Lamictal, the good the bad and the ugly

bpcyclist · Nov 01, 2020 at 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

Something I very recently read about Lamictal is that one of the side-effects of the med can be back pain. For 3 years I've been on Lamictal; for 3 years I've had back pain in a specific location. No otc painkillers relieve it. My GP sent me to physical therapy a couple of years ago, that didn't help, at all.

I'm left wondering if the Lamictal is causing the back pain.

Hmm. I am sorry.

fern46 · Nov 01, 2020 at 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

Something I very recently read about Lamictal is that one of the side-effects of the med can be back pain. For 3 years I've been on Lamictal; for 3 years I've had back pain in a specific location. No otc painkillers relieve it. My GP sent me to physical therapy a couple of years ago, that didn't help, at all.

I'm left wondering if the Lamictal is causing the back pain.

Wow, yeah that sounds like it definitely could be related. Sorry Beth 😞 I strongly dislike the fact many of these meds require us to sacrifice our physical health in order to be marginally well mentally.

*Beth* · Nov 01, 2020 at 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fern46

Wow, yeah that sounds like it definitely could be related. Sorry Beth 😞 I strongly dislike the fact many of these meds require us to sacrifice our physical health in order to be marginally well mentally.

Oh, so true! Aside from the obvious health problems, the worst part is - for example - when my GP tells me that I need to lose weight. I have explained to her countless times that the meds I'm on have caused weight gain. She looks at me skeptically. As if it's not stressful enough, it would be validating if every MD had a basic understanding of how psych meds work.

But then...especially GP's are so often out of touch. Before AP's, when I was thin I used to hear, "You need to gain some weight." I think they don't know what else to say because admitting that they're clueless is more than they can admit.

But I digress. Yes, the physical health problems are a cruel trade for (hopefully) at least moderate psychological benefit.

wolftrap · Nov 01, 2020 at 02:08 PM

It is so enlightening to read your experiences. For me, Lamictal was a lifesaver. Before that I was just on lithium. It felt like I had a ceiling on themania, but no floor for the depression. Lamictal helped immensely. I believe it is primarily used for bipolar depression. My sister has an anxiety disorder and her NP gave her lamictal. She developed many of the side effects people have been discussing. They finally listened to her and gave her zoloft instead. The sister that I know and love returned.

Good luck talking with your doc!

Fstrader · Nov 23, 2020 at 08:34 AM

You are very eloquent, and seem extremely intelligent, but your post was very hard to get through. No offense intended. Guess it needs to be simplified.for me.😯

Kookey · Feb 20, 2021 at 10:47 PM

I started with Lamotrigine which was magical, then nz stopped funding it and went to Lamictal. Regressed and felt suicidal. My neuropsychiatrist applied for a compensation and back on it. Taking 2x 100mg a day and an extra one anytime I feel a panic attack coming on. This has been up to 6x a day. Works within 15 mins which makes life manageable at the worst of times. good luck.

*Beth* · Feb 21, 2021 at 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kookey

I started with Lamotrigine which was magical, then nz stopped funding it and went to Lamictal. Regressed and felt suicidal. My neuropsychiatrist applied for a compensation and back on it. Taking 2x 100mg a day and an extra one anytime I feel a panic attack coming on. This has been up to 6x a day. Works within 15 mins which makes life manageable at the worst of times. good luck.

But lamotrigine and Lamictal are the same medication.

leomama · Feb 21, 2021 at 03:10 PM

I was on lamictal for many years and currently am not. It does interfere with the birth control pill, if that is a concern.

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Lamictal, the good the bad and the ugly

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Fstrader Junior Member Member Since Nov 2020 Location: Appleton, Wisconsin Posts: 11 4	Nov 23, 2020 at 08:34 AM #25 You are very eloquent, and seem extremely intelligent, but your post was very hard to get through. No offense intended. Guess it needs to be simplified.for me.😯
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leomama Grand Magnate Member Since Feb 2014 Location: USA Posts: 4,703 10 172 hugs given	Feb 21, 2021 at 03:10 PM #28 I was on lamictal for many years and currently am not. It does interfere with the birth control pill, if that is a concern.
	Reply With Quote