Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Description

About

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants, used to treat conditions like epilepsy and depression or extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder, acting as a mood stabilizer.  Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Lamotrigine, available as oral tablets of varying potencies. Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S may be used as an adjunct, supplementing the therapeutic effects of other anticonvulsant agents. 

Lamotrigine contained in the Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S imposes an inhibitory action on neurotransmitters inducing excitatory response by blocking high voltage-activated calcium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, and hence the release of neurotransmitters inducing excitatory response. It inhibits signal transmission and uncontrolled/ abnormal activities of the brain.

While Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can be prescribed to children (above 2 years of age) and adults both, the dosage of Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S depends on weight, age, the severity of the condition, patient’s response to the medicine, and their comorbidities.  Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is started on low doses which are gradually increased.  It can take 4-6 weeks or sometimes longer for Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S to start showing effects. Abrupt withdrawal of Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can cause withdrawal symptoms for which reason it is tapered down gradually before stopping the treatment altogether. The most common side effects of this medication are nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Indications

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is prescribed to adults and children (2 years and above) and it is used in the treatment of:

• Epilepsy and other seizure types such as primary generalized tonic-clonic
• Partial seizures 
• Bipolar disorder associated depression/mood changes
• Maintenance therapy for acute mood symptoms (18 years and above)

How does Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S work

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S helps control seizures by controlling nerve impulses. Lamotrigine contained in the Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S imposes an inhibitory action on excitatory neurotransmitters by blocking high voltage-activated calcium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels inhibiting glutamate release, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter inducing excitatory response. It blocks/slows down signal transmission and uncontrolled/ abnormal activities of the brain.

How to use Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is available in the form of tablets. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water without chewing. In general, the treatment with Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is started at the lowest effective dose which is gradually increased in potency and frequency over days to weeks as tolerance develops. Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day starting dose for seizures, followed by divided doses as the dosage increases. Tolerance is common to develop with such drugs, dosage is titrated accordingly to match the therapeutic dose.

Available Potency of Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S 

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is available in tablet form in the following potencies:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Dosage

Adult Dose

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is usually prescribed to be taken orally once a day as a low starting dose for seizures,

Monotherapy

Starting (single) dose: 25 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

50 mg, orally, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 50-100 mg weekly over 2 weeks, commonly in divided doses (12 hourly intervals) 

Maximum safe dose per day: 300-400 mg/day 

Adjunct Therapy

If Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is being taken alongside other anticonvulsants (such as sodium valproate, carbamazepine, or others)

Starting (single) dose: 25 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

25 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 25-50 mg weekly over 2 weeks, in divided doses (12 hourly intervals) 

Maximum safe dose per day: 300-400 mg/day 

*Dose adjustment and titration method may vary depending on the condition being treated and response to the therapy

Pediatric Dose

Child dose depends on weight and physique, commonly starting dose at lower doses to be increased in increments over days. It can be given to children above 2 years.

Monotherapy (Children 2 to 12 years old)

Starting dose: 0.6 mg/kg/day (orally, divided doses- twice daily at 12 hours interval) for 2 weeks

1.2 mg/kg/day orally, (divided doses- twice daily at 12 hours interval) for 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 1.2 mg/kg weekly over 2 weeks to a maintenance dose in divided doses 12 hours apart

Maintenance dose: 5-15 mg/kg/day

Maximum safe dose: 400 mg/day per day

Adjunct Therapy (Children 2 to 12 years old)

If Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is being taken alongside other anticonvulsants 

Starting dose: 0.15 mg/kg/day (orally, divided doses- twice daily at 12 hours interval) for 2 weeks

0.3 mg/kg/day orally, (divided doses- twice daily at 12 hours interval) for 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 0.3 mg/kg   weekly over 2 weeks to a maintenance dose in divided doses 12 hours apart

Maintenance Dose: 1-5 mg/kg/day (twice daily at 12 hourly intervals)

Maximum safe dose: 200 mg/day

Monotherapy (above 12 years)

Starting (single) dose: 25 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

50 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 50 mg weekly over 2 weeks, in divided doses (12 hourly intervals) to a maintenance dose

Adjunct Therapy (above 12 years)

If Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is being taken alongside other anticonvulsants such as sodium valproate

Starting (single) dose: 25 mg, orally, once a day – For 2 weeks

25 mg, orally, once a day – For another 2 weeks

After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased by your doctor by 25 – 50 mg weekly over 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 100-400 mg/day, in divided doses (12 hourly intervals) 

Elderly dose

Your doctor should set the most appropriate dose for you based on your medical history. Doses are adjusted according to a liver impairment or inadequate kidney function, or other serious conditions. 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is FDA pregnancy risk category C therefore if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor. Also, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S. It should not be taken during pregnancy due to potentially harmful effects. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S or similar anticonvulsants
• Chronic kidney disease with severe impairment of renal function
• Meningitis (non-infectious)
• Cardiac failure
• Liver impairment 
• Concurrently with certain drugs (see drug interactions)
• Low cell count of neutrophils/ or platelets
• Acute mood phases
• Suicidal tendency 

Precautions‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ ‌before using the ‌Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S:‌ ‌

• A history of allergy to any or similar medicines 
• In case of kidney disease before starting the treatment with ‌Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S check creatinine levels, which must be monitored during the treatment as well.
• If you have suffered from mental depression or currently are under treatment for it, inform your doctor and monitor for worsening of depression, behavioral changes, and suicidal thoughts
• Patients with impaired liver function should also be monitored for harmful effects
• Any pre-existing heart condition must also be discussed with your doctor
• Elderly patients (65 years and above) should exercise caution since Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can cause dizziness and fainting, dose adjustment may be done by the doctor
• The drug must not be stopped abruptly even if you’re symptoms have improved since it can produce withdrawal symptoms
• Some anticonvulsant drugs are known to interact with contraceptives rendering them less effective, discuss with your doctor who might adjust your dose or advise an alternate method
• Skin rash is common with Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S, any worsening redness or rashes associated with flu-like symptoms should be alarming and must be rushed to your doctor
• Patient must also be monitored for meningitis caused by Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S, although very rare watch for neck rigidity, drowsiness, fever, and other signs

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S and may increase or decrease its absorption, in which case, your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of these interacting drugs are given below:

• Sodium valproate
• Carbamazepine
• Oral contraceptives/ hormonal drugs
• Phenytoin/ phenobarbital
• Rifampin
• Alprazolam 
• Cetirizine 
• Clozapine
• Acebutolol 
• Acetazolamide 
• Ritonavir 
• Codeine 
• Alcohol 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Skin rash 
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Joint pain

Rare side effects

• Anaphylactic reaction 
• Blurred vision
• Abnormal or absence of motor coordination
• Oral ulcers
• Itching/redness of eyes 
• Seizures 
• Palpitations 
• Hallucinations
• Clotting of blood in vessels
• Altered blood cell count
• Increased aggression 
• Photosensitivity 
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Very Rare though, watch out for the symptoms of these

• Steven – Johnson syndrome
• Aseptic meningitis 

LIST OF HOW TO DEAL WITH ADVERSE EFFECTS

Dry Mouth- Can be helped by sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum, using alcohol-free mouthwash, allowing ice to melt in the mouth, or using a saliva substitute.

Fatigue- Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

Feeling drowsy -If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe

Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea –Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water. 

Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak –If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

Muscular Aches and Pains- A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

Flatulence- This can be eased by consuming smaller, more frequent meals that don’t trigger your flatulence. Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 

Heartburn – can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.

Skin Rash- can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.

Change in taste- this tends to go away as soon as the patient stops taking the medicine but while treatment; saltwater with baking soda (half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in water) rinses and chewing on sugar-free gum can help dissipate the change in taste.

Blurred vision- This side effect tends to go away on its own in a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime. If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.

Dehydration- Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) help combat dehydration.

Flu-like symptoms- To manage symptoms, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest and sleep. Take an antihistamine, a nasal decongestant, or a lozenge to feel better when needed.

Redness Of the Skin- this can be combated by applying a cold pack to the affected area.

Photosensitivity – patients are asked to wear sun-protective clothes when going outside including gloves and hat, to apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunblock along with wearing sunglasses. Patients are advised to do all necessary work after sunset to reduce or eliminate sun exposure while undergoing treatment with Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S.

Fever- patients are asked to ingest over the counter painkillers (such as Paracetamol), partake in plenty of fluids, and rest for a couple of days till the symptoms pass

Key facts

• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants used to treat conditions like epilepsy, depression associated with bipolar disorder
• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Lamotrigine, available as oral tablets 
• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S works by enhancing GABA action and inhibits the release of neurotransmitters (Glutamate) inducing excitatory response, and altering pain sensation
• Drug can be prescribed to adults and children (above 2 years)
• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S normally takes 4-6 weeks or sometimes more for Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S to show its effect and must not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Consuming alcohol when taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 
• Common side effects of this medication are nausea, headache, skin rash, and dizziness.
• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can provoke suicidal thoughts, especially in people with a history of depression, careful monitoring is advised
• Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S may render contraception ineffective according to some studies, discuss with your doctor.

FAQs

Q. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S DO?

It is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial seizures, symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder inhibiting signal transmission in the brain producing excitation and as a result uncontrolled movement.

Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S TO START WORKING?

Normally it takes 4-6weeks or more for Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S to show its full effects.

Q. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S FOR?

Time duration depends on why you’re taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S. Consult your physician for this, Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can be taken for longer periods.

Q. CAN I STOP TAKING Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal problems like difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, irritability, sweating, and uncontrollable muscle movements. 

Q. IS Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S HIGHLY ADDICTIVE?

No, it is not considered to be highly addictive; but still, drug abuse (self-prescription for emotional healing) and overdosing are possible. Stopping the medicine abruptly can cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

Q. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided.

Q. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, seizures, or a life-threatening skin rash. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

Q. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

If you’re taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S once a day then take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm, or use a pill organizer or a mobile application so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

Q. CAN I TAKE Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S. 

Q. CAN THE USE OF Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S CAUSE DROWSINESS?

It causes drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Q. WILL Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S AFFECT MY BLOOD PRESSURE?

Generally, high pressure is not a common side effect seen with Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S but abrupt discontinuation of this drug can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and palpitations

Q. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Usually Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S  is known to cause drowsiness and dizziness so make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

Q. HOW SHOULD Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S BE STORED?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

Q. CAN Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S AFFECT MY SEXUAL ACTIVITY?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with lamotrigine contained in Lojin 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S in some patients. It may cause a decrease in libido, anorgasmia in some patients. You must discuss this with your consultant before starting. 

Q. Will it affect my contraception?

Some anticonvulsant drugs are known to interact with contraceptives rendering them less effective which can put you at the risk of getting pregnant, discuss with your doctor who might adjust your dose, or advise an alternate method. Also, monitor the regularity of your menstrual cycle.