What is Lamictal, and how does it work?
Lamictal is a prescription known as an antiepileptic drug (AED). It is FDA-approved to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. It is also considered a mood stabilizer.
Find stability: By regulating brain chemicals, lamotrigine can help manage mood swings and other bipolar disorder symptoms so that you can find stability.
Relief from anxiety and depression: Lamictal can also ease symptoms of anxiety and depression by stabilizing mood from "below baseline" levels. This can reduce unease and improve well-being.
Effective epilepsy prevention: Lamictal calms erratic brain activity, reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures.
For most people, Lamictal takes approximately six weeks to start working properly.
Bipolar disorder
Lamictal helps reduce feelings of excitability, over-activity, and mood swings to help individuals manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Our trusted doctors are able to help refill effective, evidence-based medications for bipolar disorder. Please note that if you are concerned about a diagnosis of bipolar, it is recommended to establish care with a psychiatrist as well to properly manage that condition.*
Other medication options include:Epilepsy
Our physicians can also help refill appropriate medications for seizures. Please note that if you are concerned about or have a history of a seizure disorder or epilepsy, it is recommended that you seek care from a board-certified neurologist to manage any seizure-related conditions.* Other options to treat epilepsy include:
*Please note that PlushCare does not have psychiatrists or neurologists at this time. However, our physicians can help patients with mental health conditions and refill medications for bipolar disorder or epilepsy following a qualifying evaluation.
Lamictal (lamotrigine) side effects
Lamotrigine symptoms are typically mild and often associated with headache and dizziness. Other side effects may include:
Blurred vision or double vision
Loss of coordination
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Sore throat or runny nose
Difficulty sleeping
Stiff neck or muscle pain
More severe but less common side effects could include:
Fast, slow, or fluttering heartbeat
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and swollen lymph nodes
Allergic reactions
If you drink alcohol while taking lamotrigine, you may experience an increased risk of nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Lamotrigine therapy can cause an increased risk of a life-threatening, serious rash (called Stevens–Johnson syndrome). Contact your doctor immediately or call your local poison control center if you experience an unusual or allergic reaction, skin rash, blistering or peeling, or painful sores.
Taking anticonvulsant medication can also increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Tell your doctor if your mental health symptoms worsen while taking lamotrigine.
How to take Lamictal
Our doctors will provide you with directions on how to take Lamictal. Lamotrigine is typically taken once or twice daily, starting at a low dose of medication that is slowly increased over several weeks. The usual dose ranges from 25 mg to 400 mg.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, even if you start feeling better. If you miss a dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule if it's almost time for your next dose. Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice.
Drugs not to take with Lamictal may include:
Anti-epileptic medicine, including valproic acid, divalproex sodium, and carbamazepine
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications
Lamictal medication FAQs
How much does Lamictal cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, brand-name Lamictal can cost around $1,685 for ninety-eight 25–100 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic versions, such as lamotrigine, which is the active ingredient in Lamictal, offer an affordable alternative. As a PlushCare member, you can save on prescriptions by finding the lowest cost at nearby pharmacies with our in-app Rx price finder and Rx discount card.
How does Lamictal compare with other bipolar medications?
Lamictal is primarily used to treat the depressive phase in bipolar disorder, unlike other medications that target mania. For bipolar depression, it can be extremely effective. However, although it has a generally favorable side effect profile, it still carries a risk of serious rash.
Who should not take Lamictal?
People with a history of rash with medications for epilepsy or bipolar disorder, individuals with liver or kidney problems, and women breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant should consult one of our doctors before taking Lamictal.
How to get Lamictal online

Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss Lamictal.
Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your clinician regarding your bipolar or epilepsy symptoms.
Talk to a doctor about your bipolar or epilepsy symptoms on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your Lamictal prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.
Lamictal medication pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Lamictal prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
GSK Pro. Lamictal Prescribing Information. Accessed on April 25, 2023 at https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Lamictal/pdf/LAMICTAL-PI-MG.PDF.
Mayo Clinic. Lamotrigine (Oral Route). Accessed on July 29, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lamotrigine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067449?p=1
MedlinePlus. Lamotrigine. Accessed on July 29, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695007.html
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed on July 29, 2023. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lamotrigine-(Lamictal)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Label Information for Lamictal (lamotrigine). Accessed on July 29, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020241s037s038,020764s030s031lbl.pdf.