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.

[Whyme89]

I take a different medication for my Epilepsy, though I do sometimes have problems getting my words out. Whether that be verbally speaking out aloud or even trying to type a text! This is called Aphasia and is a side effect from Epilepsy. Especially temporal lobe Epilepsy.

[Jadorecats in reply to Whyme89]

That's super interesting, thank you!

[Saunton]

My daughter had her Lamotrigine increased during pregnancy because of increased blood volume levels that all women have. Seizures would be more likely otherwise. After pregnancy the Lamotrigine was slowly reduced back to pre pregnancy levels. This was under care of epilepsy specalist nurses. Though we did have to find our own way through this too which was a bit stressful. But yes i think you will suffer some side effects if your drug levels are too high. This can be checked with a blood test. Try to get under care specialist nurse or doctor to help guide you.

[Jadorecats in reply to Saunton]

Sounds like your daughter has a much better team than I do - I got discharged by my neurologist after my last seizure, and I don't have an epilepsy nurse 🫤 I went to my GP when I found out I was pregnant to ask them to check my levels and they said it was unnecessary, so unfortunately we didn't even have a baseline to compare to.

[Lorr2504]

Hi there

My son has had epilepsy brought on by a knock to his head, although his grandfather was epileptic. He has been on lamotrigine for many years and was then also given another med which I can’t remember the name of so now takes both. He has said for many years that he struggles with memory and often struggles to get the right words and he gets very frustrated. I think this is a common side effect and not sure if there is an answer to this.

[Jadorecats in reply to Lorr2504]

That's helpful to know, though I'm sorry your son experiences the same 😔