Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders diagnosed in children and adolescents. According to statistics, around 9% of children aged 4-17 years have ADHD. The good news is that there are many treatments available for ADHD, including Lamotrigine. This medication is effective in improving symptoms of ADHD. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Lamotrigine for ADHD.
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What is Lamotrigine?
Lamotrigine is a medication that is used to treat seizures. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder and to help prevent migraine headaches. Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant or mood-stabilizing medication. It works by decreasing the amount of time between mood swings in people with bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine also decreases the number and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy.
This medication is also used to treat a type of anxiety disorder called social anxiety disorder. Lamotrigine is thought to work by decreasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that is involved in mood and anxiety disorders. Also, Lamotrigine may help to decrease impulsivity and improve attention.
Lamotrigine is available as a generic drug. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs. Lamotrigine may be used as part of combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other medications.
How Lamotrigine Works for ADHD
Lamotrigine is a medication that is used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for ADHD. Lamotrigine works by inhibiting the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in seizure activity.
Lamotrigine has shown some promise as a treatment for ADHD. In one small study, children with ADHD who were treated with lamotrigine showed improvements in symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. Lamotrigine may work by stabilizing mood and reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Also in the brain, Lamotrigine increases levels of GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has calming effects. This may help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Lamotrigine is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. However, it is sometimes prescribed “off-label” for this purpose. That means that your doctor can prescribe the medication for a use that is not FDA-approved.
If you are considering lamotrigine as a treatment for ADHD, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Lamotrigine can cause serious side effects, including rash and suicidal thoughts or actions. It’s also important to be aware that lamotrigine may interact with other medications.
Pros and Cons of Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is a medication that is used to treat seizures and mood disorders. It is also sometimes used as an adjunctive treatment for ADHD. Lamotrigine can be effective in treating ADHD, but it also has some potential side effects that should be considered before starting this medication.
The most common side effects of lamotrigine include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are typically mild and go away with time. Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking lamotrigine and seek medical attention immediately.
Lamotrigine can also interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Lamotrigine may also interact with alcohol, so it is important to avoid drinking while taking this medication.
Overall, lamotrigine can be an effective treatment for ADHD. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of this medication before starting it.
What to Expect When Taking Lamotrigine?
The expectations can also be different for each person. Some people may experience improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may not see any improvement for several months. It is important to give the medication a chance to work and to be patient.
If you are considering taking lamotrigine for ADHD, it is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. This medication can cause serious side effects, so it is important that you are aware of them before starting treatment. Lamotrigine may also interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Lamotrigine Dosage
The recommended starting dose of lamotrigine for children ages 2 to 12 is 0.2 mg/kg/day. The dose may be increased by 0.1 mg/kg/day every 1 to 2 weeks, up to a maximum dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day.
For adolescents ages 13 to 17, the recommended starting dose is 0.5 mg/kg/day. The dose may be increased by 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg/day every 1 to 2 weeks, up to a maximum dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day.
Lamotrigine for Adults
The recommended starting dose of lamotrigine for adults is 25 mg/day. The dose may be increased by 25 to 50 mg/day every one to two weeks, up to a maximum dose of 400 mg/day.
In the dosage of lamotrigine, it’s important not to exceed the maximum recommended dose. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects.
If you are considering taking lamotrigine for ADHD, it is important to speak with your doctor about the proper dosage. This medication can cause serious side effects, so it is important that you take it at the correct dose. Lamotrigine may also interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking..
Conclusion
Lamotrigine is a medication that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. It is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. If you are considering lamotrigine for your child or yourself, be sure to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. There is a small risk of serious side effects, so it is important that you are aware of them before starting treatment. Lamotrigine may also interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from mental health disorders, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming mental health disorders. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free Android or iOS app for more information.
