Lamictal® (lamotrigine) for Seizures and Bipolar I Maintenance

What Lamictal® Is and How It Works

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an oral anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used for epilepsy and for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. It helps reduce abnormal brain electrical activity by blocking voltage‑sensitive sodium channels and modulating glutamate release. Indications include partial‑onset and primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures, seizures associated with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome, and the prevention of mood episodes in bipolar I disorder.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. We partner only with licensed, vetted pharmacies to source authentic brands and generics, offering a broad selection with value‑focused pricing.

Lamotrigine is taken by mouth as immediate‑release tablets, chewable/dispersible tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, or extended‑release tablets. Dosing is individualized and titrated slowly to lower the risk of serious rash. Frequency is typically once or twice daily, depending on formulation, age, and other medicines.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the prescriber’s schedule closely, as titration depends on age, indication, and interacting medicines (for example, valproate increases lamotrigine levels; enzyme‑inducing antiepileptics may lower them). General principles:

• Initiation usually begins with a low daily dose. Increase every 1–2 weeks as directed to reduce rash risk.
• Typical maintenance in bipolar I disorder is often 100–200 mg/day in divided or once‑daily dosing, depending on formulation.
• For epilepsy, maintenance can range higher (for example, 200–400 mg/day) and varies with co‑administered antiepileptic drugs.
• Extended‑release tablets are taken once daily and should not be crushed or chewed.
• Chewable/dispersible tablets may be chewed or dispersed in water as labeled.
• If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, re‑titration is usually required; consult the prescriber before restarting.
• If a single dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store tablets at room temperature, 20–25°C (68–77°F), in a dry place.
• Keep in the original blister or bottle to protect from moisture.
• When traveling, carry the medication in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription.
• Avoid leaving tablets in a hot car or near direct heat sources.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Lamotrigine helps reduce seizure frequency across several seizure types and is effective as maintenance therapy in bipolar I disorder to delay mood episodes. Many patients find it generally weight‑neutral and less sedating than some alternatives, which can support daytime functioning. Once‑daily extended‑release options may improve convenience.

Many customers save 60–80% versus typical U.S. prices when ordering through CanadianInsulin. Generic lamotrigine offers additional value while maintaining the same active ingredient and strength.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any lamictal coupons if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or unsteadiness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
• Blurred or double vision
• Sleepiness or insomnia
• Tremor
• Rash
• Back pain or fatigue

Serious reactions can occur. Life‑threatening skin rashes, including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, are rare but require urgent care. Other warnings include hypersensitivity reactions such as DRESS, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), blood dyscrasias, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, aseptic meningitis, and serious drug interactions (notably with valproate). Seek immediate medical attention for rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or organ symptoms.

Onset Time

Benefits depend on titration and the target dose. Seizure control may improve as doses are increased over the first 2–6 weeks, with fuller effects after maintenance dosing is reached. For bipolar I maintenance, stabilizing effects generally emerge over several weeks and continue to build as the regimen reaches the prescribed maintenance dose.

Compare With Alternatives

Several options may be considered based on seizure type, tolerability, and comorbidities. Lyrica® (pregabalin) is another anticonvulsant used for partial‑onset seizures and neuropathic pain. It may cause more sedation and weight gain compared with lamotrigine. See Lyrica for details.

Gabapentin is also used in partial‑onset seizures and neuropathic pain. It often requires three‑times‑daily dosing and can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Compare options on Gabapentin to discuss with a clinician.

For those who have trouble swallowing tablets, Lamictal chewable/dispersible or orally disintegrating tablets may be considered as alternative formulations. Choice among these depends on age, indication, dosing schedule, and patient preference.

Combination Therapy

• With valproate: lower lamotrigine doses are typically required; the combination increases lamotrigine levels and rash risk.
• With enzyme‑inducing antiepileptics (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone): higher lamotrigine maintenance doses may be needed.
• With lithium for bipolar maintenance: used under prescriber supervision for complementary mood stabilization.
• With antidepressants (for example, SSRIs/SNRIs, bupropion): may be combined for mood management; monitor for interactions and seizure risk with bupropion.
• Hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen can lower lamotrigine levels; dose adjustments and monitoring may be required.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Lamotrigine is used in adults and in pediatric patients for specific seizure types. In bipolar I disorder, it is indicated for maintenance treatment to help delay mood episodes and is not established for acute mania or acute bipolar depression. People with a history of serious rash to lamotrigine or its components should not take it.

Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a clinician, as dose adjustments and monitoring may be needed. Report new rashes, fever, or systemic symptoms promptly. Alcohol or sedatives may worsen dizziness or drowsiness.

To reduce costs, consider generic lamotrigine when appropriate, request a multi‑month supply if clinically suitable, and plan refills ahead to avoid gaps during titration. CanadianInsulin offers transparent selection and value‑focused pricing, and you can combine items in one shipment for convenience.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Medication Guide for Lamictal (lamotrigine)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Lamotrigine

Manufacturer information: Lamictal patient and prescribing resources

Order Lamictal® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the medication guide.