Lamictal and benadryl

My chronic pain has really increased since being on Lamictal for 15 months for bipolar. I have had fibromyalgia for years. The bipolar developed after that. Since starting Lamictal, I have developed headaches so severe that I have been off work 3 times in the past 7 months, inc. 5 weeks recently. I've always had headaches, but these new, more severe headaches are non-stop. I have to take 3 time-release 100 mg codeine tablets every day, plus Gravol to keep the headaches bearable. Even then, many days I end up bed-ridden. I've also developed chronic, very bad plantar facsiitis in my left foot since starting Lamictal. I did weeks of intensive physio, plus swimming therapy to no avail. Finally had to get a cortisone injection in my foot.

I hate being like this; I like my job and was used to leading a very active life, despite the fibromyalgia, before I went on Lamictal. I briefly tried Lithium recently, but it had a whole other set of side effects, so I am really frustrated.

Has anybody else had increased or new pain since being on Lamictal?

Rosslyn

I am on 300mg for bipolar. I am having trouble concentrating, remembering (i forget what i'm doing while i am doing it!), I often worry about driving-just don't feel like i can focus well enough-riding down the road thinking "hope i know what i'm doing". It is like i daydream constantly with periods of not daydreaming. I feel pretty cheerful and not having any real emotional problems, but the physical problems are a mess. I am so tired that i feel like every single day is a "well i'm sick today, i'll give myself a break, maybe i'll feel better tomorrow". i do have better days sometimes, but for the most part, i feel kind of useless-not "useless" like i'm depressed-i mean "useless" like i get nothing done and it takes me two hours to get some lunch for myself and my three-yr-old child, and i mostly sit around because i'm "taking a break" and my legs are so sore or i have a headache or i feel shaky, or nauseated - each day, i feel so sleepy i am desperate for my husband to get home to care for my daughter (and me)-it feels like i took NyQuil or Benadryl or something! So, i am literally pretty useless. It's such a shame. I can't find a medicine to help me cope, it is always a trade-off...and going on and off them to try another is a nightmare. At least, right now, it is just a daydream...

Took the first dose (25mg) of Lamictal today to augment Wellbutrin SR 150mgx2/day. An hour after taking Lamictal, my lower lip started to itch, I then noticed an area of broken skin just inside the lip, like I had bitten it, but did not. My lip began to swell slightly, then upper lip started to itch, then ear canals. While looking in mirror I stuck my tongue out and it was swollen as well! Called the Dr. and was told to take 50mg Benadryl and immediately cease the Lamictal. All after one dose, the smallest dose at that. Thank goodness for this site, otherwise I wouldn't have known it was a reaction as I was only told to watch out for skin rash.
Chrissi

A lot of gas, strange yellow stools, very dry skin and the allergies that I have are even worse (sort of like my immune system is in over-drive).

When I first started taking Lamictal, I experienced A LOT of hypomania/mania and irritablity. I occasionally do have problems staying asleep if I do not take Benadryl along with it at night. For some reason I have started chewing the insides of my mouth - no, no sores there and this was a mild habit before the Lamictal that has gotten worse.

All of this being said? This drug is fantastic. I am experiencing a sense of balance and clarity that I haven't had in 25 or 30 years. It's like I don't have any mental health problems at all - I feel normal and it's wonderful. It does, however, take a long long time to ramp up to an effective dosage - hold out, it's worth it!