An Introduction to Lamotrigine Dosing
The dose of
lamotrigine (
Lamictal®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age and weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your lamotrigine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Lamotrigine Dosing for Epilepsy and Bipolar Disorder
Dosing for lamotrigine is very complicated. Not only will the recommended dose change depending on other medications you are taking or other medical conditions you have, but the drug must be started at a low dose and increased slowly for up to seven weeks, which can be confusing for people.
Make sure your healthcare provider knows about every medication you are taking (especially other
seizure or
bipolar disorder medications), as well as other medical conditions you have (especially kidney or liver problems).
Increasing your lamotrigine dose faster than recommended (or taking more lamotrigine than recommended) can increase your risk of
lamotrigine side effects, especially a life-threatening rash
(see Lamictal Rash). Be sure you fully understand your healthcare provider's instructions and follow them closely.
If you have stopped taking the drug for a while (even for just a few days), talk to your healthcare provider, as you may need to start at a lower dose and slowly increase it again.
