Can you donate blood if you take lamotrigine (Lamictal)?
In most cases it depends on why you take it. Lamotrigine is used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and is not a deferral on its own, but the underlying condition and your stability matter.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is used to control seizures and, often, as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder.
What the center looks at
- Bipolar disorder, stable: generally compatible with donation
- Epilepsy: the center evaluates the condition. Some accept donors with well controlled seizures, others ask for a seizure free period, so policies vary
- Recent seizure: donation is postponed
- Skin reaction early in treatment: a known rare effect of this drug class. If you had one, tell the screener
Tips
- State the exact reason you take it
- If it is for seizures, know the date of your last one
- Do not stop the medicine to donate, since dose changes are gradual
Note
Policies vary between blood centers. Bring your medication list and ask the screener, who makes the final decision.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a health professional. Your eligibility is always decided at the donor screening on the day of donation. Rules change, so confirm with the American Red Cross or the blood center where you plan to donate.