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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 Liska on Tue, 2007-09-11 - 12:19
Hello to all, I have been on Lamictal for 5 years and have not had any weight changes related to my meds. In those 5 years I have had 4 seizures and all of them were from me forgeting to take my meds. Lamictal is quite tempermental but once the doctor gets you on the right dosege it works great. Last year I had a beautiful baby boy. Lamictal had no effect on him whatsoever. I was unable to breastfeed him but he is healthy and strong. Formula is more money but just as healthy for our little ones. Good luck to you, Melissa

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Submitted by ang0823 on Mon, 2007-09-17 - 21:58
I have been taking Lamictal for a few weeks now and with the change in my appetite, I do not see me gaining weight on it. I am rarely hungry and when my stomach does growl, I eat about half of what I used to. It is one of the few side effects that I have encountered so far that isn't too bad. I was on Keppra for a while and that made me want to eat all the time...and sweets (and I am not a sweet eater).

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Submitted by jillyjill on Tue, 2007-10-02 - 21:13
Hi Elizabeth, I have been on Lamictal for well over a year. I do not have epilepsy, but i am bipolar 2 and its worked out great for me. I have had no weight gain what so ever and I know a couple of other people who have had the same positive experience that i've had. As far as getting pregnant while taking Lamictal, there's no guarentee, but the chances are slimmer in regards to birth defects. One important thing you MUST do is have your doctor write you a prescription for folic acid- this will help decrease the chances of birth defects even more- you should start taking them at the same time you start taking the Lamictal I hope this has helped you out and Good Luck!

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