid) or Lamictal XR for seizures include:

• dizziness
• headache
• double vision
• problems with coordinated movements
• nausea or vomiting

More common side effects reported in people taking Lamictal oral tablets (including ODTs and tablets that dissolve in liquid) for bipolar disorder include:

• nausea
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• sleepiness
• back pain
• fatigue (low energy)

Mild side effects of Lamictal

Lamictal may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Lamictal that occurred in studies include:

• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• back pain
• changes in weight*
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fatigue (low energy)
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• headache
• indigestion
• nausea or vomiting
• runny nose
• sleepiness
• sleep problems
• tremors
• mild allergic reaction*†

These side effects were reported in studies of Lamictal oral tablets (including ODT and tablets that dissolve in liquid) and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

Lamictal may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Lamictal. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies for Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

Serious side effects of Lamictal

Lamictal may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Lamictal, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lamictal.

Serious side effects of Lamictal that occurred in studies include:

• abnormal heart rhythms
• aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the brain covering and spinal cord)
• eye problems, including blurred or double vision
• low blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• problems with coordination or movements
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• withdrawal symptoms*
• risk of serious skin rashes*†
• severe allergic reaction*‡

These side effects were reported in studies of Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.
† Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with Lamictal. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies for Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

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Common questions about side effects of Lamictal

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Lamictal. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Lamictal cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, Lamictal may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with Lamictal include:

• eye problems
• serious skin rashes*†

These side effects were reported in studies of Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Also, ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Lamictal may last.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.
† Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section below.

Do side effects of Lamictal go away?

It depends. Everyone’s experience with Lamictal will be different. Usually, mild side effects of Lamictal will improve or go away within a few days or weeks. This happens as your body gets used to the medication. But some side effects may continue or get worse for some people.

If you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome, talk with your doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Side effects of Lamictal in detail

Below, you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Lamictal.

Risk of serious skin rashes

Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets have a boxed warning for the risk of serious skin rashes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

In studies, serious skin rashes were common in people taking Lamictal. This side effect was reported in studies of Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

With Lamictal, you can develop a serious skin rash that can lead to hospitalization or even death. It can start as a minor rash but become life threatening. A serious skin rash can happen at any time during Lamictal treatment. But it’s most common in the first 8 weeks of treatment.

Symptoms of a serious skin rash may include:

• blisters
• hives
• peeling skin
• sores in your mouth or around your eyes

Certain factors can increase the risk of a serious skin rash with Lamictal. These include:

• being age 2-17 years
• taking Lamictal with the epilepsy drugs valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex sodium (Depakote)
• starting Lamictal at a higher dose than recommended
• increasing the dose of Lamictal faster than recommended

Ways to manage

There’s no way to tell whether a minor rash will become serious. If you experience a rash, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If you have symptoms of a serious skin rash, get medical care right away.

Changes in weight

In studies, changes in weight were common in people taking Lamictal. This side effect is usually mild. Changes in weight were reported in studies of Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

Your weight may increase or decrease while taking Lamictal. Weight loss was more common than weight gain in studies of people taking Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about changes in your weight while taking Lamictal, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are possible with Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets. These side effects may be serious.

With withdrawal symptoms, you experience serious or uncomfortable side effects if you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Dependence means your body needs the drug to function like usual. 

The main withdrawal symptom of Lamictal is seizures.

Ways to manage

Due to the risk of withdrawal seizures, doctors usually reduce the dose of Lamictal slowly over a few weeks. Do not stop taking Lamictal without talking with your doctor first. They can recommend the safest way to do this.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Lamictal can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash*†
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Risk of serious skin rashes” section above.
† Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lamictal, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for Lamictal

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Lamictal.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious skin rashes

Lamictal oral tablets and Lamictal XR oral tablets have a boxed warning for the risk of serious skin rashes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of Lamictal in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Lamictal if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Lamictal is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• autoimmune disorders, including lupus
• blood disorders
• heart problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• mood problems, including depression
• past aseptic meningitis after taking Lamictal
• past suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• past allergic reaction to Lamictal or other seizure medications

Lamictal and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Lamictal should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Your doctor may talk with you about the North American Antiepileptic Drug (AED) Pregnancy Registry. This registry monitors pregnancy outcomes during treatment with anticonvulsants, such as Lamictal. You can learn more by calling 888-233-2334 or visiting this website.

Lamictal and breastfeeding

Lamictal should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Lamictal.

Lamictal and alcohol

Lamictal is not known to interact with alcohol. But drinking alcohol while taking Lamictal could make some side effects worse. These include dizziness, headache, and problems with coordination.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Lamictal.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Lamictal. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my risk of side effects depend on the dose of Lamictal I take?
• Is my risk of side effects higher when I first start treatment?
• How do the side effects of Lamictal compare with those of other drugs that could treat my condition?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.