What should I know about lamotrigine before taking it?

A black box warning has been issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration for lamotrigine because of the risk of serious skin rashes, which can be fatal. These rashes are most likely to occur when you first start taking lamotrigine, but they can develop at any time in the first six months of therapy. You should notify your doctor immediately if you notice any rash.

Also know that once you start taking lamotrigine, you should not stop it suddenly. If you do, you may have an increase in seizures. When lamotrigine is stopped, it should be done gradually. Lamotrigine does not affect bipolar episodes of mania or depression once they start, so you will need to see your doctor for other medications. Lamotrigine can also cause birth defects taken during pregnancy.