Gabapentin or Lamictal

[Andyroo66]

Hi

saw the neuro yesterday, I think I need meds to break this cycle I'm in of gut trouble triggering migraine/RLS- no sleep- off work- getting stressed and fed up

hes prescribed 0.5mg clonazepam to take as required and has given me the option of either Lamictal (Lamotrigine) or Gabapentin. Cant take lots of other meds as I have congenital Long QT syndrome

I know about the risk of the rash with the Lamotrigine

Which is the lesser of 2 evils?

Im gonna need to start something today or very soon, back at work Monday or that was the plan

[Hidden]

Hi! Here is my experience with both drugs:

I was prescribed Gabapentin awhile back, but got fed up with how long it was taking to work (3 weeks later and not much effect...). I asked to be switched to something else.

I didn’t know Lamictal was an option for RLS. I was prescribed Lamictal for something else. It started working really quickly (I know this because of side effects).

[Andyroo66 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. The neuro seems to think I have 2 issues. Migraine aura and RLS. So the Lamictal is for the migraine. What kind of side effects from Lamotrigine?

[Hidden in reply to Andyroo66]

You’re welcome!

Oh, no wonder. Does your neuro think that the Lamictal will help with the RLS as well as with the migraines? I wasn’t on Lamictal long enough to find out if my RLS was positively affected or not. My side effect was hearing voices.

[Jelbea]

Hi again. Do you have migraine aura without headache? Also what type of gut trouble do you have?

[Andyroo66 in reply to Jelbea]

yes without headache, the gut stuff is IBS/bloating and have just had gastritis

[Jelbea in reply to Andyroo66]

My migraine is mostly aura without headache but very upsetting. I also suffer intermittent attacks of IBS for seemingly no reason that I can fathom. Would a probiotic drink such as Yakult help? At least it’s not a drug and won’t do any harm. I have discovered that a sudden drop in my blood sugar triggers a migraine aura within the next few hours. I was wondering when you have gut symptoms do you eat very little and perhaps allow blood sugar to drop. Just a thought. You have such trouble with drug treatments I would be wary of lamictal but of course it is your call.

[knitknax58]

I was prescribed Clonazepam years ago, 0.5 as well. It does help you get some sleep, l break the pill in half as l find myself a wee bit sleepy the next day but half is fine for me. If you want a long deep nights sleep you can try a whole pill and see how you cope with it. I only take it as and when I need it. I drink a lot of water as l have kidney problems and l found that helped as well.

I hope Clonazepam works for you as it does for me. Good luck.

Knitknax58