Lamictal is prescribed for seizures and bipolar disabilities. It is classified as a mood stabilizer when prescribed for bipolar. The medication is a little frightening at first, since you don't know how it will affect you when you first take it. As with any other medication you try for the first time, there is a period of adjustment, and the first dose is usually the most unpredictable.
I was prescribed Lamictal for my bipolar disorder. It comes in either a bright orange, green, or blue packet, depending on whether you are on any other mood stabilizing prescription. Mine is the bright orange one because I am not taking any other drugs that could possibly interact with the Lamictal.
There are five weeks worth of little off-white tablets that gradually increase in dosage. For the first two weeks I take 25 milligrams. Then I take 50 milligrams for another two weeks. The last week I begin taking 100 milligrams and then see my doctor to discuss how I am responding to the Lamictal. If my mood still "cycles", or goes from really happy anxious moods to depressed angry moods, then I will have my dosage increased again until my moods level out.
The most dangerous of the Lamictal side effects is a severe skin rash that typically appears on the face and mouth and then spreads down the arms and back. Benadryl seems to take care of this itchy problem, but if the rash gets worse, I have to stop taking Lamictal and switch to another mood stabilizer. You have a 1 in 1,000 chance of having a really bad rash, but your doctor will warn you of the rash because of all the hype that occurred from the few severe rash incidents that have occurred.
I have been on Lamictal for two days but am already feeling the effect. In fact, I felt an immediate difference just minutes after my first dose of this mood stabilizer. I felt like I was in a stupor and I couldn't remember what I was doing or even thinking from one minute to the next. I had trouble putting my thoughts into words and got really tired. Speech slurring was a definite issue and I just couldn't help but to feel as though I were dreaming while awake. That's when I decided to take a little nap to fight the fatigue.
I was prescribed Lamictal for my bipolar disorder. It comes in either a bright orange, green, or blue packet, depending on whether you are on any other mood stabilizing prescription. Mine is the bright orange one because I am not taking any other drugs that could possibly interact with the Lamictal.
There are five weeks worth of little off-white tablets that gradually increase in dosage. For the first two weeks I take 25 milligrams. Then I take 50 milligrams for another two weeks. The last week I begin taking 100 milligrams and then see my doctor to discuss how I am responding to the Lamictal. If my mood still "cycles", or goes from really happy anxious moods to depressed angry moods, then I will have my dosage increased again until my moods level out.
The most dangerous of the Lamictal side effects is a severe skin rash that typically appears on the face and mouth and then spreads down the arms and back. Benadryl seems to take care of this itchy problem, but if the rash gets worse, I have to stop taking Lamictal and switch to another mood stabilizer. You have a 1 in 1,000 chance of having a really bad rash, but your doctor will warn you of the rash because of all the hype that occurred from the few severe rash incidents that have occurred.
I have been on Lamictal for two days but am already feeling the effect. In fact, I felt an immediate difference just minutes after my first dose of this mood stabilizer. I felt like I was in a stupor and I couldn't remember what I was doing or even thinking from one minute to the next. I had trouble putting my thoughts into words and got really tired. Speech slurring was a definite issue and I just couldn't help but to feel as though I were dreaming while awake. That's when I decided to take a little nap to fight the fatigue.
Comments
Marilyn
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/02/2009
I have surprising been feeling more manic on Lamictal and don't sleep as well, waking up alot during the nite and early in the morning. I must take a nap to get thru the day. I'm back on my usual dosage of Depakote now too and feeling a lot more energy. I still find I laugh a lot more and talk too much and can get very angry so hopefully time will tell. You must give all drugs TIME to see if they work. I've been on almost every one out there so I feel like I can be a pretty good judge. Anyone find insomnia with lamictal?
Bridget
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/17/2009
OMG. I have a small rash on the side of my face that has developed over a three month period of taking Lamictal. I have been using moisturizer to try and clear it up, but it doesn't seem to work. I would have never thought it could possibly be caused by one of the meds I'm taking.....I appreciate the post.
lolly
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/24/2008
I have taken Lamictal for 6 days and have experienced just what was described minus the disorientation mentioned in the beginning of this article.
I have also experienced some irregularity and chills/hot flashes shortly after taking it but it goes away. The drowsiness can last to the morning a bit but my morning coffee takes it away!
I also feel that the medication has had an effect on my moods already, even though my doc said it would take 3 to 5 weeks to get to a dosage that has an effect?
CK
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/24/2008
Has anyone experienced complete urinary retention after being on Lamictal for several years?
kense
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/21/2008
http://epilepsy.emedtv.com/lamictal/lamictal-side-effects.html this should help ellen
ellen
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/21/2008
Hi out there - is anyone experiencing lamictal side effects on their hair? I have had Very curly hair all my 57 years of life; it has almost completely wilted. This is quite distressing, as you might imagine. I know I am aging and postmenopausal and my hair is thinning due to that process, but....losing your natural curl?????
Help! I've complained about the frizzies but I want them back!
ellen o'
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