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Lamotrigine Side Effects
While most people don't experience any problems while taking lamotrigine, side effects can still occur. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and coordination problems. Those occurring in less than 5 percent of people include speech problems, neck pain, and sinus infection. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any problems with lamotrigine or if something "just doesn't seem right."
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with lamotrigine (Lamictal®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with lamotrigine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of lamotrigine side effects with you.)
Some lamotrigine side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Worsening of seizures
- Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
- Any unusual bruising or bleeding
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Signs of aseptic meningitis, such as:
- Headache
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Severe muscle pain
- Frequent infections
- Signs of a dangerous allergic reaction, including:
- Hives or any rash
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes (swollen "glands")
- Painful sores in or around the mouth or eyes
- Swelling of the lips or tongue
-
Suicidal thinking or behavior (see Seizure Medications and Suicide).
Lamotrigine can cause serious skin rashes and allergic reactions. These rashes can cause large sections of the skin to die and can cause disfigurement or even loss of life (see Lamictal Rash).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD