Like many patients, I started out on a low dose of Lamictal. Eve...

Read all Lamictal side effects

Posted at 1:20 PM on Oct 16, 2008 by lizardess, #35728

Like many patients, I started out on a low dose of Lamictal. Eventually, I was taking 300 mg. This seemed fine for awhile. Then, I started feeling a bit down, so the doctor increased the dose to 400 mg. Increased dosage does not necessarily mean improvement in mood (bipolar). I began to experience a good number of the adverse side effects reported here, including excessive fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances, cotton mouth and very bad taste in my mouth, muscle tension (particularly in my legs), forgetfulness and confusion, and sinus and chest congestion. At one point in time, I even had difficulty articulating words. Though I did not suffer from rash, I have been up in the middle of the night with itching all over my body. I had a few episodes of mouth sores and one pimple on my chin. Many of these have improved since the doctor brought me back to 300 mg. However, they have not entirely disappeared. I continue to suffer from the excessive fatigue many of you have reported here. I recently had a blood test and learned I have very low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12. I do not know if there is any relationship between long-term use of Lamical and these test results. However, I do know that low levels of Vitamin D can cause fatigue. Though I am willing to follow through with further blood tests, I am beginning to understand why some people are tempted to discontinue their medications. I am so tired of being so tired and sleeping so much. When I finally get up, I am still tired and drag through the day. Sometimes, I think I'd rather have a down day or two than take this medication. I should add, though, that my bipolar is not severe, and that I am only reporting how I feel. I'm certainly not recommending anyone discontinue medications for this or any other condition they may be suffering from. If I were to recommend anything, it would be to get a second opinion if one is concerned about his or her treatment. If I were to make any suggestion to doctors, it would be this: more is not necessarily better. Send your patients for blood tests (mine were ordered by my M.D. and not by my psychiatrist). Increasing the dosage--at least of Lamictal--might result in a host of negative side effects. Your patients might then become disillusioned with their treatment and give up. If anyone out there has suffered from B-12 and D deficiencies, let me know. I'll let you know what I find out. And remember, most doctors are really trying to help us.

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Reply 11 months ago on Nov 29, 2008 by emc1979, #14899

Yes I have low vitamin D and B 12 as well. Actually my Vitamin D is the lowest my psych has ever seen. I think upping from 100 to 200 mg is making me nauseous or maybe its the nuvaring I started. I have been reading about both.

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Reply 11 months ago on Dec 03, 2008 by emc1979, #15001

Yeah I am on Lamictal too. I have had low vitamin D and B12. Did you know that having low vitamin D will make you depressed though? That's what I heard

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Reply 11 months ago on Dec 05, 2008 by justaguy, #15036

get a physical exam to eliminate physical causes such as sarcoidosis.

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Reply 8 months ago on Mar 18, 2009 by nbaldwin1, #18136

I'm 52 years young----- Let me start by sharing that I've had a life history of depression dating back to childhood. Brief life history, I married at 25 years of age to a Marine, had Stefanie at 27, divorced at 35, ex husband committed suicide on third attempt 1 year after divorce, daughter became Meth addict at 17 years old, I remarried in 2001 38 years old, I had a break down May 2003, separated in June 2004, committed suicide in July 2004 which landed me in hospital for one month at which time I under went ECT treatments, November 2004 2nd suicide attempt also landed me in hospital but only 2 weeks this time. Up until this time I was still non-responsive to any anti-depression meds (God bless me and doc cause we both kept trying, getting no where fast....) My second trip to the hospital landed me a new doc cause my previous one retired. I'm not even going to go into the differences between docs, etc--another story for another day. Ok, since November 2004 (2nd trip to hospital) I've been seeing the same doc. We have both been working really hard at finding a cocktail mix, again non-responsive to meds (when I say non-responsive I mean they are not helping. side effects are there, believe me they are there) . Here we are 2009 and I'm on a cocktail of 300mg Lamictal, 300 Luvox & 35mg Concerta, 7.5mg Deplin (folic acid, Bs) & 5mg Valium (on a as needed basis, zombie me out...seldom take ). with all this said--- I too am experiencing all side effects mentioned by all, however, at this point in life when I compare side effects to what ever little help the meds bring my way I opt to keep taking meds. I should mention that I'm retired (worked for state since 18 and was able to take early retirement... I also had to go on SSI...). I also had other health issues.... I didn't go to collage started working as a file clerk at 17 years old and worked my way up.... Retired as an editorial assistant of a magazine owned by the state. Yes, I took much pride and still do in my contribution to every monthly issue. I felt myself slipping mentally about 8 months before I landed in the hospital.... I'll end by saying, every day is a Spiritual challenge for me in which I vow to myself that I will take one day at a time.... and give God all the Praise and Glory!!! Oh, by the way, my husband and I are moving back together after 4 years of separation. Good luck to us all and God Bless!

Taking one day at a time....!

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