Description of Lamictal XR

Lamotrigine is the generic name for Lamictal XR (extended release) and it is available in the form of tablets. You can buy Lamictal XR for oral administration if prescribed by your doctor. The different strengths available include Lamictal XR 25 mg, Lamictal XR 50 mg, Lamictal XR 100 mg, Lamictal XR 200 mg, Lamictal XR 250 mg, and Lamictal XR 300 mg. The inactive ingredients in Lamictal XR include hypromellose, glycerol monostearate, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol 400, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, and polysorbate 80. Some of the specific ingredients include silicon dioxide in 25 and 50mg tablets; iron oxide yellow in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg tablets; triethyl citrate, titanium dioxide, and carmine in 250mg tablets; iron oxide red in 100mg tablets; and iron oxide black in 50mg, 250mg, and 300mg tablets.

Indications & Dosage of Lamictal XR

Lamictal XR is indicated as part of a combination treatment for tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures and partial onset seizures. It is normally administered to patients over 13 years of age.

The dosage of Lamictal XR varies depending on the condition of the patient and other drugs being taken as a part of the adjunctive therapy. The recommended dose for patients taking Valporate is Lamictal XR 25mg every second day for the first 2 weeks followed by Lamictal XR 25mg daily. It can be increased in multiples of 25 to Lamictal XR 50mg from the 5th week to Lamictal XR 150mg in the 7th week. Maintenance doses of Lamictal XR 200mg to 250mg are administered daily after 8 weeks of initial or recommended dose. The maximum dosage should not exceed Lamictal XR 600mg and this is indicated for patients taking Phenobarbital or Carbamazepine. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed.

Side Effects & Interactions of Lamictal XR

Lamictal XR can lead to mild or moderate side effects with clearly visible symptoms. Some of the side effects caused by Lamictal XR include:

• Mild to severe headache
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Stomach pain and diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful menstrual periods
• Decreased coordination
• Blurred or double vision
• Calf pain or tenderness
• Swollen lymph glands
• Weakness and tiredness
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Panic attacks and behavioral changes

There are some adverse effects of Lamictal XR and if you see the following symptoms, discontinue the treatment and inform your doctor.

• Persistent sore throat
• Painful urination and dark urine
• Blood dyscrasias
• Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions
• Status epilepticus
• Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy
• Vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea
• Rectal hemorrhage
• Contact dermatitis
• Multiforme erythema
• Iron deficiency anemia

Lamictal XR is known to interact with other medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen, divalproex sodium, propoxyphene, valproic acid, sodium oxybate, pseudoephedrine, acetylcarbromal, pyrilamine,, doxylamine, triprolidine, cetirizine, clemastine, guaifenesin, and orlistat. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you are currently taking before starting Lamictal XR.

Warnings & Precautions of Lamictal XR

Lamotrigine is known to cause harm to the fetus and it is advised that you not buy Lamictal XR without consulting your doctor during pregnancy. Clinical studies of animals have revealed maternal toxicity as well as secondary fetal toxicity. There is data available that supports the excretion of Lamotrigine through human milk and so, most doctors advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid Lamictal XR during breastfeeding.

You need to discuss your medical history with the doctor prior to administration of Lamictal XR. You need to inform your doctor if you have undergone surgery or if you:

• Are allergic to anti-seizure medicines and food
• Are suffering from kidney, liver, or heart problems
• Have a history of mood problems like depression