1. < Depression & Anxiety
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~ Side effects from anti-anxiety meds (Lamictal)~

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Nov 5, 2017

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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Profile picture for suesea
suesea | @suesea | Jun 11, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I 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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Hello. Sorry for the late reply. This week has been a bit harder than others - more physical pain and more trouble with my mind. The picture of Lola is lovely too. You have your own style which can be seen in each piece. Lola reminds me of a beautiful bird. ☺️
Goodnight, Susan - happy painting! 🎨

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Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael
SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael | @SusanEllen66 | Jun 11, 2025
In reply to @suesea "They need to add the astonishing icon... 😮 That is gorgeous. I love the colors and..." + (show)
Profile picture for suesea @suesea

They need to add the astonishing icon... 😮

That is gorgeous. I love the colors and atmosphere of the painting. You're talented! ☺️

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@suesea @standinginfaith
It was 108° today and I went for physical therapy. I came home exhausted, but decided to mess up the nice tree I started Monday.
It was very pretty until I decided to make a few little changes…

I used too much metallic and it overpowered everything.
But, here it is. Ta da…
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2 replies
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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | Jun 11, 2025
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@suesea @standinginfaith It was 108° today and I went for physical therapy. I came home exhausted,..." + (show)
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael @SusanEllen66

@suesea @standinginfaith
It was 108° today and I went for physical therapy. I came home exhausted, but decided to mess up the nice tree I started Monday.
It was very pretty until I decided to make a few little changes…

I used too much metallic and it overpowered everything.
But, here it is. Ta da…

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Another lovely painting!! So subtly vibrant and creative!! Please do keep them coming!!

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Profile picture for suesea
suesea | @suesea | Jun 12, 2025
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@suesea @standinginfaith It was 108° today and I went for physical therapy. I came home exhausted,..." + (show)
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael @SusanEllen66

@suesea @standinginfaith
It was 108° today and I went for physical therapy. I came home exhausted, but decided to mess up the nice tree I started Monday.
It was very pretty until I decided to make a few little changes…

I used too much metallic and it overpowered everything.
But, here it is. Ta da…

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It's very interesting! I do love painting with metallic paints and iridescent colors sometimes. They can be so much fun to add a bit of pop to your work.

To me, this painting looks like a flower and stem with leaves. Your color choices are soothing. I can't imagine 108 temperatures. It's going to be close to 90 here. That's hot enough. ☺️ Have a wonderful day. 🩷

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1 reply
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael
SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael | @SusanEllen66 | Jun 13, 2025
In reply to @suesea "It's very interesting! I do love painting with metallic paints and iridescent colors sometimes. They can..." + (show)
Profile picture for suesea @suesea

It's very interesting! I do love painting with metallic paints and iridescent colors sometimes. They can be so much fun to add a bit of pop to your work.

To me, this painting looks like a flower and stem with leaves. Your color choices are soothing. I can't imagine 108 temperatures. It's going to be close to 90 here. That's hot enough. ☺️ Have a wonderful day. 🩷

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@suesea “a bit of pop” is the key.
I didn’t do a bit. Rather I did a POP too much.
I like painting eyes. So the painting looks like leaves.

Hope you are feeling better than you were the other day.
In addition to MCI, I have FND, it’s Functional Neurological Disorder .
The FND is causing me way more trouble. Physical issues like tremors, visual, and gait problems are just a few of the symptoms.

Oh well, I will carry on the best I can.

Have a wonder filled Friday! 🌻

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Profile picture for suesea
suesea | @suesea | Jun 13, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I 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?

Jump to this post

Good morning. I'm glad you're staying positive. My pain level has been a lot worse lately, and I'm not sure why. Maybe some days are just better than others.

I hope you enjoy your Friday as well. Today we have activities, so it's fun. We have trivia games at 1pm, Happy Hour at 2pm, and Bingo at 3pm. After that it's dinner at 4:30. That's one of the nice things about living in assisted living facilities. It should be a good day. ☺️💕

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Profile picture for kb2014
kb2014 | @kb2014 | Jun 15, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I 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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I take lamotrigine ER generic 100mg for seizure prevention. I do not see in me it causing me suicidal ideation but each person reacts differently to medication. The only other thing I take mental health wise is escitalopram 5mg. I have ptsd. I have my own issues with hopelessness despair but I have coping skills. Please call 988. Can you get an appointment with your health care provider ?

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kb2014 | @kb2014 | Jun 27, 2025
In reply to @minajo "My nonverbal daughter, autism, epilepsy is titrating from 200( after 9 minutes seizure and one after..." + (show)
Profile picture for minajo @minajo

My nonverbal daughter, autism, epilepsy is titrating from 200( after 9 minutes seizure and one after in ambulance) to 300 XR brand name at 25 mg increase every week but seems especially sad, just no interest in doing simple things, like puzzle, wordsearch books.. She is low functioning on autism spectrum but just seems lifelessNo more seizures past week but if Lamictal for bipolar will she just get more depressed as dose goes up?We had a cheery, happy engaged daughter, now not soAlso takes Seroquel and Buspar, has for yearsAfter disaster with Zonisamide we hoped this drug would work .She was on Dilantin for many years but always had to go to lab for levels, adjust the doses..She can't talk but everyone sees the difference but doctors only want seizure control..Thanks to all in this group !

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I am having GI issues too. My origional does of lamotrigine was 100mg twice daily IR. In jaunary my neurologist began reducing the dose because I was having constipation. He said it was not an adverse effect but I did research and all AEDs can cause this. Now I am on lamotrigine 100mg ER daily. My constipation has improved. I have had to alter my diet. I am still working on this. I take Metamucil docusate. I like diet soda but my GI symptoms get worse so I am drinking green tea and lemon ginger tea. You seem to have a very tough situation and I am so sorry. I have ptsd. I have had life issues with anxiety and depression linked to unresolved trauma that I needed to adress. I had a craniotomy in May 2014 to remove abcess left temporal lobe from bacterial meningitis of my brain. I take also escitalopram 5mg and melatonin 10mg for sleep. I do not like polypharmacy in any form. I hope your situation with your daughter improves.

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1 reply
Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Jun 28, 2025
In reply to @kb2014 "I am having GI issues too. My origional does of lamotrigine was 100mg twice daily IR...." + (show)
Profile picture for kb2014 @kb2014

I am having GI issues too. My origional does of lamotrigine was 100mg twice daily IR. In jaunary my neurologist began reducing the dose because I was having constipation. He said it was not an adverse effect but I did research and all AEDs can cause this. Now I am on lamotrigine 100mg ER daily. My constipation has improved. I have had to alter my diet. I am still working on this. I take Metamucil docusate. I like diet soda but my GI symptoms get worse so I am drinking green tea and lemon ginger tea. You seem to have a very tough situation and I am so sorry. I have ptsd. I have had life issues with anxiety and depression linked to unresolved trauma that I needed to adress. I had a craniotomy in May 2014 to remove abcess left temporal lobe from bacterial meningitis of my brain. I take also escitalopram 5mg and melatonin 10mg for sleep. I do not like polypharmacy in any form. I hope your situation with your daughter improves.

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Hello @kb2014
Many AEDs can cause constipation, and it's really uncomfortable to deal with. While I didn't experience this particular side effect with Lamictal, I definitely had it with other AEDs and with my current one.
Have you considered trying golden flaxseed flour? I've been using it daily by adding a teaspoon to my yogurt, and it's made a significant difference for me. It might be worth giving it a shot!
Have a nice weekend!
Chris

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1 reply
Profile picture for kb2014
kb2014 | @kb2014 | Jul 3, 2025
In reply to @santosha "Hello @kb2014 Many AEDs can cause constipation, and it's really uncomfortable to deal with. While I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

Hello @kb2014
Many AEDs can cause constipation, and it's really uncomfortable to deal with. While I didn't experience this particular side effect with Lamictal, I definitely had it with other AEDs and with my current one.
Have you considered trying golden flaxseed flour? I've been using it daily by adding a teaspoon to my yogurt, and it's made a significant difference for me. It might be worth giving it a shot!
Have a nice weekend!
Chris

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Thank you Chris. I take a fiber supplement. I just added a probiotic supplement. I have to make sure I drink plenty of water. Green tea and lemon ginger tea help. I also take docusate. My symptoms are better. My appointment with a gastroenteroligist is in November. I continue to work on dietary issues. Something else I noticed is I need to walk at least 3000 steps daily. In NM with the heat recently it has become a challenge.

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