New - reducing Lamictal

[Nakamova]

I'm so sorry Eibhlin. Big hugs to you and your husband.

[Eibhlin]

Hello everyone,

I hope that everyone is well.

I just thought I would give an update, sorry I haven't been here in a while, just didn't feel up to it.

We were completely heartbroken, but time really is a healer. Thanks for your message Nakamova, you are very kind. Just an aside, and off topic, but if anyone knows anyone who has a miscarriage, just say you're sorry, or google what you should say; most other words, although well-meaning, will only hurt them as you don't know their journey. Issue was low progesterone, baby was perfect, and it also confirmed what we had thought - I've had at least 6 undocumented miscarriages prior to this. So I'm on injections and other med now, bit ironic how I've reduced Lamictal only to go on something else.


Re reducing Lamictal, I feel healthier than I have felt in years, but that could also be because of eating mostly organic food, exercise, reducing stress, and having plenty sleep. We also moved to a quieter area, which is doing us the world of good. My head is alot clearer. I still get slight muscle twitches, but they are tiny, and mainly happen when I'm tired or upset.

TV and flashing lights seem to affect me more (feel nauseaus etc.), so I just avoid them. I wear sunglasses when I'm in a car and that helps with the light shining through the trees.

Certain sounds/music seem to affect me now though ... my husband noticed, so we just change the music.

I went to see the Neurologist in October and he was great, completely understanding about all the withdrawal effects and not surprised. He was very encouraging. Completely unlike my GP who reckoned I was just stressed when I explained the effects and wasn't very nice to be honest (in fact, I couldn't have been more relaxed while reducing as I wasn't able to do much anyway!). We are all amazed that I didn't have a seizure after the miscarriage, so lifestyle and food must be making a big difference.

I'm still on 25mg, which is teeny tiny, but will stay as I am for a while. I'll let you know when reducing! Thanks for your support.

Best of luck to anyone trying to reduce.

I wish you all good health and happiness for 2012.

[Nakamova]

Hi Eibhlin, thanks for the update. I did wonder how you were doing. With the low progesterone, has there been any discussion of trying a progesterone cream as an anti-seizure med? (low progesterone + high estrogen = seizure trigger). I know you are trying to avoid meds altogether, and I very much hope you can do so, but it might be worth keeping that option in mind.

[Eibhlin]

Thanks Nakamova, that's great advice as always, and it would make sense. I'll be seeing my neurologist in a couple of weeks so i'll say it to him.

Today is the first day of what will hopefully be the last leg of my withdrawal. I've started at 22.5mg, and the plan is to go to 20mg next week, 17.5 the week after and so on ... I think that is slow enough, so fingers crossed. I will slow down the pace depending on how i'm feeling.

I hope ye are all well