Lamictal For Epilepsy Information

Lamictal For Epilepsy Facts

Lamictal For Epilepsy Facts in Q&A

Help! On Lorazepam. 1 mg a night- also, have epilepsy (lamictal). How long should I take lorazepam? Is there a Dr. in the house? I have epilepsy and take lamictal 2X daily. Recently, my daughter died and, because I wasn't sleeping, I was put on lorazepam. I'm worried about becoming addicted. Can anyone advise??

Patrick S replied: "it is not bad at all. enjoy it while you get it. and don't worry about becoming addicted because the dr won't let you. it sucks if you take it for like a week or two and then stop because it seems like your nights are a bit restless. Lorazepam is a good drug, the dreams you have are pretty cool too. be careful when you quit. try to do it gradually. it seems like if I take it for more then like a week and a half I have a seizure if I just quit. I take my last one or two pills and bust then in half. that way I lower the risk of a seizure and sleeping is that much easier. be safe Chief. sorry about your child. sometimes you don't understand why things happen but they do. just do the very best you can and remember you have to go one with your life. no matter how hard. after my daughter passed I locked myself in a room for a year and a half and wanted to die. the desire to live was totally gone. you will figure it out and eventually the person it changes into will be that much stronger. if you ever need anyone to talk to I'm online much of the time. holler anytime"

Anna Boonana replied: "Lorezapam is highly addictive, as are many other sleep medications. If you become addicted to this medication, you will need sleep aids the rest of your life. Because most of them increase a person's appetite, you should not take the medication unless you realy need it, because if you become addicted, you will not be able to eat without some formof appetite stimulant."

Epilepsy What are side effects with Lamictal? I have epilepsy and have just started my meds Lamictal. I am extremely moody snappy always feeling depressed is this normal. I feel like im going nuts and feel so bad for my kids as they are copping it. Wondering if anyone else has epilepsy and what meds are used and side effects exprienced.

litl_man replied: "I do have epilepsy and am on 3 different medications. I personally take Depakote ER, Topamax, and Tegretol. I do not experience any side effects other than change of sleeping habits. I stay up late at nights and get up later. But otherwise I have no side effects. I have also been on these meds for close to 3 years now. Lamictal side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This medication may cause severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who are allergic to other seizure medications. Serious skin rash may also be more likely to occur if you are taking Lamictal together with valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Seek emergency medical attention if you have a fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: the first sign of any skin rash; fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; chest pain; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)."

Janey replied: "My son has epilepsy and has been on Lamictal for about 2 years. He's little and hasn't been able to express what the effects were, but I know in the early weeks he cried all the time, was moody and generally unhappy. It took several months of adjusting to the medication and ever since then he's had no problems at all. One of the best things about lamictal is that it is generally non-sedating and doesn't slow you down."

Lilly T replied: "i myself do not have epilepsy but i did do a research project when writing a bill that includes epilepsy so i know quite a bit about it. Well my best friend has it and shes been on a few medications and when she did just start using them she got really bad headaches and threw up alot and was a bit moody if i say so myself but after a while she got used to the medicine and stop vomiting and having the headaches until her body adjusted to it which maybe what your doing. I do reccomend you tell your doctor though because im no expert"

replied: "My son has epilepsy and has been on Lamictal for about 2 years. He's little and hasn't been able to express what the effects were, but I know in the early weeks he cried all the time, was moody and generally unhappy. It took several months of adjusting to the medication and ever since then he's had no problems at all. One of the best things about lamictal is that it is generally non-sedating and doesn't slow you down."

LovePharmacy replied: "The irritability and depression you described have been observed in some patients during the clinical trials. It didn't occur in most patients though. It happened in about less than 5% of patients. However, this percentage rate is what was seen in clinical trials. Who knows what the actual incidence rates are now that the drug is out in the market (b/c it's not followed anymore as closely as during trials). All drugs for epilepsy have a Special Alert issued by the FDA in Feb 2008 for an increased risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts. HOWEVER, don't freak out because the data is very nonspecific. This alert was issued based on a study (meta-analysis) that looked at hundreds of studies and combined their data. It looked at 11 drugs and the patients were taking these drugs for epilepsy, psychotic behaviors, migraines, head aches, etc. So the data does not prove that these drugs cause suicidal behavior. It's also not clear whether or not the patients who committed suicide already had some underlying severe depression or if they were already suicidal. Note: your Lamictal dose should have been calculated according to your weight. And your dose should be titrated up slowly. Lamictal is not a drug where you just start on a dose and leave it at that. Discuss your situation with your doctor, you may need to change your dose or you may just need to adjust to it and wait it out. Patients who tolerate Lamictal usually like it."

Q about tremors and lamictal? / Epilepsy? My EX has developed HORRIBLE tremors in his right side, particularly the hand (at least that's what I've noticed)... I mean, it's to the point where he cannot write/eat with that hand.. He has epilepsy and they have targeted an area on the left side of his brain (temporal lobe) which is where the seizures are originating and where he has pressure/ feels that "something" is there.. the tremors seemed to get worse when they put him on lamictal, but could be coincidence as the tremors are not listed as a side effect?? We are working with neurosurgeons in St. Louis, but it is frustrating with many delays / lack of communication... He has an appt on the 15th of Aug and we were wondering if the tremors are assoc. with the lamictal or what? Any advice (besides the obvious see your doctor) is appreciated.. Thanks!

huggz replied: "As you say, Lamictal is not usually associated with tremors, but there are less common side effects which are not generally listed. These are the rarer side effects, so its possible that the tremor is due to the drug. The thing is to start nagging the doctors for more information. In my experience they treat most people as having little intelligence....the moment you start asking intelligent questions you start to get more information. Write down your questions (get searching on the net to find out exactly what you are dealing with) and make sure you get answers, be insistent! It isn't easy to do but it will get you what you want. Good luck."

Is anyone taking Lamictal for Epilepsy? Are you experiencing any side-effects, if so what? We may have to change my sons epilepsy medication to Lamictal, so I need some first-hand experiences of the drug. I am a little concerned about the psychiatric side effects of this particular drug, depression and suicidal thoughts are also a side-effect...

tikizgirl replied: "I take it as a mood stabilizer, but it also works for my myoclonus. I used to have bad myoclonus episodes, and it happens a lot less frequently. I take a very low dose, 25mg twice a day. The side effects for me are grogginess or sleepiness. It causes skin rash with some people. I haven't had this problem."

luvpink replied: "I just answered your question about Keppra. Lamictal can be dangerous. It can cause severe, and I mean severe skin burns. Your doctor will start your son out slowly and if you see any sign of a rash you will need to contact him. Our son did fine on it, and I think most people do."

I take Lamictal for epilepsy, it costs $1000/month $400 after insurance. I need this drug to function. Help? I have epilepsy. After 15 years of experimentation my neurologist and I have found that Lamictal works for me. If i can not take it, my life would be very difficult, I would not be able to work and I would be dependent on family (and probably on government assistance.) My insurance will be ending soon and I will not be able to pay for this drug. What can I do or who can I talk to or where can I go to make sure I can keep taking this drug without going bankrupt. I am desperate. It should NOT cost $1000/ month for these drugs when they can be bought for 1 one hundredth of the price in another country. My neurologist AND myself do not want to put me on the generic version because the possibility of a minute (extremely small) chance that the composition of the generic may cause a change in the way the drug prevents my seizures.

perfectlybaked replied: "It just went generic. Still $400? DHS should pick up the cost if you need it that badly. (Not all drugs are available in other countries for "1/100th the price." Only the most popular ones, and some are fakes.)"

Big John replied: "Have you tried a generic? I am also epileptic, and switching from a name brand drug to a generic saved me about 80%. It's nowhere near what you are paying, but for Carbatrol I was paying 65 dollars a month, and I now pay 14 dollars a month for Tegretol."

CURIOUSGIRL replied: "Ask your dr. about something called the indogen program, or contact the drug manufacturer direct.Alot of times they will helpw/$,or supply free."

Here's Your Lifeline replied: "I take lamictal for the same thing. I changed to generic nothing has changed. I HIGHLY suggest changing to generic. You can go to Rite Aid Pharmacy and they have a Rite Aid Savings cared where you pay like $9 for 30 day supply or $15 for 90 day supply. However you have to ask if they cover it first. Its for those who don't have insurance. The only your going to save some money is to go to generic."

How does lamictal work? I take lamictal for epilepsy, I've seen that others take it for anxiety, depression. Well, I have depression (severely) and it does nothing for that, does it only work for certain people?

mikey replied: "NO clue im scared to take it. doc gave me samples of it today 49 pills i scared to death of taking it I HAVE GAD & still nothing works ssri off limits"

greg t replied: "Lamictal is indeed an anti- convulsant and is also used fro psychiatric conditions. For depression it can only be used for the Bipolar type, you are probably unipolar so it will only work for your seizure"

tiggywinkle replied: "Lamictal is used as a mood-stabilizer, not an anti-depressant. It helps with the 'ups and downs' for people who are emotionally unstable. It can act as an anti-depressant by taking away the severe swings into deep depression... this is why people may be saying it's an anti-depressant. Lamictal saved my life! My mood instability was making me want to end my life, and this was the only mood-stabilizer that doesn't cause weight gain, lethargy, etc. If you are feeling very depressed, you should talk to your doctor about it. If there is something going on in your life that is specifically causing the depression, seeing a psychologist/counselor can be extremely helpful. If your depression is biological, though, your doctor can help you determine what type of anti-depressan will work for you. Good luck!"

kelir123 replied: "Yep. Lamictal saved me too. I'm Bipolar. Its the ONLY med to work...it keeps the swings to a bare minimum, but the op was right...not an anti-depressant. No side affects if you start very slowly...I LOVE IT."

Lamictal for epilepsy and bipolar disorder... anyone on this and had good luck? Due to the high cost of Topamax, my shrink prescribed me this med today. He said it is an anti-seizure plus good for bipolar I disorder which I have a touch of. Anyone take this? Do you like it? Any bad side effects? Thanks a bunch :)

rockdoc replied: "Believe it or not I have had patients greatly reduce their seizures with upper cervical chiropractic. They have to be good, and the worst that can happen is that you will at least get a looser neck and relief from tension from all the seizures - best luck. Rockdoc."

Bippy McBipperson replied: "I just asked that same question about a half hour ago and I got the best response from Comebackkid."

combackkidxxx replied: "yes it is A LIFE SAVOR. i also have bipolar disorder type I...have been on this stuff for a year now, and the 9 months of 12, i have been stable. there are a few side effects though, i looked them up the other day and i didn't even realize some of my upset stomach and some headaches are because of the lamictal, but it's not a big deal at all. i'm sure you already know that ya just gotta take the side effects to be okay. ya know? oh and the sexual side effects don't even happen a lot of the time...sometimes there can be some delayed ejaculation...had that once, but once is better than all the time, right? :) but it is a VERY good medicine for bipolar disorder. there shouldnt be any weight gain because of this, it's for long term use...like i said, you shouldn't have any trouble with side effects. i don't know if it's true, but the doc warned me that if i got a body rash to stop taking the medicine...but i dont know if he was trying to scare me since i havent had that rash he was talkin about. good luck! you'll really appreciate lamictal....i've seen many people on here talking about all the other meds for BP and how it makes them sick...but i don't think i've seen one about lamictal and the effects."

Alex62 replied: "Mmm, good med. I take it for bipolar. The start up is looong, but worth it. This med helps me a lot with depression. Aside from the little side effects that go with increasing many meds, Lamictal has been almost side effect free for me going up to 200mg. Over 200mg I get noticeable cognitive impairment, but that's not common from what I gather. The real "side effect" that I do have is that it's too activating for me to take without something else to deal with the more manic side. That is not so uncommon. Btw, I've heard it's not bad for epilepsy. A website on psych meds you might want to look over is In addition to plain English write ups on meds, there's a talk board with posts on Lamictal you might find interesting."

kaliluna replied: "I have been on Lamictal for about 3 years now for Bipolar 2 disorder. I had a rough start to it though, I first tried it 4 years ago. I started on the smallest dose (I think 25mg) and for three days I had the worst vertigo. I literally could not stand up. So I contacted my psychiatrist and he told me this was a side effect. I tried it again after a year and I didn't have any vertigo. I did notice though that it made me a bit more irritable in the beginning. You have to gradually increase the dose on this medication because of the possibility of a rash, which I assume your psychiatrist talked ot you about. Anyway I started at the 25mg and at the end of the first week I started doing better, but then after increasing it again I became more agitated. At the end of the second week I was doing better. So to sum it up once the dosage got stabilized I was fine. I did find though that it kept me up at night, so once my dose was stable I took 200mg in the morning and 100mg at night. I adjusted to it enough that I now take 200mg morning and night and don't have any problems with it keeping me awake at night. One of the side effects I have noticed though is that my thinking is a bit more muddled, I forget words easily at times. My reaction time is a little bit slower than it used to be, but to me these are all things I can live with due to how much the Lamictal has helped. I haven't noticed any headaches or stomach aches but each person experiences it differently. I will say this medication has been a real godsend and it has completely been able to handle my mood disorder without an additional medication. I especially like the fact that it doesn't cause weight gain because a lot of other mood stabilizers do."

I take lamictal for epilepsy, but..............? I take it for epilepsy and I know it is also used for depression and bipolar disorder, but I feel really depressed a lot. Why is this? Wouldn't it take care of my epilepsy AND my depression? Or is the medicine causing my depression? I dont know it is confusing me.

mlgable replied: "If you are feeling depressed you need to report this to the doctor in case this is a side effect of your medication and also to alert your doc that you are having depressed feelings. Not all meds work the same for all people so even though it helps with your epilepsy it may not help if you truely have depression."

trytohelp replied: "honestly, it could be any of those. were you depressed before taking lamictal? has it gotten better since on lamictal? how long have you been takin lamictal? any other antidepressants other meds you are on? herbals? OTCs? sorry to drill you, but think about those questions, and get ahold of your doctor or pharmacist. if your epilepsy is controlled they may try something else for the depression. depression is usually treated 3-6 months at first."

8wanderer replied: "I have depression and Dr. suspected that I have seizure too. He gave me Tegretol to try...so I assume Lamictal has the same effect of Tegretol? Originally is used for seizure and epilepsy and off label it also used to treat Bipolar, depressive symptoms..etc. remember to let your Dr. know though, just to play safe? good luck."

peanuts replied: "hi i take epilim for epilepsy, a totally different drug i know, but i think the most important thing to do is report this to your doctor, different drugs affect people in different ways. Also a healthy well-balanced diet is always a good thing. hope you find this helpful."

stacia replied: "Talk to your doctor, and think about seeing a psychiatrist as well - one that will work with your neurologist (am presuming that's the type you're seeing for epilepsy). Although I'm definitely no expert, it seems there may be some relationship between seisures and mood disorders. Anyway, the pdoc specializes in psych meds and should be willing to work with your doc to figure the best mix of meds for you (and the combos to absolutely not do). Btw, you might want to check out this site: Don't let the name put you off, the med info is solid. The site focuses on meds for bipolar, depression, epilepsy, and drugs related to all of the above. It's run by a bipolar guy with epilepsy, so you're apt to find info there that you won't elsewhere. Good luck. PS - Anti-convulsants act as mood stabilizers for ppl with bipolar and bipolar type II (little mania but cycling on the down-side of mood spectrum). Alone, they do very, very little for depression. They are however taken in conjunction with anti-depressents."

angie78_gg@sbcglobal.net replied: "I took Lamictal, for Bi-Polar. I know dont know about every situation, but I do know that in my case. It really didnt work most of the time. I started forgetting things, like major things. I missed appointment's that I knew I had the next day, but when I would get up. I had no clue until later that day. The only positive thing that came about was, I had way more energy. Thats the only part I miss."

souls in a bowl replied: "I have been on Lamictal for 1 1/2 years now, it has been a life saver for me. I have been treated for depression for 13 years and nothing worked, then I was finally diagnosed as bipolar 2 and given the right medication. I also have to take Paxil CR for my depression and anxiety."

epilepsy, lamictal, breastfeeding? anyone fit this "profile"??? if so, and you're on lamictal, what is ur dosage, and did you breastfeed ur kids? were you told breastfeeding is safe? please, i'm getting nowhere doing my own research, any help would be much appreciated :0) thanks in advance!! :0) ***please leave what dosage u were taking! i need to go back up to 250 mgs. did anyone take this doseage? or higher???

pinky replied: "its fine im 20 and i have triplets i breast feed them for 5 months"

scarred07 replied: "i was told by my dr not to take it if i was to get pregn but i am not sure"

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Lamictal.com
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Lamictal | Epilepsy Action
The GlaxoSmithKline epilepsy medication Lamictal comes off patent on 29 May 2005. ... Lamictal is one brand name for lamotrigine. ...

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