Lamotrigine and Hormonal Contraception: Bring Both Into the Review
PeriodsArticleAsk the prescriber to check your actual contraceptive method alongside lamotrigine before changing your plan.
In this article
If you take lamotrigine and use hormonal contraception, tell the prescriber about both. The NHS1 lists hormonal contraceptives, including the combined pill, among medicines that may not mix well with lamotrigine. Your doctor may recommend a different contraceptive type or method.1
Name your actual method
Try: “I take lamotrigine and use this contraceptive. Can you check whether they suit each other and explain my options?”1
Bring the product name and how you use it. The combined-pill example does not settle the answer for every other method. Have your own combination checked.1
Keep the full list together
Tell the clinician about other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements too. A review based only on the two products may miss relevant information.1
Get instructions before making changes
Keep taking lamotrigine for as long as your doctor advises. If they recommend stopping, follow their instructions; the dose usually needs gradual reduction. This article does not provide a contraceptive switch or a medicine adjustment.1
Period, Handled includes a visit script. Use it to keep your contraception question ready for the appointment. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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