Things to Avoid When Taking Lamotrigine

When taking lamotrigine, it is important to be aware of certain things that should be avoided in order to reduce the risk of side effects and interactions. Here are some of the most important things to avoid:

Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects when taken with lamotrigine. It is best to avoid alcohol completely when taking this medication, or to only consume it in very small amounts.

Drugs that Interact with Lamotrigine

Certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antidepressants can interact with lamotrigine and increase the risk of side effects. It is important to check with a doctor before taking any of these medications while on lamotrigine.

Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of lamotrigine in the body, which can be dangerous. It is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when taking this medication.

Activities that Increase the Risk of Seizure

Certain activities, such as driving or operating machinery, can increase the risk of seizure when taking lamotrigine. It is important to be aware of this and to avoid these activities if possible.

Other Things to Avoid

It is also important to avoid smoking, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, it is important to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated, as this can also increase the risk of side effects. Finally, it is important to avoid any activities that could lead to injury if a seizure were to occur.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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