Drug interactions
Desogestrel + Lamotrigine
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel and Lamotrigine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Hormonal contraceptives containing an estrogen with a progestin lower lamotrigine concentrations, which can reduce seizure control or mood stabilization. Concentrations rise again in the pill-free week, which can cause toxicity. Progestin-only desogestrel has little documented effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel and Lamotrigine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Desogestrel belongs to Endocrine; Lamotrigine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Estrogen-induced glucuronidation (UGT1A4) increases lamotrigine clearance; progestin-only effect is minimal.
What to do
If combined with an estrogen, monitor seizure control or lamotrigine levels and adjust the dose when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Consider a progestin-only method if suitable.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Lamotrigine
Other interactions of Desogestrel
- Carbamazepine + Desogestrel Major
- Berotralstat + Desogestrel Moderate
- Desogestrel + Mifepristone Moderate
- Desogestrel + Warfarin Moderate
- Alogliptin-metformin + Desogestrel Minor
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Desogestrel Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel with Lamotrigine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel and Lamotrigine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Hormonal contraceptives containing an estrogen with a progestin lower lamotrigine concentrations, which can reduce seizure control or mood stabilization. Concentrations rise again in the pill-free week, which can cause toxicity. Progestin-only desogestrel has little documented effect.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel and Lamotrigine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If combined with an estrogen, monitor seizure control or lamotrigine levels and adjust the dose when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Consider a progestin-only method if suitable.
What other medicines interact with Lamotrigine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lamotrigine with, for example, Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol, Divalproex, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Lamotrigine page.
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