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Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Mon, 03/10/2008 - 23:43

Topic: Medication Issues

I have been taking Lamictal for about a year and a half and Lexapro for a year. The past few months I have noticed I am having weight gain. I don't understand why I am gaining weight because I am a very active person. I go to the gym almost every day and work out for at least 30 minutes or an hour if I take an aerobics class. Some of my weight gain could possibly be muscle since I work out a lot, but I don't think it all is because my jeans no longer fit and I've had to go up a size. Also the muscle tone I had been gaining from working out itsn't as noticible anymore. Its like I have a layer of fat over it. I know it can't be my diet because I usually eat pretty well. I have never had weight problems before so I don't know how to deal with this. I am thinking it could possibly be the Lexapro because I have heard some antidepressants can cause weight gain. The thing I don't understand though is if it is caused by my meds than why am I just now experiencing it? Does certain side effects take longer to show up or does long term use of the drug cause increased side effects? Has anyone experienced this problem with either of these drugs? I can't quit taking my seizure med obviously, but I don't think I really need the Lexapro anymore since the main reason my neuro put me on it was because Keppra made me so depressed and irritable. I haven't taken Keppra in almost a year so I don't believe I need Lexapro anymore. Does anyone have any input on this?

Comments

Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Submitted by craigory8 on Fri, 2008-05-23 - 17:03

I had huge problems with weight gain and Depakote. I counted calories and worked out and still was gaining weight. My doctor switched me to Zonisamide. With that I had terrible depression. It amazes me how I made it through that time. I then went to Keppra and felt better than I have in years. The only problem is it didn't work and had regular breakout seizures. I am now on Lamictal. I am very scared about how it will work. I realize I'm going to have to just deal with side effects at some point.

Craig M.

Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

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Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Submitted by crazy4mycrafts on Wed, 2009-03-25 - 01:08

I have been taking Lamictal for about 3 yrs now. It is the best medication I have taken to control my epilepsy. The part I'm not liking about it is the side effects. I have also noticed a change in muscle tone. All my muscle has turned to fat. It sucks! I've never had this kind of problem. I also have severe weakness and fibromyalgia. I get double vision and blurred vision from this med also. From the research I have done I have found that it has to do with the depletion of Glutamine. Glutamine is what lamictal is inhibiting. Our body synthesizes glutamine on its own. So when it is depleted there are bound to be changes. Glutamine is necessary for muscle development and colon health. I also have ulcerative colitis (a connection there?) and have suffered from it for a very long time. I am currently trying to figure out if supplements of glutamine will help regain muscle or if it will make the epilepsy worse. It's a toss up. Which side effect do you like more? Seizures, or fat... Having diseases is so frustrating!!!

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