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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Birth Control Pills Be Taken While On Lamotrigine?

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was prescribed Lamotrigine. I am very happy with the effects of the lamotrigine, but I would like to start taking birth control soon. I keep seeing contradictory information online regarding their effects on one another. Is it true lamotrigine can counteract birth control? If so, is there a best contraceptive out there? Thank you!
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Birth control pills may reduce efficacy of Lamotrigine, hence it is not advisable to take these medications together.

The birth control pills increase the clearance of Lamotrigine by inducing the liver enzymes involved in its metabolism thus reducing its contraceptive effects.

This can be overcome by increasing the dose of Lamotrigine to compensate for the marked reduction in Lamotrigine while on an oral contraceptive.

However, the best contraceptive would be either a non-hormonal intrauterine device or barrier methods like condoms/diaphragm which are not known to reduce the efficacy of Lamotrigine hence can be taken safely.

Hope I could answer your query.

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Can Birth Control Pills Be Taken While On Lamotrigine?

Hi & Welcome. Birth control pills may reduce efficacy of Lamotrigine, hence it is not advisable to take these medications together. The birth control pills increase the clearance of Lamotrigine by inducing the liver enzymes involved in its metabolism thus reducing its contraceptive effects. This can be overcome by increasing the dose of Lamotrigine to compensate for the marked reduction in Lamotrigine while on an oral contraceptive. However, the best contraceptive would be either a non-hormonal intrauterine device or barrier methods like condoms/diaphragm which are not known to reduce the efficacy of Lamotrigine hence can be taken safely. Hope I could answer your query.