Lamotrigine is a prescription medication for treatment of bipolar disorder and epilepsy. Several brand names are under this generic drug—Lamictal, Lamictal CD, Lamictal ODT, and Lamictal XR. It is available in tablet forms, with strengths ranging from 2 milligrams up to 300 milligrams. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1974. Dosing of Lamotrigine may vary depending on the condition being treated.
For bipolar disorder, the target dose is 100 to 400 mg daily. For seizures, patients who are taking valproic acid are often told to take an initial 25 mg dose every other day for two weeks. The dose remains the same but the tablet is taken daily on the third and fourth weeks. The dose is then increased to 50 mg per day.
Lamotrigine Cost Information
The price of the drug varies depending on the strength, the store selling it and the use of discount codes. A 50 milligram tablet may sell anywhere from $1 to $3. It can be purchased at a cheaper price in online stores that accept discount codes.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $68.00 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $299.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $82.00 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $89.00 |
Kmart |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $9.32 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $144.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $10.64 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $91.00 |
Kroger |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $12.00 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $33.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $120.00 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $165.00 |
Publix |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $9.23 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $103.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $10.66 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $155.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $88.00 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $118.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $123.00 |
| 30 tablets | $130.00 |
Target |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $75.00 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $76.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $100.00 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $83.00 |
Walgreens |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $79.00 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $90.00 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $90.00 |
| 30 tablets | $97.00 |
Walmart |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $8.65 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $8.20 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $8.32 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $9.10 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Lamotrigine can cause side effects that may last for hours or days, depending on the body’s response to the drug. Commonly reported side effects of the medication are blurred vision, difficulty in controlling muscle movements, fever, headache, stiff neck, painful sores in the eyes, nose or mouth, and severe muscle pain. It is also common for users to notice swollen lymph glands, yellowing of the skin, and feel unusually weak or tired while under medication. At times, patients may complain of drowsiness, cough, sore throat, insomnia, back pain, diarrhea, painful menstrual cramps, chest pain, constipation and weight loss.
Long-Term Side Effects
Patients who have been using Lamotrigine for a long time may be exposing themselves to increased risks of long term side effects. Although these side effects occur very rarely, they are considered serious and should be reported immediately to a doctor. These side effects include worsening of seizures, depression or suicidal thoughts, unexplained bleeding, fever and chills.
How It Works
There is no clear explanation on how Lamotrigine works in treating epilepsy. However, some studies indicate that it may do so by affecting the sodium channels found in the brain, hindering abnormal activity from affecting other parts of the brain and in turn controlling seizures. For bipolar disorder, Lamotrigine works as a mood stabilizer. The drug is particularly given to prevent episodes of depression in people who suffer from the said condition. While there is no clear idea on how the drug affects the illness, it is believed that it has something to do with the lessening of glutamate in the brain.
Interactions
Patients who are taking drugs like Carbatrol, Tegretol, Equetro, Depakote, Trileptal, Solfoton, Mysoline, and Dilantin should inform their doctors first before agreeing to take Lamotrigine as said medications can interact with the anticonvulsant. Other drugs like Rifadin, RIfater and Depakene are also known to interact with Lamotrigine.
Generic Alternatives
If Lamotrigine is unavailable or its use has become too taxing for a patient, other substitutes like Felbatol, Neurontin, Topamax, and Lyrica may be prescribed by a doctor.
Share This