Worried about Suicidal Thoughts

[bovi says]

I am new to this site because I feel my problem has worsened enough where I think I might need help. I have been on Lamictal 100mg twice daily for three years. Like 6 months ago I started to get suicidal thoughts on a daily basis (5-20 times every day). After work I get home and reflect on the day and I get this urge to commit suicide. I am beginning to worry as I am starting to get visions and feel that I am desensitizing (if that is a word) myself to the fact of suicide. I have not had these thoughts before and was thinking that it was a sub-conscious factor, but I started looking at forums and came across some people with similar stories.
My neurologist basically freaked me out about dilantin saying the side effects outweigh the benefit, so I took lamictal thinking it was my best option. I don't know what to do, I don't have many (two in my life) siezures, but they were categorized as tonic-clonic. I am really scared, anyone have resources that might help???

 

[RobinN]

Unfortunately, from time to time we get members here who are feeling a bit low and post comments intimating a desire to commit suicide or otherwise die. Most of the time, it is not a serious threat and only a plea for attention.

If you are feeling that low, please call an emergency support hotline - do *not* post about it in the forum. All references to suicide will be removed.

We are not trained to handle people who are serious about suicide.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/index.php?p=alternative-treatments

 

[Birdbomb]

Welcome bovi

Some medication can cause suicidal thinking. Lamictial is one of them.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/Safety-RelatedDrugLabelingChanges/ucm154521.htm

My own experience with Depakote was awful. I'd stare at the bottles of medication and think maybe I should eat them all at once and be done with it.

The fact that you recognize this is NOT your normal way of thinking is important. Now you need to contact your doctor and convey honestly to him/her what you are thinking and feeling. Ask for a change in medication.

If you feel the need to act on your thoughts, GET TO A HOSPITAL! Suicide is a very touchy subject. Discussing how a medication, condition, situation, or illness makes you feel is one thing but making blatant statements like "I wish I was dead" or threats of suicide are SERIOUS BUSINESS. We are not trained or equipped to handle situations of such an extreme nature and urge anyone who in that predicament to GET HELP right away.

Thinking and acting on suicidal thoughts are different actions. Tell your doctor. NOW. There are better ways of treating epilepsy.

 

[Bernard]

Hi bovi says, welcome to the forum. :hello:

Were the seizures you experienced both before your started the Lamictal? If so, it sounds like it has been controlling the seizures well. Some food for thought:

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com...hen-seizures-have-been-controlled-years-1458/

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/proactive-prescription-epilepsy-1254/

As BB mentioned, suicidal thoughts / depression appears to be a side effect of most AEDs (including Lamictal). It sounds like Lamictal isn't the right treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your neurologist and find another treatment plan.