What it means
An antiseizure drug for many types of epilepsy that is also used as long-term treatment in bipolar disorderby-POH-ler dis-OR-derA mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.bi- twopol/o pole-ar having to do withFull entry , mainly to prevent depressive episodes. The dose is raised slowly over weeks. Its main danger is a serious skin rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is more likely with fast dose increases or when taken with valproate.
For the nurse
Teach the client to report any rash, fever, blisters or mouth sores right away (boxed warning). Do not stop suddenly. If doses are missed for several days, the provider may restart at a low dose. Lamictal is often confused with Lamisil.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticonvulsant (antiepileptic); mood stabilizer |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Lamictal, Lamictal XR, Lamictal ODT |
| Spanish | lamotrigina |
| Also written | Lamictal |
Easy to confuse with
levothyroxine
A man-made form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), taken to replace hormone the thyroid does not make.
levetiracetam
An anticonvulsant drug, given by mouth or IV, used to prevent and treat seizures.
terbinafine
An antifungal drug used on the skin for athlete's foot and ringworm, and by mouth for fungal nail infections.
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
rash
An area of skin that has changed in color or texture, often red, bumpy, scaly or itchy.
levetiracetam
An anticonvulsant drug, given by mouth or IV, used to prevent and treat seizures.