Has anyone been on Lamictal?

Question

For anyone that's on or has tried Lamictal, what side effects did you experience? I took it for the first time tonight and a few hours later I got this bruising sharp pain in my left eye. I think that the Lamictal is causing this pain. I'm wondering if i should stop using it or not. I know I'll have to see my doctor about it, but was wondering if anyone else experienced this or knows about the drug.

I'm a little anxious about using perscription drugs, as I had an anaphylactic reaction a few years ago (to an unrelated drug) but still fear a reoccurance.

Answer 1

I have been on Lamictal for about two years. It is the most effective med I've ever been on (bipolar disorder).

When I was getting used to it, I had a vision problem. Sometimes, my vision was blurred and at times I saw double. By working with the dosage and the timing of the medication, that side effect was controlled. Still, at times, if I take the med at the wrong time or if I drink too much alcohol I get a slight bit of that symptom again.

Work with your doc and good luck to you!

Answer 2

Dizziness and nausea are a side effect of Lamictal. A few years ago when I tried Lamictal for the first time, by the third week I was experiencing dizzy spells so bad that I could barely stand up. Fortunately it was on my weekend and I didn't have to go anywhere. After the third day of this I emailed my psychiatrist and asked him what was going on. He said it was a side effect of the Lamictal and to stop taking it. I tried it again about 2 years ago and had no problems until I increased my dose from 150mg to 200mg morning and night. I started getting dizzy again, especially at bedtime. I'm thinking you might be having the dizziness and nausea because you went from 400mg to 500mg. It is kind of a big jump. You can back up on the dose and increase it slowly to see if this helps. Skipping doses will make the next dose effect you even more, so it's not a good idea. Is it a regular doctor who prescribed the meds? Because they don't sound very knowledgable about the medication. You should ask to be referred to a psychiatrist if you continue to have problems.

Answer 3

Anxiety, confusion, depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes; continuous, uncontrolled back and forth and/or rolling eye movements

Always Notify Doctor:

More Common: Skin rash

Less Common: Increase in seizures

Rare: Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; dark-colored urine; fever, chills, and/or sore throat; flu-like symptoms; itching; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; red or irritated eyes; small red or purple spots on skin; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; trouble in breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow eyes or skin

Overdose Effects - Notify Doctor:

Clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe); coma; continuous, uncontrolled back and forth and/or rolling eye movements (severe); dizziness (severe); drowsiness (severe); dryness