LAMICTAL: How has taking this medicine affected you?

Question

My wife was just prescribed this and I wanted some first hand input.

Answer 1

Lamictal has helped to balance out my moods immensely since I've been on it. I take it in conjunction with two other medications and the mix seems to be working well for me. Not sure if this is your wife's first time with bipolar medication, but I know many doctors will prescribe them along with SSRIs and the like. Obvioulsy, every person is different but I think the combination of the two (or three) work well together. It's just a matter of finding the right combination that works for you (easier said than done, I know. It took me a while to get the right combo of meds and doses.)

The upside to Lamictal is it quite literally saved my life. When I first began taking it, I didn't notice any side effects, though my stomach has been a little more sensitive to coffee and other acids.

The downside (for me at least) is it did cause a little weight gain, but I'm not sure if that was from the Lamictal alone or the other drugs I'm on. Also, as you might have read on the Rx information sheet, hair loss is another common side effect. I have long hair and have noticed that I've been losing more hair than normal in my hair brushes, but by no means am I losing chunks of hair or anything like that. It's definitely not noticeable to other people... Just make sure your wife takes a multivitamin with selenium, which I've heard combats this issue.

If you want good information on this or any other medication for mood disorders, go to www.crazymeds.org. That site gives you a no b.s. look at all these meds and definitely clarifies any wording by the pharmaceutical company that might be confusing. It's worth a look.

Good luck and my best to your wife!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I to have epilepsy and have been put on lamictal and have been taking it for around 12 months now to replace dilantin which reduces calcium in your bones over a long period. Side effect's are rare with lamictal so I regard it as a very good tablet and also effective. The two main side effects are rashes and blurred vision which I have been affected by but resolved the problem by buying magnifying glasses only for reading but both these side effects are extremely rare.

Answer 4

Well to start off with, I am also taking this medicine and have been taking it for about 6 months now. The only side affect that will come from taking it should be a rash, but that is rare.
I have not experienced any side effects yet, and I feel that it is more safe than any of my other medications I have taken.
If you have any problems, like a rash, see a doctor asap.
^^-Candra-^^

Answer 5

This is an anti-epileptic medicine, and my sister who has epilepsy takes it on a daily basis. Before that she used Depakin and it had severe side affects on her (she could never get out of the bed when she took it). But she doesn't experience such problems anymore.

Answer 6

Are you taking Focalin recreationally or for ADD/ADHD? Ask a pharmacist. Just call or go to a pharmacy at somewhere like Walgreens and ask, usually they will be able to help you. Also, if you are getting a prescription for Focalin, the practitioner who is prescribing it should know what other medications you're already taking and how much you are taking.

Answer 7

I am taking TOPAMAX its does the same thing except I am taking it for mood swings, and its working great, usually they give it for migraine, epilepsy, side effects are lost of appetite, i needed to lose weight forever now i did, and makes me go to sleep.

Answer 8

In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening of seizures during treatment with Lamictal.
• Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
• Lamictal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how Lamictal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.




What is Lamictal?
• The exact way that Lamictal works is unknown. However, it is believed that Lamictal affects chemicals in the brain involved in seizures and in bipolar disorder.
• Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of seizures. Lamictal is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
• Lamictal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.




What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lamictal?
• In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease or other serious medical problems. You may not be able to take Lamictal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Do not start or stop using birth control pills or other female hormonal products until you have consulted your doctor. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience changes in your menstrual pattern (e.g., break-through bleeding) while taking Lamictal and birth control pills or other female hormonal products.
• Lamictal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lamictal will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Lamictal passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lamictal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.




How should I take Lamictal?
• Take Lamictal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each oral dose of Lamictal with a full glass of water.
• Swallow the regular (nonchewable) Lamictal tablets whole. The tablets may have a very bitter taste if chewed, crushed, or broken.
• The chewable, dispersible tablets can be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or diluted fruit juice. If you chew these tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. To disperse these tablets, add the tablet(s) to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the medication) in a glass or spoon. Approximately 1 minute later, when the tablet is completely dispersed, mix the solution and take the entire amount immediately.
• Lamictal can be taken with or without food.
• It is important to take Lamictal regularly to get the most benefit.
• The dose of Lamictal must be increased slowly. It may be several weeks or months before the optimal dose can be determined.
• Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
• If treatment with Lamictal is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.
• Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed by your doctor.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Lamictal to monitor progress and side effects.
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture.




What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.




What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical treatment.
• Symptoms of a Lamictal overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased seizures, and unconsciousness.




What should I avoid while taking Lamictal?
• Lamictal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how Lamictal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.




What are the possible side effects of Lamictal?
• In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening of seizures during treatment with Lamictal.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lamictal and talk to your doctor if you experience
· dizziness or drowsiness;
· blurred or double vision;
· nausea and vomiting;
· headache; or
· lack of coordination.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.




What other drugs will affect Lamictal?
• Lamictal interacts with many other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking Lamictal alone or with other medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.
• Birth control pills may decrease the amount of Lamictal in the body. A dosage adjustment may be necessary if birth control pills are started or stopped during treatment with Lamictal.
• Lamictal may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Lamictal is taken with any of these medications.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lamictal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.