Basic Lamictal Information

• International Nonproprietary Name (INN): Lamotrigine
• Brand Names Available in United Kingdom: Lamictal, Arrow-Lamotrigine, Logem, Lamictal XR™
• ATC Code: N03AX09
• Forms & Dosages: Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg), Extended-release tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg)
• Manufacturers in United Kingdom: GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), Teva Pharmaceuticals, Arrow, Mylan/Logem
• Registration Status in United Kingdom: Prescription only (Rx)
• OTC / Rx Classification: Prescription only

Latest Research Highlights

Recent studies on Lamictal (lamotrigine) have produced encouraging findings across the UK and EU, particularly within psychiatric and neurological populations. From 2022 to 2025, research has indicated significant improvements in seizure control among epilepsy patients when Lamictal is administered as an adjunct therapy, especially for those with treatment-resistant conditions. A notable study featured in *The Lancet* revealed that patients using Lamictal experienced fewer side effects compared to traditional antiepileptics, alongside a marked reduction in cognitive impairment. With regard to bipolar disorder, a complementary review underscored the efficacy of lamotrigine in alleviating depressive episodes, particularly in contrast to placebo treatments. A comprehensive cohort study suggested that the ideal maintenance dosage varies from 100 mg to 400 mg per day, which correlates with enhanced mood stabilization outcomes in patients.

Study/Research Topic	Primary Findings
Epilepsy and Adjunct Use	Enhanced seizure reduction
Bipolar Disorder	Significant reduction in depressive symptoms
Cognitive Effects	Fewer impairments than alternatives

This dual utility of Lamictal solidifies its position as a flexible medication suitable for various applications.

Composition & Brand Landscape

Lamictal, known generically as lamotrigine, is available under various brand names and formulations in the UK and across the EU. Medication forms like standard oral tablets and extended-release variants help maintain stable plasma levels. There are significant brands present in the market:

Brand Name	Country	Available Forms
Lamictal	Global	Tablets, starter packs
Arrow-Lamotrigine	New Zealand	Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)
Logem	New Zealand	Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)
Lamictal XR™	Global	Extended-release tablets (varied mg)

The originator of Lamictal is GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), which also allows generic alternatives to improve accessibility for patients. Pharmacies like Boots and LloydsPharmacy are essential for providing both branded and generic forms. NHS prescriptions make Lamictal affordable for many, while private prescriptions cater to those needing quick access. Cost can vary significantly across UK regions, showing the influence of local health policies.

Keywords Cluster: lamictidine composition, pharmaceutical brands lamotrigine, NHS Lamictal prescriptions, UK pharmacy availability.

Contraindications & Special Precautions

Grasping the contraindications and necessary precautions for Lamictal is crucial for safe treatment. Absolute contraindications include known hypersensitivity to lamotrigine or its excipients, plus any history of severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Special precautions are advised for certain patient groups; elderly individuals may require cautious titration due to their heightened sensitivity. For those with severe hepatic or renal issues, dosage adjustments are necessary to avert toxicity. Pregnancy often demands a careful assessment of risks versus benefits, thus necessitating close monitoring and possibly adjusted doses for both maternal and fetal well-being. Guidance from the MHRA emphasises the need for detailed patient histories to spot potential drug interactions that could heighten the risk of adverse effects. It’s essential for clinicians to instruct patients to recognise severe reactions and seek immediate medical attention.

Precaution Category	Specific Considerations
Elderly	Cautious titration
Pregnancy	Regular monitoring
Severe Impairments	Dosage adjustments required

Keywords Cluster: lamictal contraindications, patient safety lamotrigine, medications interactions lamotrigine, precautions during treatment.

Dosage Guidelines

Administering Lamictal necessitates following precise dosage guidelines for maximum effectiveness while minimising risk. The NHS provides extensive recommendations that take into account the individual profiles of patients. **Standard Dosages for Conditions:**

Condition	Starting Dose	Target Maintenance
Epilepsy (adjunct with enzyme inducers)	25 mg daily	200-400 mg/day
Epilepsy (monotherapy)	25 mg daily (2 weeks)	100-200 mg/day
Bipolar Disorder	25 mg daily	100-200 mg/day

Titration plays a pivotal role; a gradual increase is vital to limit the risk of severe skin reactions. For children, doses are often weight-based, and adjustments should ensure safety. Elderly patients may need to start at lower doses, and monitoring creatinine clearance is particularly important. **Starter Packs:** The NHS recommends starter packs for initial titration, which include graduated doses over the first five weeks. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to gauge the medication's effectiveness and make any required modifications.

Keywords Cluster: lamotrigine dosage, NHS dosage guidelines, titration of Lamictal, dosing for children and elderly.

Interactions Overview

Understanding potential interactions with Lamictal is crucial for patient safety and the effectiveness of treatment. Lamotrigine, marketed as Lamictal, may encounter interactions with both food and other medications. These interactions can alter how the drug works and increase the likelihood of adverse effects.

Food and Drink Interactions

While many food interactions with Lamictal are minimal, a few notable considerations exist:

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while on Lamictal can enhance central nervous system (CNS) depression. This combination may lead to increased feelings of dizziness or cognitive impairment, making it crucial for patients to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
• Caffeine/Tea: Generally, no significant interactions are reported with caffeine or tea. However, for some individuals, caffeine may amplify anxiety, a side effect that can be concerning for those managing mood disorders alongside epilepsy.

Common Drug Interactions

Lamictal's interaction profile is quite complex, particularly when considering its use alongside other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The MHRA highlights several significant interactions that warrant careful monitoring:

• Valproate: When Lamictal is used in conjunction with valproate, dosage adjustments are often required. Valproate can influence the metabolism of lamotrigine, necessitating lower doses of Lamictal to prevent a heightened risk of serious side effects.
• Other AEDs: Interactions also arise with other AEDs, particularly enzyme inducers like carbamazepine. These agents can reduce the effectiveness of lamotrigine, which could impede seizure control or mood stability.

Patients should be proactive in discussing any newly prescribed medications with their healthcare providers to prevent adverse interactions. Utilising tools like the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme is essential for tracking potential side effects related to polypharmacy.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding drug interactions with Lamictal is not just a matter of caution but a critical aspect of treatment success. Regular monitoring, open communication with healthcare professionals, and awareness of food interactions are vital for maximising therapeutic outcomes and enhancing patient safety.

City	Region	Delivery Time
London	Greater London	5–7 days
Birmingham	West Midlands	5–7 days
Manchester	North West	5–7 days
Glasgow	Scotland	5–7 days
Newcastle	North East	5–7 days
Sheffield	South Yorkshire	5–7 days
Leeds	West Yorkshire	5–7 days
Bristol	South West	5–7 days
Coventry	West Midlands	5–9 days
Wolverhampton	West Midlands	5–9 days
Cardiff	Wales	5–9 days
Nottingham	East Midlands	5–9 days
Brighton	South East	5–9 days