Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group

Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Seizures (or convulsions) are temporary abnormal electrophysiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group

Lamictal

deleted_user
deleted_user
I went through the initial 6 weeks, and I've now been on the full dosage of the medicine for two weeks now. My anxiety has been REALLY bad. I can't sleep at night, and even very minor things will stress me out terribly. I have paranoia. I've even had some thoughts of suicide, although I'm NOT going to commit suicide. I have an appointment with my neurologist Novermber 12th. So I'm wondering if I should just wait it out in the hopes that the side effects will subside with the longer I'm on it or should I inform him now? It IS pretty unbearable now... And should I cut out every little thing that's stressing me out right now? I was suppose to have a friend come and visit me this weekend, but just having her come is stressing me out really bad. Even things that would normally be fun for me are big triggers for my anxiety. I normally do have some issues with anxiety, but this is just insane!
deleted_user
deleted_user
P.S. I do realize that this medication works for most people, but for some reason, it's not working for me. I really hoped it would because it's the third one I've tried... Also, it's my neurologist's drug of choice. I've worked very hard to qualify for assistance, so I could even be on something so expensive. I'm frustrated with myself that this is not working.
deleted_user
deleted_user
This sounds so much like me! Are you sure I didn't write that? I was switched from dilantin to lamictal starting late June. I stopped at 300mg at the end of July because of depression. I'm bipolar, and my pdoc wanted me to raise the lamictal to 400mg because it is supposed to control mood swings. It is not working, I have anxiety, paranoia, I'm not sleeping well, along with the depression. I'm on busperdone for the anxiety and I had to raise the risperdahl I am taking, and things are not getting better. I don't see my neoro until Feb, but I might have to see him sooner if things don't improve. Sorry to go on about my trouble, just wanted to commiserate with you. Let me know how things go, anxiety and depression stinks. Virginia
deleted_user
deleted_user
Call your Neurologist's office and let your Neuologist know what's going on !
deleted_user
deleted_user
The cost of the drug is not what matters!
What matters is does it work for you without terrible side effects?
You might have to try several drugs befoe you get to the one that works right for you without terrible side effects. Don't worry about it. You have to take care of yourself!
Nobody else will!
No reason to be frustrated with yourself, a lot of us have to try lots of meds before we find the right one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on Lamictal it only worked for 4 months and if it cuasing suicidal thoughts tell your doctor so the doctor can change your medication or lower it even give you anti depressant. If the medication not working you have to be the boss not the doctor and demand new medication your the one paying he/she not he/she.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've talked to my doctor, and he's taking me off of it. Now just to survive the next couple of weeks until it is out of my system...
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good for you!
You'll make it through a couple of weeks, stay in touch while you are going off of them, we'll help you through it!
deleted_user
deleted_user
MAKES ME NAUSIOUS WHEN I TAKE IN THE MORNING. THE REST OF THE DAY I AM FINE. BUT THE OTHER MEDS MAKE FAT AND INFURTLE. WANT TO HAVE MORE KIDS SO I AM ON LAMICTAL. AND NO I AM NOT PREGNANT.
MONTECORE
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's great that your doctor is taking you off of it. Good luck on your new med. I want off of it also. 10 years ago I experienced similar problems with Topomax, but neither I nor my doctors attributed them to the med. I wound up in the Pschiatric ward for 2 weeks , I was so messed up . I have a hearing for social security disability wednesday, after that I'm going to have my pdoc and neoro get together on a good drug for me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
What your doctor put you on because you might be like me medication works 4 months than stops working? If that the case you might need to be on keppra with zonegran with vns pacemaker.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm with you. Its hard. I was on an anti-depressant once that made me want to kill myself. If you haven't talked to your doctor already, I would talk to him soon. It may be the doseage. Not every drug works the same for people. I took a million drugs before I found something that worked. Good luck!
tattyhead184
tattyhead184
I would contact your neurologist and let him know what's happening. You may be able to reduce the dosage before you see him then. That's precisely what I did and a 25mg reduction was all I needed. I would now say that Lamictal is one of the best anticonvulsants I've been on.
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