Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Nursing Considerations

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Kara Tarr
BSN,RN
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Outline

Generic Name

lamotrigine

Trade Name

Lamictal

Indication

seizures r/t epilepsy, bipolar

Action

Inhibits sodium transport in neurons

Therapeutic Class

anticonvulsant

Nursing Considerations

• may cause suicidal thoughts, dizziness, behavior changes, nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity,
rash, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• use caution with oral contraceptive use
• assess mental status
• assess for seizures
• do not discontinue use abruptly

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Transcript

Hey guys, let’s talk about, Ligen also known as Lamictal. This is an oral medication, as you can see here, remember the therapeutic class of a drug is how the drug works in the body, which in this case is an anti-convulsant. The Mogen works because it inhibits sodium transport in neurons, which is wide is indicated for the treatment of seizures, which are related to epilepsy. And also for bipolar disorder. Some of the side effects that we see with Ligen are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and photos sensitivity. Let’s take a look at a few nursing considerations for this drug use caution. If the patient is also on oral contraceptives, as oral contraceptives can actually decrease the effectiveness of LiRo gene assess the patient’s mental status and seizures while on LiRo gene LiRo gene may cause Steven Johnson syndrome. It may cause suicidal thoughts in the patient, a rash and also behavior changes. It is important to teach the patient that they should absolutely not discontinue use abruptly, and they should definitely report any suicidal feelings or thoughts. Ligen carries a black box warning with the development of serious reactions like Steven’s Johnson syndrome, toxic epiderm necrolysis and dress syndrome, which occur in the first two to eight weeks of therapy. If a patient reports, any skin eruptions, it is imperative that it is investigated thoroughly. As these skin issues can lead to death in the patient. 

That’s it for Ligen or LA now go out and be your best self today and as always happy nursing.

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