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Lamictal side effects
I have been taking Lamictal for quite awhile now and ever since I started it my writing has been shaky and terrible. My doctor put me on Propanalol, which didn't seem to work. So, on my own, I reduced my Lamictal from 2 to 1 tablets per day (going only 1/4 tab. at a time), and my writing is much improved, but not totally normal. My doctor in another town and state told me that Lamictal did cause the shakiness and she also went with the propanalol. I don't see my doctor for another 4 weeks to tell him about this. Is there anything that is more effective for this reaction than propanalol? Thanks much. Barb
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This is not a sophisticated solution, but maybe your daughter will comply with a daily dose of prunes -- either 5-6 whole or chopped (any brand but I prefer Italian) or 8 oz. juice, for constipation caused by PD, does the trick for me. I also take a fair amount of Lamictal daily for depression with no side effects. I'm plugged into this group because close family members suffer from epilepsy. Challenges with your dear daughter are immense and I wish you my very best.
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3 ReactionsThank you, yes, she's on Lactulose, Miralax, Colace .. too much..
Her behavior escalated after she went into status epilepticus three weeks ago, but has been seizure free since those seizures at 250 mg Lamictal
Her autism complicates so much as she's nonverbal roo so g i. pain can cause behavior too..
Not much sleep even with Melatonin and that makes matters worse
We're hanging in day to day and just hope she gets a break soon, from seizures and her g. i. issues.
Thank you for your support!!
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2 Reactions@minajo
It doesn't sound like the Lamictal is controlling her seizures, especially if she goes into status epilepticus. I also have a history of Status with long term comas. I hope they didn't have to put her into an induced coma to stop her seizures. Was this her first time having status seizures?
Have you mentioned to the doctor about changing, increasing the Lamictal dose or an adjunctive medicine?
Can your daughter communicate, perhaps in some type of distressed behaviour she is having drug side effects?
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2 Reactionswhile I was taking Vimpat, I had severe constipation. What helped me was a daily drink recommended by my family doctor: cole, dry prunes and papaya. It helped me a lot!
Chris (@santosha)
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3 ReactionsHi @minajo
Perhaps your daughter is having this aggressive behavior because she can not sleep well. As I mentioned in another post, insomnia was the worst side effect I had while taking Lamictal. I also became aggressive during the period of insomnia.
Chris (@santosha)
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2 ReactionsI want to try your concoction of prunes and papaya because I like variety and I always look for natural or organic remedies. Many thanks!
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3 ReactionsYes, big issue with autism is sleep problems.. rhen sleep deprivation can lead to seizures.. she has been on 10 mg Melatonin, last year a dr put her on Trazadone which caused things to get worse.. had to get her off ..
Course being 48 now perimenopause , soon menopause.. she is on Prednisone ..
Her care home provider is against the marijuana rx as is the neuro..
Her autism/ neuro dr recently discharged her as he wasn't happy we took her off Dilantin( many problems with blood levels, seizures after 10 years on it) said it caused the status epilepticus so now isn't even addressing her autism..
So now i just have her epileptologist who ordered zonisanide, ( caused severe constipation, impaction) now lamictal.. but she won't handle the behavior meds.. really quite a mess and so i can only hooe lamictal will work!
Thank you for all your support..
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2 ReactionsMinajo,
I agree with @jakedduck1, Lamictal does not seem to be working well for her, unfortunately.
There are still many doctors who are against medical cannabis because they have not studied the endocannabinoid system. Epidiolex (pure CBD) is a medication that was approved by the FDA.
It seems that the medications your daughter has been and is on are bringing her more harm than benefits, just like it happened to me. If I would be in your situation, I would check for a second opinion. This friend whose son is autistic and also has epilepsy went to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion, having Epidiolex been prescribed to her son. It changed her life as well as her son's life. I have sent you her e-mail in a private message in case you are willing to exchange experiences with her.
Chris (@santosha)
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2 ReactionsMy daughter is at her target dose 300 mg lamictal and we will try to get lab level done this Monday, she will need Ativan as of course the side effects known for drug insomnia and aggressiveness are present
Her epileptologist states we knew we'd have issues but to keep going rill target dose
She suggested Klonipin for sleep but daughter did awful on Trazadone..
Shes on 10 melatonin but i wonder if Valerian root could be added? Some supplement instead of another addictive controlled med? 😵💫
She wouldn't get in bed last night, care home has rules!
She fell asleep in big comfy chair, i said let her just get sleep, no matter where
Sometimes my. hands tied with carehome as with the medical cannabis, they are against it.. oh my..
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1 Reaction@amberpep, welcome back. Before changing the dosage of a medication, you should always talk to your prescribing doctor or a pharmacist. Can you call your doctor tomorrow? If you can’t talk to your doctor before your appointment, you may wish to consult with a pharmacist.
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2 Reactions