[cawright]

I am not bipolar, but I am posting this here because I think i will get more feedback for this since Lamictal is for bipolar disorder. I have been on Wellbutrin, and three weeks ago a psychiatrist prescribed me Lamictal to add to it even though I was doing fine on the Wellbutrin alone. I took 25mg of Lamictal for the first two weeks and then I went up to 50mg. Ever since I started taking this, I have rapidly gained 10lbs, I am getting horrible cluster headaches, I am in a constant brain fog, I am having depersonalization, and last night I started having mild suicidal thoughts (which my BF helped me with). I am diagnosed depressed, not bipolar. So I am not sure why I was put on this.
Can I quit taking this? Or any tips to just ween off? I know everyone will say to wait for my doctors advice but I really can not take these side effects anymore and I would contact the psychiatrist but he is now on vacation for a month & I have no way of getting a hold of him also at this point I am not too trusting of him.

[Coffeee]

Is there a nurses hotline you can call? I know Lamictal is a pretty serious with the chance of the rash and everything. Whatever you do don't stop taking it then restart.

[Nix]

My psychiatrist once told me if I needed to wean off a medication in between appointments, to lower the dose at the exact rate that he had placed me on it. For me, that was 25 mg. at a time.

[Rjaye]

I've never heard of Lamictal causing weight gain, but Lamictal was primarily used for seizures, so the headaches make sense.

Wait until your doc calls back before stopping. If you go cold turkey you could have worse withdrawal symptoms.

Take care.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi cawright,

Welcome to PC!

In most states, doctors have to have another doctor covering if/when they are away. Please call your doctor's office to find out which doctor is covering for your doctor.

Your reported symptoms sound very problematic and you need very sound advice.

You may also talk to a pharmacist. Often pharmacists will give some helpful info., yet will defer to the prescribing physician. It will be important to talk to the doctor covering for your doctor.

Please make those contacts first and foremost.

Again, welcome to PC.


WC