After being prescribed several medications that were ineffective, Gabe is diagnosed with refractory mania

Question

The physician decides to prescribe lamotrigine (Lamictal), an anticonvulsant that has been found to be effective for refractory mania. Which of the following would the nurse need to include in the patient's education plan?
A) The potential for life-threatening side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome
B) The potential for the development of addiction to the medication
C) The need to have blood levels drawn on a monthly basis
D) The need to avoid certain types of foods while on the medication

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Lamotrigine (Lamictal), an anticonvulsant, has been found to be superior to placebo in preventing recurrences of depression in clients with long-term bipolar disorders. It also has been found particularly effective for bipolar depression. Potentially life-threatening side effects include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with multiorgan failure (Karch, 2009). Dizziness, ataxia, nausea, and minor rashes are other, less dangerous side effects. Clients taking lamotrigine require careful monitoring for dermatologic problems, particularly during introduction and titration.