Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Lamotrigine can interact with several medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Specific Medication Interactions
Concurrent use with hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) may reduce their effectiveness. Discuss alternative birth control methods with your doctor. Avoid combining lamotrigine with other medications that affect the liver, such as valproic acid. This combination can increase lamotrigine levels in your blood, potentially leading to adverse reactions. Similarly, combining lamotrigine with strong enzyme inhibitors can elevate blood levels of the drug. Your doctor should monitor your blood levels closely if you take lamotrigine with these medications.
Using lamotrigine with certain antidepressants, such as sertraline or fluoxetine, requires careful monitoring. These medications can affect lamotrigine metabolism, necessitating dose adjustments. Opioids might increase the sedative effects of lamotrigine, leading to drowsiness. Alcohol consumption should be minimized as it can intensify lamotrigine’s side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications while taking lamotrigine.
