Question concerning Lamictal

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2006
Question concerning Lamictal
8
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 10:55am

I'm pretty new to this site. I have had bipolar since I was a teenager...I'm now 53 years old. I don't have severe mood swings and have learn what to avoid that triggers my emotions. I have been taking Paxil/CR and Trazodone for a few years but the doctor is adding Lamictal. Later, after I get the Lamictal up to level that I need, he plans on lower my dose of Paxil until I'm off of it. I have read up on Lamictal but I want to know what kind of side effects others have had with it. Has it worked for you or not? I am very tired and have no engery. Will this sap more engery out of me or will it help me feel less tired? Has it caused any weight gain for anyone? Please tell me everything you might know about this drug.

Thanks!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2005
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 1:35pm

hello and welcome to the board !!!


the thing with meds is it effects everyone so differently.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 1:44pm
Thank you for your information. I am most worried about weight gain. The more I weigh the more pain I have. Plus, I'm so tired I cannot manage to get anything done. I make it to work but I don't even feel as if I am there. The doc says that lamictal should give me some energy...guess I'll have to try to see if it helps. Thanks, again!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 3:02pm

Sheryl,


Lamictal has worked very well for me, with the only side-effect being a slightly runny nose - I can deal with that.


Lamictal is also weight-neutral, and after 5 months I haven't gained any.



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2005
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 3:37pm
I started lamictal about a month ago and will finally get up to 100 mg tomorrow night. So far the only problem for me is that I'm losing a lot of hair, and if it gets worse when I get up, or just doesn't go away I'll have to switch. It's supposed to be a good drug and hasn't had any side effects other than that for me so I hope it works out (for both of us!)
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 4:58pm
I really just hate when my meds have to be changed. I feel as if I'm on a roller coaster and I don't want it to affect my job. Thanks for your input!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 5:00pm
Thanks for your input. I hope it works for both of us, also. Good Luck!! I start this drug tomorrow night. That way I have the weekend to adjust before I have to go back to work on Monday.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 7:52pm
Lamictal is one of the medications in my "perfect combo." I've been on it for probably 6 months or so. I was on depakote and gained a ton of weight. I've actually been able to lose on the lamictal. As nearly as I can tell I haven't had any side effects. I'm a little sluggish but not as bad as when on depakote. Honestly, I think its the ambien that does it. When I'm very tired I can sleep w/o it and I wake up much perkier.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2006
Wed, 07-05-2006 - 8:58pm
Thank you! It seems it will be worth a try.