Feeling exhausted and dizzy on Lamictal.
By Kythe42
@Kythe42 (1412)
United States
April 2, 2007 11:39am CST
My doctor gave me a starter pack for Lamictal that is designed to build you up to 100mg. I've been on 50mg for awhile and I've just been feeling so tired even though I'm getting lots of sleep. I just always feel like I can't keep my eyes open and I've been napping more. I've also been getting dizzy spells, I'm not sure if that's related to being exhausted or not. Last night I took 100mg for the first time. I don't feel any worse, but it takes awhile for the increased dose to get into the system.
I tried to call my doctor to ask what I should do with the meds because it's really hard being so tired all the time. Unfortunately he's out of town and he didn't even leave another doctor's number for patients to call if they need to. That makes me really angry. He's not going to be back until next week and I really feel like I need to talk to a doctor before then.
Should I just tough it out till my doctor gets back, or maybe should I lower the dosage?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Jennifer21 (2476)
• United States
2 Apr 07
Lamicktal is a very tricky perscription. I am on it for biplar. If you increase or decrease your perscription too quickly, you could break out in a deadly rash! It is completelly normal to feel sleepy for awhile. If it helps, you can take your pills at night. That will help you stay awake during the day. If you still are weary, make sure you contact your doctor before you take action on your own. Just keep up with the doctors orders until he comes back and you can talk with him.
@Kythe42 (1412)
• United States
2 Apr 07
I'm on it for depression. I'm also on Zoloft I do take the pills at night already because that's when it's easiest for me to remember to take it. I just really wish my doctor had left a number for a doctor for patients to call while he's away. It just seems really inconsiderate not to do that. I guess I'll just have to deal with it till he gets back.
It sucks though because I have college classes that I need to go to and I don't know if I can stay awake for them.
1 person likes this
@Kythe42 (1412)
• United States
2 Apr 07
I probably shouldn't have been driving, but I ended up going to class anyway. I'm not sure why I bothered because I was so out of it that I didn't even hear most of what the professor said. I'll call the hospital if I'm still feeling this way tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm not alone. I live with my mother and two younger sisters. My uncle is also visiting right now.
@jumpinjack00 (3054)
• United States
7 Apr 07
WHOA, Wait a minute! I just read you're on it for
depression! You shouldn't be on Lamictal at all.
You must absolutely get off it and get another doc.
This one is a quack!
‹(°¿°)›
@jumpinjack00 (3054)
• United States
7 Apr 07
That's why I mentioned that you may be having
a toxic reaction. This dosage may be too much
for your system. I would cut back until you
see another doc. Also do some research about
the interaction between your meds. Go to the
Mayo Clinic website for starters.
www.mayoclinic.com/
‹(°¿°)›
@Kythe42 (1412)
• United States
7 Apr 07
Actually many medications that are used to treat seizures are also used to treat psychiatric conditions. A lot of medications have more than one use. Being on Lamictal for depression isn't the problem. I was on Lamictal in the past for depression and it helped a lot. For some reason I seem to be reacting badly to it this time. I'm definitely calling my doctor on monday which is when he gets back from being out of town.
@jumpinjack00 (3054)
• United States
7 Apr 07
I'm guessing you're taking Lamictal for seizures, right?
If so; Is that the only one you're on? I've been taking
this medication for 11 years and still only take 25mg
at a time. 3 times a day. You may need more but if it's
making you dizzy right now, I would decrease the dose by
25mg until you see your doc. Though you may have seen him
since you posted this.
Lamictal can quickly become toxic if the dose is
too strong for your needs. Especially if it's taken
in addition to another medication. If it is seizures you're having it's a good chance you're having night
seizures. Which doesn't let you sleep all that well.
Back to the toxic part. You will definitely feel dizzy,
maybe have headaches, be sleepy and possibly nausea.
I would definitely see another doctor, period.
If this isn't about seizures ignore what I wrote.
‹(°¿°)›
