Lamictal

[waderer]

Is there an alternative to Lamictal as it messes with my head?

[Nakamova]

Keppra, valproate, vimpat, tegretol... Check with your neurologist for recommendations --depending on the kind of seizures you have and any other health issues, some meds may be better than others for your particular situation.

[momof3boys]

Is this a new medication you've started, or have you been on Lamictal for awhile now? My dr had me try Lamictal in April of this year, and I had a terriable severe side effect from it. My glands around my neck area swelled up huge! Very bad sores broke out around my chin area, which I thought at first was the acne Ive read about, which can happen with lamictal. But then the more I went up in dose, the worst they got. Cracking, bleeding... just wasnt a good deal! By the time I got to my primary care dr, they said I was have a severe allergic reaction and to contact my neurologist right away. within days of quitting, my health had returned back to normal again.

Ive been on Keppra XR since, and so far so good. I agree with Nakamova, and call your neurologist to check on a different medication that will work for you. Hang in there!

[waderer]

First of all please accept my apologies for being so tardy in getting back to you. No this is not a new medication for me as I have been on it for about 3-4 years For 2-3 years I had no problem with it, but now all of a sudden I am having this adverse reaction.

I might add that I recently retired, so I am not as active as I once was. Can the fact that I am not as active as I was when I was working have anything to do with my troubles?

[momof3boys]

I wouldnt think being not as active as you had before, would cause you to have a adverse reaction. If its something that really bothers you, I would for sure be contacting your neurologist to let them know.

[nicholasscott21]

Hi! as mentioned before, I was on Lamotrigine for four days and ended up having a break down lasting 6months! I could not see anyone; my neighbour came over with meals for me every night which I would take without conversation. I was extremely anxious. I ended up taking diazepam until quetiapine kicked in. The replacement for lamotrigne was tegretol which works well for me but didn't quite bring my seizure level down so now as well as tegretol 800mg I am taking Clomazepam 5mg and I have not had a fit for 15 days whereas before I was have up to 12 every night. As I've said before, some people have a bad reaction to tegretol and get on fine with lamotrigine so have a word with your neurologist.

[Nakamova]

I might add that I recently retired, so I am not as active as I once was. Can the fact that I am not as active as I was when I was working have anything to do with my troubles?

Your metabolism may have slowed down, and as a result, your dose may need to be lowered. Have you discussed this possibility with your neurologist?