Posted by ceres on January 28, 2009, at 1:38:23
In reply to Lamictal and Nutritional Deficiencies, posted by F00TBALL on January 27, 2009, at 22:23:45
Yes, I have had various cognitive deficits, short term memory issues & word finding difficulties with Lamictal. I've had them to the point where I was not able to function at school & work.
Do you think your brain might still be adjusting to being without the drug?
I've been on it for years & just a few days without it & I'm not been able to string sentences together. For me, reducing the dose is worse now than increasing it.
When I first went on it, I didn't have many side effects. Overtime, any change in dose, increase or decrease, caused what I descrobe as limp, poorly strung & ill recognized thoughts. I often knew what I wanted to express, but it would all escape me by the time it hit the communication centers of the brain -or something like that.I called the drug company (Glaxo) & they were of little help. But, I found a knowledgeable store pharmacist who told me that, although most people have their worst side effects in acclimating to the drug, others have intense withdrawal. He told me to taper very gradually (It's been over a year of tapering, & I'm still not off --just don't have time for my brain to detour).
Plus, I've had a lot more cognitive side effects when adding other medications to Lamictal. I'm not sure if there's been a permanent change in my brain or if Lamictal increases the vulnerability.
I have had some vitamin deficiencies, but assume that they're related to other issues. The deficiencies have been resolved, but I still get the cognitive side effects related to Lamictal dose changes.
I hope you're able to get some relief soon.
poster:ceres
thread:876676
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/876697.html