Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Medicare Coverage

Lamotrigine is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, focal seizures and generalized onset seizures associated with epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The brand name equivalent of Lamotrigine is called Lamictal.

Lamotrigine is typically taken once daily. It stops the release of a substance called glutamate that excites the brain, and it helps stabilize neurons.

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, fatigue, shakiness, insomnia, nose or throat irritation, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, dry mouth and back pain.

How much does Lamotrigine cost with Medicare?

Lamotrigine coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Lamotrigine?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Lamotrigine in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Lamotrigine include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Lamotrigine. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Take Lamotrigine regularly and do not change your dose without talking to your doctor. Taking a different dose than your doctor prescribed could result in you having a seizure.

Lamotrigine can lead to a bad skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, also called toxic epidermal necrolysis. This can cause irreversible health problems and even death.

Go to the hospital if you experience skin that is red, blistered, swollen, or peeling; red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose or eyes. In most cases, the skin reaction happens within 2-8 weeks of starting Lamotrigine.

Thoughts of suicide can be increased while taking Lamotrigine. If you start taking this medication and have any signs of decreased mood, panic attacks or other negative changes in mood, call your doctor right away.

Lamotrigine can cause hormone-based birth control (pills, patch, ring, etc.) to work less effectively. Be sure to use a second form of birth control while taking Lamotrigine to avoid pregnancy.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.