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Lamictal

Read and learn more about Lamictal Drug.

Q: Lamictal!!?
Alright, so I had posted a question earlier about Lamictal because I was nervous about taking it. Well, today I took my first pill and I’m still uber nervous about gaining weight!!!! I figure I’ll take it for a week or so and if I notice any weight gain, I’m going to stop. Does this sound like a good idea?? Also, if anyone else has anymore experiences (positive or negative) with this drug, let me know. And I hope caffeine will not make this drug have any weird effects on me because I drink tons of it….Get back to me! =D

A: Hi there:

I have been taking Lamictal for about 2 months now.

I am a bit overweight. I have battled it my whole life. I have not gained any additional weight on this medication.

If you are just starting on this med you should be on the 25mgs for 2 weeks, then 50mgs for 2 weeks then 100 mgs for 2 weeks then 200 mgs as a therapeutic dose.

I think you may want to at least get to the theraputic dose before you write it off.

There is another med called topamax which works in the same way and it helps with pain if you want to expand your options. (for bipolar disorder).

I understand your concerns but I have not had any side effects. It doesnt interact with any of my other meds (Cymbalta, birth control etc.). Studies show that there are relatively benign side effects to this medication anyway.

I take it for bipolar disorder, not epilepsy.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me! Good luck honey!

-Audrey

Q: Can Lamictal start causing tiredness after half a year of use?
I started having trouble sleeping way to much about six months into taking the medication. Since then the only medication that has not changed is Lamictal. Can Lamictal maybe slowly wear down the body system, or cause something to build up?

A: I’ve been taking Lamictal for 3 years and I am tired a lot of the time. I am decreasing my dose and weening off of it now. I am hoping that will help. It’s a blood level drug, so it could certainly take time to build up enough in your blood before you get the full side effects. Just remember to look out for the rash!!

Q: How many of you taking Lamictal have developed acne or had acne get worse since?
I have done some research on Lamictal and acne, and there seems to be a definite connection, but I want to hear from actual people taking Lamictal how many of you have developed acne since starting Lamictal.

A: Hi… when i started lamictal 4 years ago i had very bad acne when i started it (i was a senior in highschool) but i was patient and it faded with some of the other side effects. My doctor said it is a rare side effect.Maybe go to a dermatologist and check out differin?

Q: How serious is a missed period if you believe it is due to Lamictal?
I have been on Lamictal for seizures for about four months now. I have now missed two periods. My neurologist claims lamictal could not be the cause because it doesn’t effect the hormones. It clearly states on the Lamictal pamphlet ” CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a missed menstrual period”. I don’t understand this. If anyone could share any information or resources it would be greatly appreciated.

A: For the last year I’ve been on Lamictal and have never missed a period. I think perhaps the packet states to contact your doctor in the case of a missed period because Lamictal can be dangerous to a fetus if you’re unexpectedly pregnant? I guess I’m not sure, sorry I can’t be of more help.

Q: What will happen if someone suddenly goes off lamictal because they no longer have health insurance?
My son was fine before he started taking the lamictal. He just had one severe manic episode in September of last year. If he stops taking it, like he says he will, what will happen? Let me thank you in advance for your answers and any help you can possibly give me.

A: He needs to talk with his doctor; it would be much easier if he were weaned off. There might be a cheaper med he can take. Did he think he was fine OR did you think that? That’s 2 different issues.
Much luck.

Q: What birth control pill brands have the least effect on Lamictal?
I know oral contraceptives reduce Lamictal’s ability to control seizures and bipolar disorder. But I was wondering if anyone who’s taking both has found one brand of birth control pill that doesn’t alter the Lamictal as much? It’s such a pain having to up my Lamictal in order to take the pill. :( Makes me tired all the time.

A: the second

Q: Can I take a higher dose of Lamictal than what is normally prescribed?
In the seven years I’ve taken Lamictal, I’ve fallen behind and caught up with my dosages without following the slow ramp up dosages that most doctors suggest. I’ve never contracted any rashes. Doesn’t that prove it
is safe for me to start at a higher dose? I’ve been off Lamictal for two months.

A: I believe it increases the chances of the bad side effects. If you never followed the normal doctor’s orders and you were fine with hardly any side effects I’m pretty sure it’s fine. It seems like you know your body well and how it reacts to the medication

Q: What are some common side effects regular people experience from Lamictal?
I have looked up all the possible side effects etc on the internet and the official website. Recently been prescribed lamictal. Its been increased very slowly. I am curious to what others who are treated with it their “small” side effects. I seem to be having a slight cough shortness of breath nothing I find serious but I didn’t expect it and well since its september I am assuming its the change of weather as I always get a cold from season to season. I have no signs of the potentially fatal rash though. I just want to know what others have experienced first hand without a doctors stamp on it.

A: Lamictal is an anticonvulsant and the side effects you have described such as coughing and dyspnea are some of the reactions that are listed in the PDR manual. And the rash is called toxic epidermal necrolysis. I have not spoken with anyone who is currently taking this medication. I am currently taking Neurontin for pain disorder with no serious side effects other than weight gain. Maybe you can consult with your doctor about the side effects and ask him about Neurontin if you haven’t already taken this before. Maybe Cerebyx or Primidone might be a better choice. Please speak with your doctor about your concerns and best of luck to you.

Q: What are some serious side effects that may go unnoticed from taking Lamictal?
I’m taking Lamictal for severe mood disorder. I noticed I’ve been having some random twitching occasionally in my right foot and my right hand. I try and stop it by shaking them, but it keeps happening. It usually lasts for about 5 minutes. I looked up what it could be and I found what I am experiencing may be Myoclonic Seizures. Can these lead to a serious problem?

A: I used to be on Lamictal and Lexapro for a severe mood disorder. My understanding is that the Myoclonic seizures are irritating but not anything that’s going to damage you neurologically and of the mood stabilizers, Lamictal is one of the least damaging, unlike Depakote and sometimes Lithium.

Be well.

Q: How quickly can you feel the side effects of Lamictal?
My husband started Lamictal and within 20 minutes said he was feeling indecisive. 4 hours later, he was incredibly irritable and quick to anger.

A: Call your pharmacist for a definite answer they do know a lot about medications.

This medication might not be the right one for your husband, especially with the quick to anger.

I once took a tranquilizer and within an hour I couldn’t stop crying.

Q: How bad would it be to take Lamictal while drunk?
Saturday night, I plan on going camping and getting blind drunk. I take 200mg lamictal (lamotrigine) at night. If I skip a dosage, I feel very “off” the next day and I don’t like that.

I am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how I will feel after consuming a Lamictal tablet after drinking.

A: well my bf takes lamictal and he drinks occasionally and still takes his meds… he take effexor also… he gets puking sick easier than he used to and his hangovers are worse… but it hasn’t hurt him… idk about you though

Q: What happens when you’re taking Lamictal and use Methamphetamine at the same time?
I’ve been using Meth for two years. I went to rehab in December and I’ve been seeing a pshychiatrist since I got out. She prescribed me Lamictal for my bi-polar and I was taking it as prescribed for a month. I relapsed a week ago though and stopped taking my medication because I didn’t want to combine the two. I know that the medication is still in my system though and then Meth was as well. What are the effects of the combination of Lamictal and Methamphetamine? What kind of harm to my brain am I causing? What can happen?

A: Sweetheart,
If you do not check yourself back into rehab ASAP, taking lamictal and meth is going to be the LEAST of your problems.

If you are taking meth, there are only four possible outcomes, and the clock is ticking:
1. become a street prostitute.
2. end up in jail for a long time.
3. an early grave.
4. Check into rehab, and eventually kick the habit.

You need to ask yourself, just how much you are willing to risk to get meth? Your money? Your lifestyle? Your home, family, dignity, safety, health, and your sanity? Even your life?

If you are willing to *risk* any of these things, for the BLACK HOLE that is meth, I guarantee you WILL lose them, and lose them quickly. This is God’s honest truth.

But it is not too late to save yourself from oblivion, you are not alone, and there are people out there that care, and want to help you, if you let them. But only if you give up meth, you cannot have it both ways.

Please have the courage to do the right thing, and if you do not think you have the courage, pray for it. Good luck, I’m pulling for you…….
~Josh Williams

Q: What are the effects if i quit taking my lamictal and abillify?
Im currently taking lamictal and abilify. Ive been on them for a few months now. I beleive theyre making me gain weight, so i want to stop them, but are there any negative health effects that would happen from stopping them immediatly? thanks for any help.

A: If you are taking the Lamictal asa mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, the likelihood of a quickly ensuing manic and/or depressive episode will increase dramatically. If you are taking it as an anti-seizure med, the likelihood that you will have a seizure increases dramatically.

If you are taking the abilify as an anti-psychotic, the likelihood that your psychosis will worsen increases dramatically. If you are taking it for its mood stabilizing and anti-mania properties, the likelihood that you will become unstable increases dramatically.

You would be wise to discuss medication discontinuation with your physician prior to initiating it yourself.

Best of luck with your decision,
~M~

Q: Is it bad to take lamictal and allegra together?
During the spring I take allegra but over the winter I started taking lamictal (about 100mg). Spring is coming and I would like to start taking allegra but I want to make sure they are ok to take together.

A: if you take them together you will grow an additional leg that is fine of course if you only have one leg but most people have 2

Q: How long does it take for an increased dose of Lamictal to take effect?
My doctor just increased my Lamictal from 100mg to 150mg. How long before I noticed the effects of the increase?

A: Taking it for bipolar disorder I assume. When it has been increased in me for depression it has taken 2 to 4 weeks.

Um. To the person who said that medications are not the answer. Try being bipolar and not taking medications. I have been manic to the point that I cannot function anymore – not suicidal or psychotic though. The reason you TAKE medication is to prevent yourself from getting suicidal or psychotic. It’s stupid to wait until that point because then treatment is harder and sometimes too late! If you are thinking you are being rude – to the point that you must preface your answer – don’t say it at all. Please.

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