NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Lamotrigine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder to delay episodes of depression and mania, as well as for epilepsy. Particularly effective for bipolar depression prevention. Requires very slow dose titration over 6+ weeks to minimize the risk of life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
11 2009–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder to delay episodes of depression and mania, as well as for epilepsy. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 25–400 mg daily; requires slow titration over 6+ weeks (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 11 sources.

What it's good for
  • Bipolar depression prevention7,9
  • Bipolar episode delay2,7
  • Seizure control5,8
  • Mood stabilization3
  • Generally well tolerated
What to watch for
  • Rash (potentially serious)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Known hypersensitivity to lamotrigine1,2
  • History of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis with lamotrigine

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: bipolar depression prevention, bipolar episode delay, seizure control. 11 sources indexed (2009–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels, stabilizing neuronal membranes and inhibiting the presynaptic release of glutamate and aspartate (excitatory amino acids). May also modulate calcium channels and serotonin reuptake. The reduction of glutamatergic excitotoxicity is thought to contribute to its mood-stabilizing effects.

Class
Mood Stabilizer / Anticonvulsant
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
25–400 mg daily; requires slow titration over 6+ weeks (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, chewable tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or extended-release tablet

Can be taken with or without food. Very slow dose titration required. Concurrent valproate significantly increases lamotrigine levels (reduce dose by half); carbamazepine and other enzyme inducers reduce levels.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Rash (potentially serious)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Blurred vision
  • Ataxia

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to lamotrigine1,2
  • History of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis with lamotrigine
  • Concurrent valproate use requires halved dosing
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Lamotrigine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Lamotrigine?

Prescription mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder to delay episodes of depression and mania, as well as for epilepsy. Particularly effective for bipolar depression prevention. Requires very slow dose titration over 6+ weeks to minimize the risk of life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Lamotrigine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Lamotrigine include: Bipolar depression prevention; Bipolar episode delay; Seizure control; Mood stabilization; Generally well tolerated. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Lamotrigine?

A typical adult dose of Lamotrigine is 25–400 mg daily; requires slow titration over 6+ weeks (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, chewable tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or extended-release tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Lamotrigine?

Reported side effects include rash (potentially serious), headache, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, blurred vision. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Lamotrigine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Lamotrigine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.