has anyone had this symptom?

[kimba]

Hi, I have been stuggling with getting any med. with minimal side effects. Lamictal seemed to be ok, but, it seems when I have taken it for a while and it is building up in my system (was on and off of it a couple times), my eyes will feel real TIRED, SORE, HEAVY. I'm not tired at all, just my eyes feel that way. To the point that it is very bothersome. I work doing data entry and it is too hard to do feeling that way. I got my eyes checked, used drops, whatever I can do but it does not help.

Has anyone experienced this with any medication? I just want to make sure it's the med. before I tell the Doctor.

Thank you!!

[RobinN]

I certainly would be suspicious of the med. However, don't expect the doctor to agree. My daughter had vision loss, and the Neurologist at that time, would not agree that it was the med. However, after a month off of the drug, she never had that symptom again.

You might look at this site:
www.askapatient.com

[Nakamova]

Hi Kimba --

I'm on Lamictal, and suffer from dry eyes, and blurred vision -- both definitely side effects of the drug. I have to use eye drops in the morning when I wake up, my eyes are almost sealed shut.

Nakamova

[Blondie47]

Kimba, Sorry you are having trouble! Maybe the doc or nurses would have a suggestion for relief. Hope this clears up soon!!!

[Meetz1064]

just now on a low level of Lamictal (and am hoping that's where I will stay). I have noticed that my eyes are a bit dry also in the morning, so I will be looking into eyedrops soon, I think, if it doesn't ease up......

[Crazy Monkey]

I take 500mg daily of Lamictal and I do get drowsy mid afternoon, I guess you could call it heavy eyed. I also went and had my eyes tested as they tend to get a bit glarey and unfocused as well. My sight was perfect, so it has been narrowed down now to either the Lamictal or epilepsy. Apart from that I am fine on Lamictal and it has been my best med to date.

[Meetz1064]

I was informed we are going to up my Lamictal (just to 75 mg am & pm) to see how things go...for a few reasons. If it doesn't work out, the neurologist's not quite sure what he's going to do. He's beginning to suspect that I'm overmedicated a bit because of the things I discussed with him in the appointment today--but each is needed to control all 4 types.

My last ambulatory EEG (the one I just finished) had just a few spikes during my sleep again....but other than that was pretty clean...

I actually like Lamictal, but boy am I tired. That was one of the things we talked about. The last few days, I've been sleeping wayyyyy tooo much.

[LuvMyTwins]

An interesting drug?!? I find that I'm more photosensitive with Lamictal. So, yes, I believe that it does mess with the eyes. Yet, I've found relief for this by taking in 2 oz of fresh wheat grass juice daily (yes, it does taste like grass---but it has a ton of magnesium).---LMT

[darcness]

I was just curious how long you've been on the meds and how you're doing now?

My wife had a very hard time when starting on Depakote. She was tired all the time, had cognitive issues, and in general just acted really medicated. For a while I couldn't tell if it was the meds or seizure activity. Then as if almost over night most of the SE dissapeared and she's doing great. It takes a while to get used to the meds, especially if you're starting on something new or you haven't been on anything for a while. Usually giving it time and keeping a log are good ideas. That way you can monitor your progress and if it's not getting any better after a while, talk to your neurologist about it.

[Meetz1064]

I've been on meds since I was..........hmmmmm. 13 months old. I started out on Phenobarb and Dilantin, together for 18 years, then suddenly went toxic. I don't remember the order, but I've since gone thru (and let's see if I can remember them all):

Depakote & Depakene
Felbatol
Neurontin
Clonazepam
Lamictal
Topamax
Keppra
Carbatrol
Mebaral
Primidone

I am forgetting some. There's 6 more. Heaven knows what they are though. I've been on Dilantin for a total of 35 years, Lamictal 7 + years (and am now back on it), Clonazepam (generic for Klonopin, and the only generic I can take) off and on for years, Keppra and I do NOT agree at all.

Right now, I'm not doing so well, and that's what the doctor and I talked about today in the office. Sleeping wayyy too much, spelling is a major issue (not cool for a writer/substitute teacher) and some other things. So, we're going to make some adjustments, after we do some bloodwork......

[RobinN]

Make sure you are following your nutritional needs for Celiacs, Meetz, and heal from the inside out. You might not need those meds after all. Treat the cause and the "four types" might just disappear. It is a possibility.... with time.

[darcness]

Let us know how things go Meetz. Sounds like you have a good repore with your neurologist and you can work things out. Sometimes it takes some tweaking and trial and error as I'm sure you're aware.

My wife was having major issues with Depakote until her body got more used to it. Hopefully it keeps her controlled because right now she takes 1000mg and is on monotherapy. From what I've seen, that's a relatively low/moderate dose and shouldn't cause too many problems.