Yes. Lamotrigine is FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for bipolar I disorder in adults. It helps delay the return of mood episodes, including depression, mania, and mixed episodes.

Other medications commonly used to manage bipolar disorder and related mood disorders include quetiapine, olanzapine, and lithium.

Book a telehealth visit with a licensed clinician on Sesame 24/7. During your visit, an MD, DO, or healthcare professional can prescribe lamotrigine online the same day if it’s right for you.

If appropriate, your provider can prescribe or issue 1–2 refills, with no prior Rx required. Your clinician will assess during the visit.

No insurance is needed for a visit on Sesame; you pay one upfront price, and Sesame’s services are also HSA- and FSA-eligible. You can pay for your prescription at any pharmacy, where your insurance may also apply.

The main brand name is Lamictal. It comes in several formulations:

• Lamictal Chewable Dispersible (CD)
• Lamictal ODT (orally disintegrating tablets)
• Lamictal oral tablets
• Lamictal XR (extended-release)
• Subvenite oral suspension

Generic lamotrigine is widely available and works the same way.

Lamotrigine isn't FDA-approved for anxiety; its main approved uses are for epilepsy and bipolar I disorder maintenance. However, some clinicians may prescribe it off-label if mood instability is driving your anxiety symptoms.

It’s worth noting that anxiety is also listed as a possible side effect of lamotrigine. Contact your clinician immediately if you experience new or worsening anxiety, as this can be an early warning sign of suicidal thoughts.

Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your provider on Sesame. They may recommend treatments with stronger medical evidence for treating anxiety and depression, like an SSRI. They may also recommend a combination of medications, including antidepressants and lithium, quetiapine, or lamotrigine.

Yes. Lamotrigine is FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for bipolar I disorder. Unlike some mood stabilizers, it works by lifting depression rather than suppressing mania, making it particularly useful for the depressive side of bipolar disorder.

Lamotrigine is not a fast-acting medication. Most people need several weeks before they notice a difference. It's also not effective for treating active manic episodes.

Lamotrigine belongs to a broader family of medications used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and depression. While assessing your symptoms, your clinician might consider alternative medications to decide what best suits your diagnosis and profile.

A few examples of medications related to lamotrigine:

• Mood stabilizers, e.g., lithium, valproate, or carbamazepine
• Atypical antipsychotics, e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine, or aripiprazole
• Antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other depression medications
• Antiseizure medications, including levetiracetam, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine

Lamotrigine is distinct from other bipolar medications in a few ways:

• Lamotrigine targets depression rather than mania
• It is a maintenance medication, not a treatment for active manic or depressive episodes
• While clinicians may consider lithium a stronger treatment for preventing mania, lamotrigine may be more suitable for preventing the return of depression
• Clinical evidence suggests that many patients tolerate lamotrigine better than lithium

Quetiapine and olanzapine are options for bipolar management, often used alongside lamotrigine.

Always store lamotrigine in its original packaging, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Avoid freezing or exposing lamotrigine to excessive heat.

Keep it tightly sealed in the original container, away from moisture (including the bathroom), and out of reach of children. Do not open blister packs until you’re ready to take your tablets.

Tell your clinician about your full medical history during your virtual visit and before starting lamotrigine, including:

• Previous rashes or reactions to seizure or bipolar medications
• Heart conditions or family history of heart problems
• Kidney or liver disease
• Depression, mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts
• Your ethnic background
• Your diet, including your alcohol consumption
• Any medications or supplements you are taking, especially birth control, valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, topiramate, zonisamide, or rifampin
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Your MD, DO, or healthcare provider may also advise you to avoid driving until you know how lamotrigine affects you.

If you suspect you’ve taken too much lamotrigine, call 911 or go to the ER immediately. You can also call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of lamotrigine overdose include:

• Severe dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

No, lamotrigine is a prescription-only medication and cannot be obtained over the counter.

Book a virtual visit with an MD or board-certified provider on Sesame to discuss your epileptic seizures, bipolar disorder, or related symptoms. All clinicians on Sesame can issue a same-day lamotrigine prescription online if appropriate.