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30lbs lost since changing meds

Sat, 06/03/2006 - 21:11
I have recently mad a switch from Tegritol to Lamictal. I had been on Tegritol for over 14 years and it was becoming less and less effective. Anyway...since being on Tegritol I had gained steadily at tleast 10lb a year. NOW...I have been totaly off the Tegritol since the beginning of March and have dropped from 210lbs to 180lbs without changing anything other then my meds. I eat the same, exersize the same, everything the same. I am still losing weight. I am just so happy that I had to share.. Hope everyone had a great day.

Comments

Re: 30lbs lost since changing meds

Submitted by staciem on Thu, 2006-06-15 - 16:05
I really have no idea if this is common or not. I would imagine that if the only thing that has changed in your life is the medicine, then that very well could be a side effect. I am guessing you are happy with this, right? I recently started Lamictal, and am only on the 50 mg dose right now (titrating upwards). I hope that I begin losing weight on it. I do think it decreases my appetite some. Good luck! I hope Lamictal is effective for you! Stacie

Re: 30lbs lost since changing meds

Submitted by scorpio on Fri, 2006-06-16 - 07:45
Not surprised. I lost 15 lbs when I gave up Tegretol/Carbamazapine. Weight gain is a common side-effect. Chris

Re: 30lbs lost since changing meds

Submitted by aquila316 on Fri, 2006-06-16 - 08:35
Actually, from the research I've done it seems that weight issues (gain or loss) are quite a common side effect of almost all the anti- convulsants (summing them all up--not sure if they're all classified that way). I was on Depakote and gained quite a bit of weight, but from looking up meds in the medical books I have found that almost all the sz drugs cause some kind of weight issues-be it gaining or losing. I'm very happy for you that you are losing weight, it really is a great way to build confidence, Susan

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