Has anyone taken Lamictal?!
Question: I have just been re-started on Lamictal, I was previously on it but not for long. I have been losing weight and have no appetite at all. When I do eat, I feel full quickly. There are rarely symptoms of weight loss on this drug, however, it does happen. When I was on Zoloft I lost 40 pounds in three months and got so used to not eating that I became anorexic (not purposely). Has anyone else taken Lamictal and had the same experience? Thanks a lot.
Answers: I have just been re-started on Lamictal, I was previously on it but not for long. I have been losing weight and have no appetite at all. When I do eat, I feel full quickly. There are rarely symptoms of weight loss on this drug, however, it does happen. When I was on Zoloft I lost 40 pounds in three months and got so used to not eating that I became anorexic (not purposely). Has anyone else taken Lamictal and had the same experience? Thanks a lot.
well you need to make yourself eat. lamictal shouldn't be making you gain or lose weight....
that's' what my psych said to me when i started a year ago.
you just need to learn to eat even when you don't feel like it,
eat 6 small meals a day and you'll be fine. don't deprive yourself of calories, 1800 calories should be the minimum of it.
Hello Maggie,
Most important fact about Lamictal
You may develop a rash during the first 2 to 8 weeks of Lamictal therapy, particularly if you are also taking Depakene or Depakote. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately. The rash could become severe and even dangerous, particularly in children. Signs of a more serious reaction include hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue. A slight possibility of this problem remains for up to 6 months.
How should you take Lamictal?
Take Lamictal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase your risk of developing a serious rash. Do not stop taking Lamictal without first discussing it with your doctor. An abrupt halt could increase your seizures. Your doctor can schedule a gradual reduction in dosage.
Lamictal Chewable Dispersible (CD) tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, or dissloved in liquid. When chewing the tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. When dissolving the tablets, add them to a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice (about 1 teaspoonful), and wait 1 minute until the tablets are completely dissolved. Swirl the solution and drink immediately. Do not try to cut the dose by drinking only part of the solution.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Keep dry and protect from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lamictal.
* More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, double vision, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased cough, insomnia, nausea, rash, runny nose, sleepiness, sore throat, uncoordinated movements, vomiting
* Additional side effects in children may include:
Bronchitis, convulsions, ear problems, eczema, facial swelling, hemorrhage, infection, indigestion, light sensitivity, lymph node problems, nervousness, penis disorder, sinus infection, swelling, tooth problems, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vision problems
Why should Lamictal not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lamictal, you should not take Lamictal. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about Lamictal
Lamictal may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain the drug does not have this kind of effect on you. Remember to be alert for development of any type of rash, especially during the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment (see "Most important fact about Lamictal").
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical problems you have before starting therapy with Lamictal. If you have kidney or liver disease, or heart problems, Lamictal should be used with caution.
Lamictal may cause vision problems. If any develop, notify your doctor immediately. Also be quick to call your doctor if you develop a fever or have any other signs of an allergic reaction. Notify your doctor, too, if your seizures get worse.
If you're taking Lamictal for bipolar disorder, be aware that the drug should not be used to stop an episode of mania or depression once it has started.
There are no clinical studies to prove the safety and effectiveness of Lamictal for treating bipolar disorder in children less than 18 years old.
I guess I have less of an appetite, but I'm craving sugar.
Dr. Oz, Oprah's guest speaker, says that if you get whole grain bread and eat it dipped in olive oil (with seasonings) about 10 mins before dinner, it will help you not be so hungry.
This is what I am doing, so weight gain or loss is hard to say--Lamictal or bread? I've lost 3 lbs. Lamictal has given me a bit more self-control. I drive past the fast food places, I pass up the things I'd normally splurge on, etc. That helps with what I'm not eating, too.
TX Mom
I take 200 mg twice a day of lamictal. but I also take serequel which causes weight gain. and I also take concerta and ritalin and that counter acts the weight gain....
lamicatl really works for me tho