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The Lamictal-insomnia connection

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 17:09

Topic: Medication Issues

Hello, I posted below about my big stupid issue as of late, but I wanted to ask this question separately as it might help give me insight to my medication. I am trying to figure out if my 50 mg/day dose of lamictal in the morning could be responsible for my insomnia. I am hearing that Lamictal's stimulant effects should wear off throughout the day. Is it possible that they don't completely and are the reason I struggle so much to fall asleep? I am at a loss as to whether my insomnia is the result of lamictal or anxiety, because they entered my life at the same time following my first and only seizure. Also, does anyone know if it would be possible to become more anxious following a dosage drop from 75mg/day to 50 mg/day of lamictal? I reduced my dose about a month ago in response to my insomnia thinking it would help, and things have only gotten worse. There are too many variables at play here for me to figure this crap out!

Comments

Re: The Lamictal-insomnia connection

Submitted by Lolad1287 on Sun, 2012-03-11 - 20:37

Yes, I am aware that sleep deprivation is a major seizure trigger. It is part of the reason I have bad anxiety about not sleeping, which in turn leads me to not sleep. It is a ridiculous cycle. Very fortunately, I am not very prone to seizures and have only had one that was the result of heavy alcohol intoxication. But seizures or not, I still need sleep in order to be a happy, functioning human being. I just wish someone could tell me whether the lamictal is really making a difference in my sleep or not so I could stop thinking about it. I don't want to stop (yet) or switch to some other medication that makes me have other side effects if Lamictal isn't causing my insomnia. It's only 50 mg, and it's only in the mornings. Could that really keep me awake?

Re: The Lamictal-insomnia connection

Submitted by tcameron on Sun, 2012-03-11 - 23:03

I'm only another patient, not qualified to give medical advice. However, I take 700 mg Lamictal/day 400 mg a.m., 300 mg p.m. I doubt 50 mg of Lamictal will give you insomnia, but every body is different. Only you and your doctor can figure that one out together.

I'm glad that your seizures are controlled. Take care of yourself!

Re: The Lamictal-insomnia connection

Submitted by Lolad1287 on Mon, 2012-03-12 - 12:20

I think you're probably right. I blame the Lamictal because I can't wrap my head around the fact that stupid anxiety could disrupt my sleep and my life so much right now. Doc prescribed some Trazadone for night time, which seems to be helping. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Here I am complaining about 50 mg a day and you're doing fine with 700. There is a reality check!

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