Lamictal®, a prescription medication approved for use in seizure patients and patients with bipolar disorder, can also be referred to as lamotrigine. As with many other prescription medications, there is a chance of overdose if the medication is taken in excess of the prescribed amount or in conjunction with other prescription medications. The effects of a Lamictal® overdose can include loss of muscle coordination, rapid eye movement, loss of consciousness, coma, and death.

A Lamictal® overdose has been noted in patients involving amounts up to 15 grams of Lamictal®. Lamictal® is manufactured in single dosage amounts up to 200 mg. The highest maintenance dose of Lamictal® advised in the official prescription documentation is 700 mg.

The loss of muscle coordination, medically referred to as ataxia, can affect the major muscles of the legs, hands, mouth, eyes, and throat. Muscle coordination is needed to walk, talk, control eye movements, and swallow. With the loss of this muscle coordination may come an inability to perform these functions effectively.

Rapid eye movement, or nystagmus, can be another symptom of a Lamictal® overdose. The rapid eye movement can impair visual acuity up to some level of vision loss. With uncontrollable movement of the eyes can come the inability to walk and operate machinery.

Loss of coordination can be both a common side effect and a symptom of Lamictal® overdose. The difference between the two side effects will often be severe. In a Lamictal® overdose, the loss of coordination may be very pronounced, possibly preventing walking or other motor functions all together.

In cases of severe Lamictal® overdose, coma and/or death may occur. If an overdose of Lamictal® is suspected, there are medical therapies that can help to reduce the side effects and preserve life. There is no antidote for Lamictal®, however. An emergency physician may be able to reduce the side effects with medical treatments to prevent more severe side effects and possibly death.

There are certain medications that can affect the absorption of Lamictal®. Valproate, for instance, can increase the effect of Lamictal® twofold. Valproate, like Lamictal®, is used in the treatment of both epilepsy and mood disorders.

Estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT), on the other hand, may reduce the effect of Lamictal® twofold. HRT can be prescribed to women who are post menopausal or those who present with an estrogen deficiency. All potential medication interactions should be discussed with the prescribing physician.