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TeriAdele

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I have epilepsy and I know one of the side effects of Lamictal is weight gain. I remember when i first started to take it my doctor said it was like a steroid. I take 200g in the morning and 300g at night. The longest I have went without a seizure is one year and a half, so I do actually like being on this medication, it has proven to be the most effective for me.

The only problem I have is if it is preventing me to lose weight? I started taking Lamictal when I was 14 and weighed 125 pounds; now I'm 19 and weigh 167 pounds. I used to do netball, boxing and swimming from ages 11 to 14 and a half. Epilepsy made me not want to do anything but long walks.

My mum found old photographs and I saw what I used to look like, I had a jawline, I was wearing a bikini on holiday with pride. It made me feel physically sick. I decided from there that I would start to lose weight, to be able to wear a bikini on holiday this September.

I started going to a Zumba class, I went everyday of the week and I also cut down on my eating habits, I stopped eating sweets, I had my food put on a smaller plate and I was drinking 6-7 pints of water. I had only lost 4 pounds in a month (a pound each week). On average the rest of the class had lost on average 20 pounds in a month (5 pounds a week)

I just want to know is Lamictal preventing the weight loss?
 
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Hi TeriAdele, welcome to CWE!

I've been on Lamictal for over 6 years. I gained weight on it too. Upping my exercise didn't seem to do the trick for me, but last year I was able to lose much of the weight through diet, specifically the "5/2" diet. (See http://thefastdiet.co.uk/) Everyone responds differently to the meds, so I can't say for sure what approach might work for you.

I know it must be disappointing not to have lost as much as others in your Zumba class, but 20 pounds/month is a very fast pace -- not typical at all. If it's any comfort, slower steadier weight loss tends to be more permanent. Even without weight significant weight loss, everything you've done so far is terrific for your overall health.

Have you met with a dietitian or nutritionist? They might be able to find specific ways alter diet in order to better jumpstart your metabolism.

Best,
Nakamova
 
My doctor said that I would at some point be seeing a nutritionist but nothing has ever happened. I should ask when I see her again in May. Thank you for your reply :D
 
Hi! I agree with Nakamova that 1 pound a week is a realistic weight loss, so you can feel good about that. I have been on lamotrigine for about 15 years and have had no issues with weight gain. On the whole, weight gain or loss is all about calories in vs. calories out. If you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight, and vice versa. Chances are that what caused the weight gain for you was the decrease in exercise, even if nothing else changed. Increased exercise and cutting out sweets and maybe other junk type foods should probably get you back to where you want to be. Carry on!
 
Hi and welcome.

I'm sure the medication is making it harder to lose weight, but eat good foods and one pound a week is very healthy. You don't want to lose too fast or it may cause some health problems.

You're already on the right track.
 
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