Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

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

Submitted by Seruzies on Tue, 2007-09-11 - 00:04
In the short amount of time I have been on Lamictal, I have noticed I have been putting on weight. Mind you, I just turned 40, and have never had a problem with weight, but I have been putting on a few pounds since I started taking Lamictal. Dilantin never seemed to give me any trouble like this.

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

Submitted by wellygirl on Mon, 2009-07-27 - 11:33

I have been on Lamactil for 11 years now and it has been ok, I was first on Tegretol and increased 17kgs in 8 weeks but it left me a zombie, I felt awful. I have always been skinny. Neuro then put me on combo of Lamactil 500mg/day, I went the opposite extreme, the weight gain slowed down but I became insomniac - my brain raced day and night and my memory was terrible (still is).

I asked to come off the tegretol and go it alone on Lamactil. My sleepiness improved coming off the Tegretol and my weight came down 10 kgs in a very short space of time and stayed that way for 10 years - even having twins in the middle. I reduced my Lamactil to 150mg when we started for baby and took a prescribed large dose of Folic acid for 3 months before pregnancy and the first trimester. My twins were born healthy and I breastfed for 6 months.

 A while back I started experiencing dramatic side effects from the Lamactil, so I self reduced and it didn't go well. I was referred to a new neuro who put me on a combo of Keppra and Lamactil. So far so good, except for putting on 6kgs. I am 41 now and I don't know if it is my new Keppra (increased ravenous appetite) or just turning 40 but I have put on 6kgs. Am still taking Lamactil of 100mg/day. The most frustrating thing I find is the memory loss and for everyone around me! Good luck.

I have been on Lamactil for 11 years now and it has been ok, I was first on Tegretol and increased 17kgs in 8 weeks but it left me a zombie, I felt awful. I have always been skinny. Neuro then put me on combo of Lamactil 500mg/day, I went the opposite extreme, the weight gain slowed down but I became insomniac - my brain raced day and night and my memory was terrible (still is).

I asked to come off the tegretol and go it alone on Lamactil. My sleepiness improved coming off the Tegretol and my weight came down 10 kgs in a very short space of time and stayed that way for 10 years - even having twins in the middle. I reduced my Lamactil to 150mg when we started for baby and took a prescribed large dose of Folic acid for 3 months before pregnancy and the first trimester. My twins were born healthy and I breastfed for 6 months.

 A while back I started experiencing dramatic side effects from the Lamactil, so I self reduced and it didn't go well. I was referred to a new neuro who put me on a combo of Keppra and Lamactil. So far so good, except for putting on 6kgs. I am 41 now and I don't know if it is my new Keppra (increased ravenous appetite) or just turning 40 but I have put on 6kgs. Am still taking Lamactil of 100mg/day. The most frustrating thing I find is the memory loss and for everyone around me! Good luck.

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

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.