Side effects of Lamotrigine - too high a dose?

[Jadorecats]

I was seizure-free for 4.5 years until I got pregnant, and my medication was doubled as a result. I've now had my baby (almost 6 months ago) and am now wondering if I'm overmedicated. I feel like my brain works more slowly, I can't get my words out, and sometimes become much more aware suddenly of what I'm doing or my surroundings (e.g. walking, swimming). Has anyone had a similar experience? I obviously don't want to reduce the dose unnecessarily because I've not had a seizure since last July, but equally if these are side effects of being overmedicated, I'd prefer to reduce down again.

[Adlon57]

Here I go again; night terrors, rotting of teeth [long term use], and slowing of reactions [almost out of body reactions]. I was on Lamotrigine [Lamictal] for long term, I have Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy had it for over 50 years, so been through a LOT of epilepsy medication, Lamotrigine I usually had with another medication, but when changing medication I was on the stuff on its own, then I had "night terrors" in the process of going to sleep I would have like an electric shock, which sometimes could throw me out of bed, not to be recommended, take about an hour to recover! Due to me being on the medication from 2013-2017 my teeth rotted, some actually falling out of my gums. Noticed by Dentist and myself since ratified by medical authorities. I have been on that much medication over the years the slowing of reactions etc, could well have happened with me, noticed by me about ten years ago. I have mentioned Epilepsy medication side effects on HU many times, had over 400 seizures, my last was 1st April, so if any info sounds familiar good Luck👍

[ChrisLyn]

Sounds like your dose needs to be reduced. I’ve had the big E for 50 years now 25 years Dilantin last 25 years on Keppra, just starting bringing my dose down in small increments best thing I’ve ever done never felt better .

[Jadorecats in reply to ChrisLyn]

Amazing news! I don't know either of those medications but what made you decide to reduce the dose? Have you stopped having certain side effects since you started reducing it?

[ChrisLyn in reply to Jadorecats]

My Nuerologist advised to begin reducing the dose as I’ve been seizure free for some time. Albeit some auras that did not go any further. Apparently as you get older you don’t need as much medication. Of course don’t try this without medical advice. Just feel much clearer headed on less meds.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Jadorecats

With some epilepsy medicines the level of the medicine in your system should be monitored before, during, and after pregnancy. If needed the doses will be adjusted according to the results. The levels can alter during pregnancy and may increase after birth.

You haven’t said which epilepsy medicine you take, so here is a link to information on medicine and side effects that you may find helpful.

bnf.nice.org.uk/

If you have concerns, you should talk to your epilepsy specialist or epilepsy nurse. Or your GP if you no longer attend the hospital for your epilepsy. Also you may find it helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms to share with them.

If you wish to talk to our helpline team and you live in the UK, please do phone our freephone helpline 0808 800 5050.

Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm, and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team

[Jadorecats in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thank you for the response! I stated the medication in the title - it's Lamotrigine.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action in reply to Jadorecats]

So sorry Jadorecats, I totally missed that. Lamotrigine levels can be affected during pregnancy. So it may be best to talk to your epilepsy team and ask for a blood test.

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action

[Hidden]

What's your dosage? How much do you weigh? Non-smoker I presume.

[Jadorecats in reply to Hidden]

Dosage is now 100mg twice a day and I'm around 13 stone - currently trying to lose my baby weight! And yes, non-smoker.

[Hidden]

100mg x 2 a day is pretty low. Monotherapy ? Or are you taking another drug?

[Jadorecats in reply to Hidden]

Just Lamotrigine. I was previously on 50mg twice a day which kept me seizure-free for 4.5 years, and my pregnancy is believed to be the reason for the last seizure. I've only ever had three seizures in total.

[Hidden]

Overexertion can cause a seizure in anybody. It's all down to depriving your brain of oxygen. Some can take more. Did you have an MR scan before they put you on Lamotrigine (Lamical I hope. Most of the money-making generics have failed)?

[mxcosta]

I'm 40 years old, taking 400mg/day - 200mg twice a day.

So I think it's not overmedicated... but I would reduce the dosage if I was you.... in my opinion, the least the dosage you take, the better to your overall health.

So if 50mg was working for you, I would suggest you to talk to your doctor and go back to 50mg

[Jadorecats in reply to mxcosta]

Thank you! How many seizures have you had to result in such a high dose, if you don't mind me asking?

[mxcosta in reply to Jadorecats]

I'd 2-3 per week, so so.... but mine is focal awareness (complex partial), so I only used to be "away" sometimes.... but the doctor started with 2x100mg day... better then Levetiracetam to me, but even so, i'd some seizures.... now with 400mg/day, I don't have them for 2 weeks... i could say that nowadays, in the last 2 months, i'd only 3~4 partial seizures in a month