Lamictal is an anticonvulsant produced by GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company with over 200 years experience in the medical industries. They provide medical supplements, vaccines, antibiotics and pharmaceutical consultancy, and have built a reputation for themselves as one of the leading companies in the field, reputation that is backed up by the large amount of awards they received for their products.
Lamictal is a form of medication normally prescribed to people suffering from seizures that failed to be controlled by other anticonvulsant products or supplements. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder, prolonging the duration between episodes for people suffering from this condition.
This product can only be obtained through a prescription; if you are suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above, consult your doctor; he’s the one that will decide whether Lamictal is the right product for you.
1) What is Lamictal?
Lamictal functions due to the action of its active pharmaceutical ingredient: Lamotrigine. The studies conducted on this substance have been extensive, this being the first FDA-approved drug for mood stabilizing purposes since lithium.
Classified as a sodium channel blocker antiepileptic drug, Lamotrigine is normally used in treating forms of epilepsy that proved unresponsive to classic forms of medication. It is one of the very few drugs used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a very serious form of epilepsy that usually manifests in children under the age of 4. It has also proven very effective in the treatment of partial seizures.
Lamotrigine is also commonly prescribed in the treatment of Bipolar disorder, being preferred to other forms of medication due to its effectiveness in delaying or preventing the depressive episodes of this disorder, as opposed to the antimanic effect that other drugs have. However, it has little effectiveness in treating rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, as the substance requires some time to start having effect. Latrimogine does maintain other advantages compared to other drugs in regards to bipolar depression because it doesn’t trigger mania, rapid-cycling or hypomania.
Lamictal is also used to treat other psychiatric conditions, such as depersonalization disorder, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, but its effectiveness is not attested.
There is a wide array of side-effects for usage of Lamictal, the most common being the apparition of benign rashes. It can also trigger life-threatening skin conditions, usually within the first 2 to 8 weeks of consumption of the drug. Other side effects include loss of balance or coordination, double vision, dizziness and lack of coordination, insomnia, anxiety, mouth ulcers, memory and cognitive problems, mood changes and indigestion. Women are more likely to experience side-effects than men are, and there are concerning interactions between Latrimogine and hormone-based supplements, such as contraceptive pills.
Usage of Lamictal is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of two or people that have shown adverse effects to any of the listed ingredients.
2) Lamictal Nutrition Facts
Lamictal contains: Lamotrigine, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium, Sodium, Povideon K30, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Oxide Yellow, Providone.
3) What Does Lamictal Do?
Lamictal is a medication based on minerals, the main ingredients that the human body would naturally benefit from if in the right quantities. Dosage depends on the age, weight, and needs of the individual. These tablets are offered in 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg. For children, there are 2, 5, and 10 mg chewable tablets offered. In either case, one would need to find the balance where the most benefit is being gained with the least amount of medication.
The use of this product along with a placebo indicate there is no change in the mental ability, driving ability, or primary motory functions for most people. The independent studies that tell us that also state that Lamictal’s effects can differ from individual to individual. It is important never to take more of the Lamictal than prescribed by a doctor. This is a very powerful form of medication, and it has to be used responsibly.
In adults, the use of this drug is to help extend the length of time between bipolar episodes. There is some information about various studies but not specifics about the exact ingredients in the format that is offered in Lamictal. There have been some studies about results with this product, but they are mixed. This indicates that the use of Lamictal can work for some people but not for everyone.
There are quite a few side effects that have been associated with the use of Lamictal. They include loss of coordination, problems with vision, fatigue, vomiting or nausea, diarrhea or constipation, irritability, mood changes, insomnia, joint pain, dry mouth, and for women, missed menstrual cycles.
4) What Lamictal Does?
- FDA-approved drug
- very effective against partial seizures and long or moderate cycle bipolar disorder
- thoroughly researched drug
5) Precautions of Lamictal Use
- cannot be acquired without a prescription
- lengthy process of reaching correct dosage
- occasional side-effects can prove life-threatening
6) Lamictal Price
GSK’s website says that if you disclose your personal information, they might help you get Lamictal at a lower price, especially if your current health insurance doesn’t cover the drug. You might consider purchasing from local retailers since it is viewed as a very expensive type of medication online. It may cost as much as $100 per 50 tablets.
There is also a generic version of Lamictal out there that can be purchased for less money yet it is just as effective. If you are having troubles paying for this medication discuss the option with your doctor or pharmacist.
7) Suggested Use
The dosage is usually between 100mg and 400mg, but the process of finding out which dose is best for you is tedious and can pose discomfort to patients. Consult your doctor to find out more about the process of dosing Lamictal, as well as the health risks of under or overdosing.
8) Our Final Take On Lamictal
Lamictal is a drug used to treat very serious medical conditions; thus, it should not be taken lightly. Its long list of adverse effects, as well as interaction with other forms of medication should serve as warning to individuals that might consider adjusting the dosage they have been prescribed.
This product is not available for online or over-the-counter purchase, as it requires a prescription from your doctor. If you are suffering from any of the conditions mentioned in this review, contact your doctor immediately, and together you’ll decide what is the correct treatment and dosage for you.
We strongly recommend you never take a different dosage than that prescribed by your physician. Also, in case of side-effects occurring, contact the person that prescribed the medication immediately.