Lamotrigine is a medication that is useful for controlling epilepsy as well as relieving certain types of pain. You are receiving this medication to help relieve your pain as it can suppress the pain of some headache and facial pain syndromes including trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathy, short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) and some forms of migraine.
Is it safe?
Lamotrigine has been used successfully by many patients for the treatment of head and facial pain. In order for it to be used safely it is important that you have told your pain specialist/GP about any other medicines, allergies and medical problems that you are suffering from before starting this medicine.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Lamotrigine is not recommended if you are pregnant, trying for pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing age should take adequate contraceptive precautions.
Are there any side effects?
As with all medications Lamotrigine can cause side effects but not everyone is affected by them. The most often reported side-effects are: nausea, dizziness, poor balance, poor coordination, sleepiness, blurred vision, diarrhoea, vomiting, poor sleep, sore throat and stuffed/runny nose.
Lamotrigine can cause serious rashes requiring stopping of treatment and medical attention. The incidence of these rashes, which have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is approximately 0.3 % (3 per 1000). If you develop a new rash, inform your doctor immediately.
How should I take it?
The dose should be increased gradually. Continue increasing the dose until it is effective at suppressing your headaches or you reach the maximum dose of 200mg daily. If you are worried about any side effects that you experience please discuss with your GP. Please see table in the attached document for dosage information – Lamotrigine Patient Information (PDF)