Subvenite
Brand name Subvenite (lamotrigine) is an antiepileptic medication. It can be used alone or with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children. It can also help treat bipolar 1 disorder in adults. Subvenite (lamotrigine) comes as immediate-release tablets and an oral suspension that you take by mouth. The dosage depends on your age, other medications you're taking, and the reason you need to take it. Side effects can include dizziness, headache, and serious skin reactions like rash.
What is Subvenite (lamotrigine)?
What is Subvenite (lamotrigine) used for?
- Partial-onset seizures
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Bipolar 1 disorder
How Subvenite (lamotrigine) works
Subvenite (lamotrigine) is an antiepileptic medication. It's not exactly clear how it works. But research suggests that it can block and prevent signals in your brain that make your nerves too active. This helps calm the brain and prevent seizures.
For bipolar disorder, researchers aren't sure how Subvenite (lamotrigine) works to keep your mood in balance.
Drug facts
Side effects of Subvenite (lamotrigine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (38%)
- Headache (29%)
- Double vision (28%)
- Problems with coordination (22%)
- Nausea (19%)
- Blurry vision (16%)
- Sleepiness (14%)
- Runny or stuffy nose (14%)
- Sore throat (10%)
- Rash (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Trouble sleeping
Note: Side effects were from adults taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) with other seizure medications. They can be different for people with bipolar disorder and for children.
Subvenite (lamotrigine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious rash: rash, blisters, peeling skin, painful sores, swelling
- Severe allergic reaction: rash that spreads over your body, fever, swollen lymph nodes
- Overactive immune reaction to the medication: fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, stomach pain, swelling of the stomach, yellowing of the eyes or skin, irritability, trouble with coordination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Meningitis (inflammation in the brain): sudden headache, stiff neck, fever, rash, chills, eye sensitivity to bright lights, sleepiness, confusion, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting
The following Subvenite (lamotrigine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Change in vision
- Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
- Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, seizures
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Subvenite (lamotrigine)
Pros
- Starter kits for tablets available to help with dosing when you first start the medication
- Approved for children ages 2 years and older with seizures
- Available as tablets and a liquid
Cons
- Can cause dizziness
- Must start at a low dose and have the dose slowly raised to lower the risk of serious rash
- Interacts with many medications, like birth control pills, divalproex (Depakote), and dofetilide (Tikosyn)
Pharmacist tips for Subvenite (lamotrigine)
- You can take Subvenite (lamotrigine) with or without food.
- For Subvenite (lamotrigine) tablets: Swallow the tablets whole. When you first start the medication, you might get a starter kit to help you keep track of your weekly dose changes. Don’t use the blister pack if any pockets are torn, broken, or missing.
- For Subvenite (lamotrigine) oral suspension: Shake well before measuring. Be sure to use a dosing cup or an oral syringe to measure out the dose. Don't use household measuring cups or spoons because you could take or give the wrong dose. Store at room temperature. Throw away any leftover liquid 90 days after opening the bottle.
- Subvenite (lamotrigine) can make you feel dizzy and sometimes sleepy. It can also make your vision blurry. Don't drive or do anything that you need to focus or see clearly for until you know this medication affects you.
- Subvenite (lamotrigine) can sometimes cause rash, which can be serious. Watch for any rash, blisters, or peeling skin while taking this medication. If you notice this, call for medical help right away.
- Tell your prescribers and pharmacists about all the medications you take or plan to take. Subvenite (lamotrigine) can interact with many medications. Some include other anti-seizure medications and birth control pills. Your care team can make sure your medications are safe to take together and make changes if needed.
- Don't stop taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) suddenly. This can raise your risk of seizures. If you want to stop taking it, talk to your prescriber first. They can help lower your dose slowly and safely before you stop completely.
- If you become pregnant while taking Subvenite (lamotrigine), talk to your prescriber right away. They can help you decide what the safest option for you and your baby is. If you take it while pregnant, you can join the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This helps researchers learn more about how safe anti-seizure medications are during pregnancy.
Common questions about Subvenite (lamotrigine)
It's quite rare for people taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) to have hair loss. If you notice your hair thinning or more hair falling out while taking this medication, tell your care team. They can help find out what’s causing it and suggest ways to manage it.
It's not common, but some people have reported losing weight while taking Subvenite (lamotrigine). This medication is generally "weight-neutral." This means that it doesn't seem to affect body weight much. If you notice unexpected weight loss that worries you, talk to your prescriber or primary care provider.
In studies, some people taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) had constipation. If you notice changes in your bowel habits, like straining or hard stools, talk to a healthcare professional. They can help figure out what might be causing your constipation and give you tips to help relieve it.
Yes, Subvenite (lamotrigine) can make some people sleepy. To be safe, don't drive or do anything that needs your full attention until you know how this medication affects you.
It can take up to several weeks to feel the full effects of Subvenite (lamotrigine). This is because you'll start taking it at a low dose. Then, your prescriber will raise your dose over several weeks to prevent serious side effects like rash. Usually, your dose goes up every 1 to 2 weeks until your prescriber finds the right dose that helps you the most. Keep taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) as prescribed, even if you don't notice a big change at first. Don't stop taking it suddenly because that can raise your risk of seizures. Check in with your prescriber to talk about how the medication is working for you.
In general, it can take several days for most of Subvenite (lamotrigine) to leave the body. This is based on the medication's half-life, which measures how long it takes for half the medication to leave your system. The exact number of days this takes depends on a few things. It depends on if you're taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) by itself or with other seizure medications. Other medications can change how well the body gets rid of Subvenite (lamotrigine). It also depends on your liver and kidney function (they help the body get rid of the medication from your system). If you have questions about how long Subvenite (lamotrigine) stays in your body, ask your prescriber.
If you accidentally take too much Subvenite (lamotrigine), call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or get medical help right away. If you think your dose might be too high, talk to your prescriber. Taking too much can cause more side effects like trouble with coordination or uncontrollable eye movements. It can raise your risk of serious rash, confusion, and heart palpitations. And in more severe cases, it can cause seizures or even a coma.
Subvenite and Lamictal are brand-name medications that have the same active ingredient, lamotrigine. But they come in different formulations. Subvenite comes as regular immediate-release tablets and a liquid. Lamictal also comes as regular immediate-release tablets. But there are chewable tablets for suspension and quick-dissolving tablets too. What's more, Lamictal has extended-release tablets. Talk to your prescriber about the differences and see which option is best for you.
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Risks and warnings for Subvenite (lamotrigine)
Subvenite (lamotrigine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious skin rashes
- Risk factors: History of rash from other anti-seizure medications | Children | Taking a higher-than-recommended starting dose of Subvenite (lamotrigine) | Raising the dose of Subvenite (lamotrigine) too fast | Taking divalproex (Depakote) or valproic acid
In rare cases, Subvenite (lamotrigine) can cause a serious rash. It can sometimes be serious even to need hospital care. Some serious rashes that can happen can be related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
The risk of rash might be higher if your starting dose is too high or if your dose is raised too fast. It can also be higher if you also take divalproex (Depakote) or valproic acid. In studies, serious rash happened more often in children than in adults. And, people who've had allergic reactions or rashes from other anti-seizure medications might also have a higher risk.
Serious skin rashes can happen at any time while taking Subvenite (lamotrigine). But they're most common within 2 to 8 weeks after starting the medication. Get medical care right away if you notice a rash, blisters, peeling skin, painful sores, or swelling.
Serious allergic reaction
Some people have had a serious allergic reaction to Subvenite (lamotrigine) called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). This reaction is rare, but it can be life-threatening and cause problems with your organs or blood. It can happen with or without a rash.
Get medical help right away if you suddenly get a rash that spreads over your body and have a fever. Also watch for swollen lymph nodes. These can be early signs of DRESS and you should get checked out as soon as possible.
Overactive immune response to the medication
Although it's rare, some people taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) can have an overactive immune response to the medication. This reaction is called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). It can be life-threatening if it isn't caught and treated early.
Symptoms can happen within 8 to 24 days after starting Subvenite (lamotrigine). This can include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. You might also have stomach pain, swelling of the stomach, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Other signs include irritability or trouble with coordination. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms while taking this medication.
Irregular heartbeat
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart disease | Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) | Risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) | Taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm
Studies suggest that Subvenite (lamotrigine) might cause an irregular heartbeat, which could lead to serious problems. Your risk might be higher if you have heart disease, heart failure, or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). It can also be higher if you have risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), like high cholesterol or smoking. Taking other medications that affect heart rhythm can raise the risk too.
Tell your prescriber about your medical history and any medications you take. They can check if you're at risk for heart rhythm problems with Subvenite (lamotrigine). Your prescriber can help you decide if this medication is safe for you.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Risk factors: History of depression | Taking anti-seizure medications
As with many other anti-seizure medications, Subvenite (lamotrigine) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The risk can appear as early as 1 week after starting the medication.
Let your friends and family know to watch for any signs of depression or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If this happens, tell your prescriber. If you start thinking about hurting yourself, call 911 right away.
Meningitis (inflammation in the brain)
Although rare, Subvenite (lamotrigine) raises the chance of a very serious brain problem called meningitis. This happens when the lining around the brain is inflamed. Symptoms of meningitis have happened anytime from 1 to 45 days after starting treatment.
Get medical help right away if you have a sudden headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Other signs are rash, chills, eye sensitivity to bright lights, sleepiness, and confusion. These can be early signs of meningitis.
Withdrawal seizures
- Risk factors: Stopping Subvenite (lamotrigine) suddenly
Don't suddenly stop taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) without talking to your prescriber. Otherwise, it can cause seizures. If you need to stop Subvenite (lamotrigine), talk to your prescriber. They'll help you lower your dose slowly until you can stop it altogether.
Possible eye problems
- Risk factor: Taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) long term
Subvenite (lamotrigine) could potentially cause eye problems. This could happen because the medication can attach to melanin, a natural chemical that gives color to your eyes. The risk might be higher if you've been taking the medication for a long time. Keep in mind that it's not fully know what the effects of Subvenite (lamotrigine) are on the eyes or vision.
If you notice any changes in your vision while taking Subvenite (lamotrigine), tell your prescriber or optometrist. They can give you an eye exam to make sure it's safe for you to keep taking the medication.
Interactions with other medications
Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of Subvenite (lamotrigine). This can affect how much Subvenite (lamotrigine) is in your body, how well it works, and how likely you are to have side effects. In a similar way, Subvenite (lamotrigine) can change how your body removes other medications, which can affect your safety.
For example, divalproex (Depakote) and valproic acid can raise the amount of Subvenite (lamotrigine) in your body. This can make side effects, like a serious rash, more likely. If you need to take one of these medications, you'll usually get prescribed a lower dose of Subvenite (lamotrigine) to help keep you safe.
Another example is with medications that contain estrogen, such as birth control pills. They can lower how much Subvenite (lamotrigine) is in your body. This means that the medication might not work as well. During the week when you take the non-active birth control pills, the amount of Subvenite (lamotrigine) in your body goes back up. During that week, your risk of side effects might be higher.
Tell your prescribers and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can make sure everything is safe to take together and adjust your doses if needed.
Subvenite (lamotrigine) dosage
Typical dosage for Subvenite (lamotrigine)
In general, you start Subvenite (lamotrigine) at a low dose, and the dose gets raised over a few weeks. The dose depends on what you're taking Subvenite (lamotrigine) for, your age, and the other medications you're taking. Your dose might also differ if you have kidney or liver problems. General dosing is listed below.
-
Seizures
- People 13 years and older: The typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg by mouth every other day to 50 mg by mouth once daily. Your prescriber will raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks to reach a maintenance dose. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 100 mg to 500 mg per day, split into 1 or 2 doses throughout the day.
- Children ages 2 to 12 years: The prescriber will calculate the dose based on your child's body weight. This medication is taken by mouth once or twice per day. The dose is slowly raised over several weeks to a maintenance dose.
-
Bipolar 1 disorder
- Adults: The typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg by mouth every other day to 50 mg by mouth once daily. Your prescriber will raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks to reach a maintenance dose. The typical maintenance dose can range from 100 mg to 200 mg daily. Some people might need doses up to 200 mg twice daily.
How much does Subvenite (lamotrigine) cost?
$9.41
What are alternatives to Subvenite (lamotrigine)?
