I started Lamictal about 8 weeks ago and have gained 16 lbs. also my headaches have increased. I was put on it for seizures and headaches and I asked the Neurologist 2 days ago can it make you gain weight, his answer was short and he got aggitated NO. I beg to differ. My ankles and legs are so swollen it hurts to walk, I've had to resort to Lasix on my own which I have a little success so far in the last 2 days, but the Dr. denies everything and acts like I'm crazy.
Answers (4)
kaismama4 Aug 2012
I would call the pharmacist and ask him if it can cause fluid retention. I didn't find that in the list, but maybe he knows more. Headaches is a side effect. Lamictal usually causes weight loss. Your neurologist takes the prize for jerk of the day on his answer. If the pharmacist says no fluid retention, I would call my primary and make an appt. See what he says. It may be unrelated.
Anonymous 4 Aug 2012
Anything is possible with those types of meds. When I was on 2000 mg of Depakote, I gained 25 pounds of water weight in two weeks. I looked like a marshmallow and felt awful. It took a month of lasix to get rid of the weight AFTER I stopped the med. My doc told me the chances of weight gain on Lamictal are less, but as I said any adverse reaction is possible at any time. You might want to call your pharmacist to make sure you are not having a drug interaction with any other meds you are on. Then call the neurologist and make an appointment so he can see your situation. Might be your best best. You are paying him well for his services. You deserve answers.
Do what thou must to get his attention.
Peace and great luck.
Sweet Hippie
pledge4 Aug 2012
Hello Rhonda62. In regards to weight gain, between 1 to 5% of people taking Lamictal for Manic Depression/Bi-polar Disorder saw an increase in thier weightt. People taking Lamictal for seizures saw no weight increase. In regards to headaches, close to 29% of people taking Lamacital, reported headaches as a common normal side effect to taking the drug.. All of the above are results from clinical studies. Regards, pledge
pledge
4 Aug 2012
Additional comment. Up to 5% of people taking Lamicital for seizures saw a decrease in thier weight, meaning weight loss.
primadonn...4 Oct 2012
I have gained about 35 pounds since I started taking Lamictal about 3 years ago. I also just visited my doctor because of headaches and fluid in my legs. I know I'm over 40 now, but I really don't eat alot so I am definitely gonna talk to my pdoc about changing from lamictal to something else. I'm kind of scared to get off the lamictal because it has been working very well with my Bi-Polar and I haven't had any severe depression since I been on it.
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Hey Kaismama,
I've been on Lamictal for five months now, when does the weight loss start?
I hope soon...
Yours always,
Laura
I lost some, but slowly and almost not noticeably. It seems the ones who lose weight are the ones who can least afford it, so I didn't lose much, lolol..I could have given up about 40, lol
Oh well, I could stand a drop in weight, but I refuse to weigh myself and can tell if I'm losing by how my clothes fit. Go figure!
L
I felt so good when I was on it, I don't think I'd have fussed, but I think in her case she's got something to worry about.