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Lamictal side effects/weight changes? Or Tegretol?

Mon, 08/13/2007 - 13:19
Hi everyone, For anyone who is or has been on lamictal, what has been your experience as far as weight changes or any other side effects with lamictal? I tend to gain weight very very easily and am looking for another med to try. I'm currently on Topamax and while it has been great as far as the weight loss, I just can't stand the side effects anymore. I'm constantly sick and cannot eat not anything. I'm also looking for a med that I can safely be on if I happen to become pregnant and this looks to be like one of them... Or how about Tegretol? Do any of you have favorable results with Tegretol as far as fewer side effects? Thanks :-) Elizabeth

Comments

Re: Lamictal side effects/weight changes? Or Tegretol?

Submitted by eliznyc on Tue, 2007-09-11 - 00:27
Hi Elizabeth, I think people react differently to meds, but my experience with Lamictal has not been positive. I have been taking now for 9 months, and in that time I have gained 15 pounds or so (up 2 dress sizes). Along with weight gain, I've had chronic stomach pain and nausea after eating. I am going to see my doctor this Friday to discuss alternatives. I am not sure how common weight gain is with Lamictal, but it has been an issue for me. Good luck with whatever you decide! Liz

Re: Lamictal side effects/weight changes? Or Tegretol?

Submitted by G Girl on Thu, 2009-03-26 - 16:09
When I started taking Lamictal I lost 20 lbs in a month.  I only weighed 105 lbs so to go down to 85 lbs was a huge problem even though I am only 5'3".  I used to chew food up & spit it out because I couldn't eat it.  If I could eat it hurt my stomach & make me feel really sick.  I hated Lamictal, I'd have panic attacks, freak out over nothing, be afraid to go to class (I was in college at the time) & was really depressed.  I finally quit one day when I had had it.  For over two years I didn't take any meds just so that I could be happy like I was before.  It took me almost two years to put the weight back on.  I switched to Keppra & have put on 10 lbs. but am happier not freaking out.  I hear that Keppra makes you grouchy too so maybe Keppra's not the best for me either, but I like it because my neuro said I could get pregnant & breastfeed.  For me it wasn't good but luckily there are other choices out there. 

Re: Re: Lamictal side effects/weight changes? Or Tegretol?

Submitted by Seruzies on Tue, 2007-09-11 - 03:05
Another thing I'm thinking is that I need to get my 40 year old fat-a$$ to the gym and start working out!

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