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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

I have been diagnosed with

Submitted by Kristygodfreyquarrell on Sat, 2020-02-29 - 04:08
I have been diagnosed with TLE. I was having 10-15 seizures a day. I was in ICU twice and i was intubated and in an induced coma as i stopped breathing. Thank god i was in hospital both times. I have a 7yr old son. Im so scared that will happen when im at home. Im on lamictal. I ha e major insomnia. I would love to hear from other people that are scared of their diagnosis. And any advice about dealing with anxiety due to beimg scared. Thanku :)

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

Submitted by Believe on Wed, 2009-07-29 - 11:49

Hi Elizabeth,

I was started on Lamictal when I was first diagnosed.  I am extremely sensitive to medications and was taken off of Lamictal because of a reaction.  I was then put on Tegretol.  The side effects were very hard to adjust to in the beginning, but eventually it got better.  It was a hard road at first though.  But, again, remember I am extra-sensitive to any kind of medication.  I still experience side effects to a much lesser degree than in the beginning when I am not in tip-top shape and let myself get rundown-- and then oh boy-- are the side effects back!   (i.e. sickness, not getting enough sleep, etc. ) After having a breakthrough seizure Topomax was added on top of Tegretol. That was a mess!  I started having problems breathing and I dropped 6 lbs in the first week alone.  I was rapidly taken off of Topomax and my Tegretol level was just increased.  I haven't noticed any weight differences with Tegretol.  I still haven't gained back the 10+ lbs. I ultimately lost while on the Topomax.

I hope the info helps and good luck! 

Hi Elizabeth,

I was started on Lamictal when I was first diagnosed.  I am extremely sensitive to medications and was taken off of Lamictal because of a reaction.  I was then put on Tegretol.  The side effects were very hard to adjust to in the beginning, but eventually it got better.  It was a hard road at first though.  But, again, remember I am extra-sensitive to any kind of medication.  I still experience side effects to a much lesser degree than in the beginning when I am not in tip-top shape and let myself get rundown-- and then oh boy-- are the side effects back!   (i.e. sickness, not getting enough sleep, etc. ) After having a breakthrough seizure Topomax was added on top of Tegretol. That was a mess!  I started having problems breathing and I dropped 6 lbs in the first week alone.  I was rapidly taken off of Topomax and my Tegretol level was just increased.  I haven't noticed any weight differences with Tegretol.  I still haven't gained back the 10+ lbs. I ultimately lost while on the Topomax.

I hope the info helps and good luck! 

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

Submitted by Bloodyrose on Thu, 2008-11-20 - 11:36
I've gained weight on Lamictal. I'm adding Keppra to the mix and hoping I'm not one of the unfortunate ones that gains weight on that too. Valproate was the worst for me (both for weight gain, and other side effects), and I shot up about four dress sizes. I lost the weight, but since Lamictal I've put on a dress size again. For me, it's appetite. I'm always hungry. It's horrible!

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