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Lowered immunity on Lamictal?
Mon, 05/01/2006 - 10:21Topic: Medication Issues
My husband has epilepsy, and has been on Lamictal since January 2006. Prior to going on the medication, he was the healthiest man I had ever known. He does not have any recollection of ever being sick as a child, teenager or adult. I'm sure he suffered a cold here and there, but nothing that sticks out in his mind. However, since starting the Lamictal, he is sick quite often. He came down with a severe case of the flu in February, shortly after that had a throat infection, and right now has a painful sinus infection. Also, he's dealing with allergy-type symptoms on a regular basis that he never had before (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes.)
I have no idea whatsoever if the Lamictal has any correlation to his lowered immunity to environmental ailments, but thought I'd put the question out there anyway. I can't seem to find any information on the web that confirms my suspicion. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Comments
I’m 17, and on 200mg a day, I
Submitted by Dennye on Wed, 2018-12-26 - 20:58
I’m 17, and on 200mg a day, I’ve been ill also currently since being diagnosed last November, it never seems too stop.
Re: Lowered immunity on Lamictal?
Submitted by rileymom on Sun, 2006-07-09 - 02:22
My 4 year old daughter is on 350 mg/ day of Lamictal. i have noticed the same issues with her being sick. The problem with her is the recurrent low grade fevers. When she gets a fever she seizes like crazy. I'm starting to wonder if the Lamictal could be causing these too. The neurologist says no, but who's to say.
Re: Lowered immunity on Lamictal?
Submitted by coolcanadian on Tue, 2006-05-02 - 00:27
Hi Sarah, my immune system gets weak when my Lamictal level gets too high. I get colds, sore throats, broncitis and the like. A couple of times an acne break out happens along just to keep things interesting for a 52 year-old. I don't know if anyone else does this with their neuro/MD, but we adjust my dose from between 200 and 400mg/day depending on the most recent blood test. If I'm under less stress than usual, we can back off toward 200. I don't know if I'm remembering this right (love that side effect, eh) but I think L can cause immune impairment. Check over on the Medications section on the main page. Hope this helps a bit- cc