Lamictal and birth control pills...

[CathyAnn31]

I did some googling on my own and now I am even more confused.

Some say the BCP lessens the seizure meds, some say the sz meds lessen the effectiveness of the BCPs.

Does anyone have personal experience with this?

Thanks.

 

[Nakamova]

Here's the scoop:

1. There is no clinically significant change in birth control pill blood levels and effectiveness when combined with Lamictal. So the pill still works fine when you're on Lamictal.

2. There is, however, a very slight effect of birth control pills on Lamictal concentrations. Taking Lamictal with birth control pills will result in slightly lower blood levels of Lamictal. And then during the one-week placebo pill phase of birth control pills, blood levels of Lamictal will actually go up. Slightly. This is most relevant when someone is in the process of increasing their Lamictal dose -- If you increase the dose of Lamictal at the same time that you are entering the blank-pill section of the birth control pills, then you will be receiving a larger increase in the Lamictal than was intended. So it makes sense to avoid Lamictal increases during that last week of the pills.

If you're already at a stable dose, and not particularly sensitive to minor fluctuations in the levels of AED in your system, then you should be fine on Lamictal.

(Me, I use an IUD just to avoid all this...)

 

[CathyAnn31]

Thanks for your response.

Actually my hubby had the big snip 5 yrs ago. My dr prescribed the BCP last spring for my irregular, painful periods. I took a brief break, but its become painful again, and I am wondering if it's safe to use.

I should probably call my neuro and see what he says.

Thanks again, Cathy

 

[Rae1889]

I used to use the Depo needle to help with my extremely painful periods because I also have ovarian cysts. *nothing major* DO NOT EVER TRY THIS! It made my tiny 100lb frame of 16 years old got to 150 pounds in 3 months or less *resulting in horrible stretch marks on my thighs that I cnat get rid of for the life of me* and made my hair start falling out, pissy mood swings and very miserable.

I dont use anything at the moment as I am just starting my AED and am still ramping up the dosage. If anything though Yaz was my favourite, I cleared my skin and helped with my period as it only has a 4 day blank pill as opposed to 7. very nice to have a 2 day light period instead of 7+ heavy period.

 

[CathyAnn31]

I tried the depo shot years ago when we wanted a break from having kids. I had issues as well. I bled the whole time. I was told it would get better in a few months after I get that 2nd shot. onder: Um no thanks!!!