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Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Fri, 08/08/2008 - 18:27
Hi, everybody. I just joined this site yesterday. I saw a forum where a few people were discussing transitioning to generic lamotrigine (just released) from Lamictol. But now I can't seem to find the forum. I'm considering the generic switch and am wondering if anyone's done it yet, gotten advice on it, etc. Please help! (Or let me know where to find yesterday's forum! It's not coming up in the search.)

Comments

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine? _somewhat lengthy

Submitted by seaglass415 on Fri, 2008-08-22 - 23:57

RG,

If I can save anyone else from having to go through it, I'll be happy. 

My Dr is pretty sure it was caused by the generic medication and I can't risk taking it again.  He also said that he didn't expect any future  seizures to be that bad . He also went to bat with the insurance co. and almost immediately got the approval for the brand name Lamictal.  Now, I'm just hoping the my system starts getting back to normal soon.

 Trish

RG,

If I can save anyone else from having to go through it, I'll be happy. 

My Dr is pretty sure it was caused by the generic medication and I can't risk taking it again.  He also said that he didn't expect any future  seizures to be that bad . He also went to bat with the insurance co. and almost immediately got the approval for the brand name Lamictal.  Now, I'm just hoping the my system starts getting back to normal soon.

 Trish

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine? _somewhat lengthy

Submitted by sportz_nut on Wed, 2008-08-27 - 06:04
I'm not a big active preson, after walking for quite some time in the sun I soon started feeling dizzy the next few weeks, I was just switched to the generic and wondered if this caused the problem since I've been on lamictal for years.  Pharmacist said excess sun light can cause problems with lamictal, to keep a diary if I'm still having problems and then see if I can get my doc to override for the name brand again.

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by atenas on Wed, 2008-08-27 - 14:47
My suggestion is that you talk with your neurologist about switching. I received a notice from my insurance company saying that the next time I do an at home prescription refill order, that it would be filled with generic lamotrigine. My neuro said that I should not take the generic version because the color and general make up of the pill could change my Lamictal level, resulting in a potential breakthrough seizure.

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