I have been taking lamotrigine 100mg per day since suffering a seizure around 2 years ago, I have smoked cannabis for nearly 15 years and continued to do so without any real problems (silly I know). After a recent colIapse I decided it was time to give up the cannabis around 2 months ago. Since then I have been suffering awful side effects from I assume the lamotrigine and I have lost my job and had to stop driving. Its like the cannabis was balancing me out and now I am on the lamotrigine alone I feel terrible and the effects don't seem to be subsiding. Does anyone on here have any experience of this? Doctors keep saying it will pass but no signs of that happening yet
Taking lamotrigine and smoking cannabis?
Question posted by Anonymous on 27 Aug 2020
Last updated on 27 April 2021 by Kellyc6477
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3 Answers
Kellyc6477
27 April 2021
The lamotrigine is doing the same to me. Been on it over a year but my doctor increased it and I ended up in the hospital multiple times and I have been to many specialists. It’s the medication. Marijuana has nothing to do with it and it’s the ONLY relief I get. I’m sorry you are experiencing this. There aren’t many of us as most people have great results!✌
Chrissaw
12 Jan 2021
There are alot of side effects taking this drug. Im sure also with not taking cannabis is a change in the body. It does take time for your body to stabilize when you stop or start taking something. Though from my experience with this drug it can give you long term affects I was on if but not anymore.
WildcatVet
27 Aug 2020
Hi, WeirdBrain!
Here's just a thought: cannabis withdrawal. You don't mention what effects you're experiencing but the following may help.
"Many people who stop using marijuana do experience physical and psychological symptoms.
That’s because your body has to adjust to not having a regular supply of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. When you regularly smoke marijuana, your brain develops a tolerance for it.
The more you smoke, the more your brain depends on this supply of THC. When you stop, your brain has to adjust to not having it. As your body becomes accustomed to this new normal, you may experience unpleasant symptoms. These are symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases, these symptoms can be so troublesome people choose to begin smoking again to get a reprieve.
"Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:
diminished appetite
mood changes
irritability
sleep difficulties, including insomnia
headaches
loss of focus
cravings for marijuana
sweating, including cold sweats
chills
increased feelings of depression
stomach problems
These symptoms can range from mild to more severe, and they vary from person to person. These symptoms may not be severe or dangerous, but they can be unpleasant. The longer you used marijuana, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms may not be as severe as withdrawal symptoms from other substances. Opioids, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin can produce severe, even dangerous, withdrawal issues. Still, many people who stop using marijuana do experience physical and psychological symptoms."
I don't know how long withdrawal can take or if the symptoms of it are what you're feeling but I just thought these excerpts might be helpful.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Inactive
28 Aug 2020
Hi WildcatVet, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. For the first 3 weeks after the collapse I was experiencing Blurred Vision / Balance / Co-ordination problems accompanied by some severe headaches and muscle aches (Calf muscles). Although I have smoked cannabis for many years I have had breaks varying between 2 weeks - 2 months and never experienced any of those symptoms (maybe the headaches) so I was quite concerned as its had a significant impact on my life. When I spoke to my doctor he said where I had the collapse it had weakened my body and it wasn't dealing with the Lamotrigine as well and was starting to cause some overdose effects. Since the collapse I have been eating and drinking well and getting plenty of rest and the symptoms mentioned above have faded. I am still suffering with concentration/focus issues and also sleep/anxiety and headaches but the headaches are not in the same league as before.
I'm thinking the doctor was correct regarding the cause of the vision/balance issues but now my body is stronger its accepting the Lamotrigine again. Having read your reply I am wondering if I grossly underestimated the time frame and effects of complete cannabis withdrawal and I'm now just experiencing the tail end of that. I will definitely post again in a week or 2 with an update. Thank you again, u have really helped me get a better understanding of how I have been feeling.
Related topics
seizures, smoking, cannabis, lamotrigine
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