There may be some instances where lamotrigine (Lamictal) interactions can occur, as is the case with any other medication. If there are interactions, use is not recommended or the usage amount and timeframe will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, these drugs may interact with this medication.
- Estrogen-containing oral contraceptive preparations that have levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
- Rifampin
- Carbamazepine/Carbamazepine epoxide
- Valproate
- Lopinavir/Ritonavir
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital/Primidone
- Atazanavir/Ritonavir
Please understand that this list may not be complete. There may be other interactions with drugs that are not listed here.
Antibiotics
There are currently no potential interactions between lamotrigine and antibiotics. However, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, some seizure medication may impact how the body will handle antibiotics.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
There have been no reported interactions between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and lamotrigine.
Depakote (Divalproex sodium)
Using lamotrigine while taking Depakote may cause serious skin rashes, tremors, restlessness, seizures, muscle weakness and a staggered walk. Always tell your doctor if you are taking Depakote when prescribed lamotrigine. Your doctor may adjust the dosage amount or seek an alternative medication.
Antihistamines
Taking antihistamines such as Benadryl along with lamotrigine may cause a person to experience an increase in side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. The elderly may also experience an impairment in motor concentration, thinking or judgment.
Tramadol (ConZip, Ultram)
Interactions may occur when taking tramadol with lamotrigine. These interactions may include an increase in side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating and confusion. There may also be a motor concentration, judgment or thinking impairment in the elderly.
Gabapentin (Gralise)
There are no reported drug interactions when taking gabapentin and lamotrigine, although side effects may be increased.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
There are no reported drug interactions when taking Wellbutrin with lamotrigine.
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Sertraline may cause blood sodium level to get too low (hyponatremia) as lamotrigine can cause an increase to this risk. The drug sertraline may also cause a person to experience seizures, which will reduce the effectiveness of lamotrigine.
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Hyponatremia, a condition where the blood sodium levels reach very low levels, may occur when taking Prozac as the drug lamotrigine can make this side effect worse. The effects of lamotrigine may be reduced due to Prozac and occasionally cause seizures in patients.
Food Interactions
The foods and the beverages we consume can also sometimes interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with this drug may include:
- Alcohol
Always be advised that this list may not be complete. Other foods and beverages may interact with this drug.
Lamotrigine and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on lamotrigine and alcohol interactions.
Supplements
Lamotrigine is not known to negatively interact with supplements.
Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
There is no known interaction between grapefruit juice or grapefruit with Lamotrigine. However, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may negatively interact with some bipolar medications.
Herbs and Herbal Supplements
Some herbs and herbal supplements may cause mania symptoms in people who have bipolar or worsen seizures, which can impact the effectiveness of lamotrigine.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with lamotrigine include:
- Skin rashes
- Blood Dyscrasias
- Aseptic Meningitis
- Heart Disease
- Renal/Liver Disease
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
- Depression/suicidal tendencies
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
- Withdrawal seizures
Please understand that this list may not be complete. Other diseases and medical conditions may interact with this drug as patients should not take this medication.
Lamotrigine and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on lamotrigine and pregnancy risks.
Breastfeeding
For more information, please visit our page on lamotrigine and pregnancy risks.
Weight Gain
There is no known correlation to taking lamotrigine and gaining weight. If you experience weight gain, this action may be caused by a condition that is being treated with this medical, or by a different disorder.
Hair Loss
There are no reported studies or clinical trials that have been conducted regarding taking lamotrigine and experiencing hair loss (alopecia).
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
