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~ Side effects from anti-anxiety meds (Lamictal)~
I am sitting here both relieved and thankful. Ever since I had my RTKR and then the revision, it doesn't hurt at all, but my balance is way off. I have to be extremely careful or I will fall, and some of them have been real hurtful ones......like on the garage floor which is concrete and I landed on my back, hitting my head, into the coffee table sending everything there flying, including my water and tea, walking up a slight hill on some grass, and many, many, more times. I haven't said anything to you all because I was terrified it was something awful .... a brain tumor, Parkinsons ....
Well .... I got the Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine and in the section on Stress and Mood Disorders, page 177, it talks about anti-anxiety medications. It says "side effects include unsteadiness, drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination, and problems with balance. These medications can also cause memory problems." I cannot tell you how relieved I was .... these side effects are primarily from the anti-anxiety meds.
I know that taking Lamictal, causes my hands to shake, and for that (they call them essential tremors) I have to take a small dose of propanalol, which is a beta blocker.
Anyhow, if any of you folks are experiencing any of this, as I have been, take heart .... it may not be at all what you think.
abby
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Posted a reply to your earlier posting.. thanks
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1 ReactionI have been on lamotrigine since February 2021. 200mg daily. Early this year my GI symptoms which have existed since I was prescribed anti seizure meds in 2014 got intolerable. Gas pain bloating constipation diarrhea. The research says these symptoms can be attributed to anti seizure meds. My neurologist was skeptical my symptoms were connected. Actually said no. Go see my PCP - I probably have UTI. However he did change and decrease my dose to generic lamotrigine ER 100mg daily. I am working on my diet. Making changes slowly - IBS diet. Urinalysis negative. I am seizure free and feel better on the lower dose. My GI symptoms are improving. Not sure if my post helps except to say the patient must be his or her advocate. Prescription meds can have many side effects. Your daughter cannot verbalize for herself and I am sorry you are enduring this. Since the change in dosage and drug form I have felt more fatigue and need naps.
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3 Reactions@minajo
Hi Maureen,
I hope you had a lovely Easter with your family!
I apologize if I have been repetitive with some of my answers. My memory doesn’t work as it once did. Looking at past conversations, I see I’ve already mentioned Kerry and Epidiolex to you before, which I couldn’t remember. For me, it’s more difficult to remember a person’s history when using code names instead of just their names. Thank you for sharing your name and Lisa's; it will be easier for me to recall what I’ve shared with you in the future.
I really can’t recall any other exams that can help find the correct AED for a specific type of epilepsy. Sorry! Perhaps others can be of more help.
I’m crossing my fingers for you to have a better experience with Lisa's new doctor this coming September!
Love,
Chris (@santosha)
I'm tagging Kerry (@keeg1010) again so that she sees your lovely post, @santosha and can connect with @minajo. 🙂
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4 ReactionsThank you! Just had oral surgery, kinda loopy here
Lisa had odd nap sunday afternoon, she NEVER naps, rarely sleeps so bothersome to me, thirsty ( possibly nocturnal seizure ?)and so hungry! Needs supervision or she inhales food! Thank you!!
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2 ReactionsI feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?
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10 Reactions@autumn2025 having suicidal thoughts calls for action on your part!
Call the Suicide Hotline NOW. The number is 988.
Please talk with them.
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8 ReactionsI am so sorry that you are suffering. I have treatment resistant major depressive disorder and have at best had a partial response to the numerous ssri and snri medications that I have tried. I had a very good and fast response to intramuscular ketamine, 3 sessions in one week. Perhaps that or esketamine (nasal spray) might be an option for you.
My depression symptoms have also improved dramatically alongside dietary changes I made to treat Collagenous Colitis. If you have any type of gut/digestion issue it could be wise to address that as it might be a significant contributor. If you are celiac or gluten sensitive for example that is worth checking out, both conditions may be dramatically under diagnosed.
Please stay. We need you. No one can replace you. I understand and relate to your feelings, but ask for help with the appropriate urgency needed based on your feelings.
I respect your courage posting here and sincerely hope you will continue to pursue remission.
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11 ReactionsI've tried over 50 medications, ECT, TMS, & Spravato- nothing works anymore. Just wondering if lamictal is causing the suicidal thoughts or if the longevity of the disease has run me down.
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7 ReactionsDid that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much of anything.
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