Lamictal and Alcohol Interaction

Lamictal and Alcohol

Lamictal generic name lamotrigine is an anti-epileptic medicine which is also used as an anticonvulsant drug which is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat epileptic seizures in both children and adults. It is also used to retard mood episodes in adults who suffer from manic depression associated with bipolar disorder.

Note when used in combination with other drugs it can be used in children as young as 2 years old but should not be used as a single medication in those 16 years or younger.

It is suggested that you discuss the drinking of alcohol with your physician as only moderate consumption should be considered.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription or over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before taking Lamictal it is suggested that you advise your physician if you are allergic to this or any other drug, if you are pregnant, plan to be so, are breastfeeding have kidney or liver disease, history of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are dizziness, tremors, feeling tired, blurred vision, double vision, loss of coordination, changes in menstrual period, dry mouth, nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, back pain, sleep problems, runny nose or sore throat. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are skin rash, headache, fever, chills, neck stiffness, sensitive to light, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, body aches, flu symptoms, swollen glands, mouth sores, easy bruising, bleeding from nose, mouth, vagina, rectum, purple or pin like spots under your skin, pale skin, light headed, short of breath, rapid heart beat, trouble concentrating, increased seizures or worsening of bipolar disorder. If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

Lamictal and Alcohol Lamictal and Alcohol

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