Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
A mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder and depression prevention
Critical Safety Information
Lamictal can cause a rare but serious skin rash called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This risk is significantly reduced by starting with a low dose and increasing slowly.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any rash while taking Lamictal.
What Is Lamictal?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a mood stabilizer FDA-approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. It's particularly effective at preventing depressive episodes and is one of the few mood stabilizers that doesn't cause weight gain or cognitive dulling.
Originally developed as an anti-seizure medication, Lamictal has become a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder due to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile.
What Lamictal Treats
Bipolar I Disorder
Maintenance treatment (FDA-approved)
Bipolar II Disorder
Off-label but commonly used
Bipolar Depression
Particularly effective
Treatment-Resistant Depression
As an adjunctive therapy
How Lamictal Works
Lamictal stabilizes mood through multiple mechanisms:
Blocks Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Reduces excessive electrical activity in the brain
Inhibits Glutamate Release
Reduces excitatory neurotransmission
Neuroprotective Effects
May protect brain cells and promote neuroplasticity
Dosing Schedule (Very Important)
Lamictal must be started slowly to reduce the risk of serious skin reactions. Never skip steps or increase doses faster than prescribed.
Weeks 1-2: 25mg daily
Starting dose
Weeks 3-4: 50mg daily
First increase
Week 5: 100mg daily
Continue titration
Target: 100-200mg daily
Therapeutic maintenance dose (may take 6+ weeks to reach)
Note: If you're taking valproate (Depakote), dosing is different (slower titration, lower target dose). If you're taking carbamazepine, you may need higher doses.
Key Benefits
Common Side Effects
Headache
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea
Insomnia
Tremor
Stop and Contact Doctor Immediately If:
- • Any skin rash develops (even if mild)
- • Fever with rash
- • Swollen lymph nodes
- • Facial swelling
- • Painful sores in mouth or around eyes
Questions About Lamictal?
Our psychiatric team specializes in bipolar disorder treatment.