Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Lamotrigine
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lamotrigine: major 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
Ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives substantially lower lamotrigine concentrations, which may cause loss of seizure or mood control. When the pill-free week occurs, lamotrigine levels rise and toxicity such as dizziness, diplopia or ataxia may appear.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lamotrigine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Lamotrigine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Estrogen induces UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-mediated glucuronidation of lamotrigine, increasing its clearance.
What to do
Adjust the lamotrigine dose guided by clinical response and levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and consider continuous hormone dosing or monitor for toxicity during the pill-free week.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Lamotrigine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Lamotrigine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lamotrigine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives substantially lower lamotrigine concentrations, which may cause loss of seizure or mood control. When the pill-free week occurs, lamotrigine levels rise and toxicity such as dizziness, diplopia or ataxia may appear.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lamotrigine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Adjust the lamotrigine dose guided by clinical response and levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and consider continuous hormone dosing or monitor for toxicity during the pill-free week.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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