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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by isomalt on November 17, 2004, at 6:31:14
I started lamictal two weeks ago. I started out on 12.5 mg. After a week began to take a 25 mg tablet. About four days ago I noticed lumps on the back of my head a little swollen and painful. Today they are the size of a quarter and very painful. Also the front of my neck is now swollen. The swelling in the back of my head is directly in the center, a couple inches away from my neck. Went to the doctor today and he told me to stop my medicine and see if it gets better. My question is has anyone experienced swollen lymph nodes and if I am to discontinue the medicine, do I just stop it, or do I have to do it slowly. I would rather just stop immediately. Any suggestions
Posted by theo on November 17, 2004, at 7:29:29
In reply to lamictal and swollen lymph nodes, posted by isomalt on November 16, 2004, at 19:55:17
I think anticonvulsants as a class do this. When I started Keppra this happened, I dropped in dose for a while then increased with no problem. Same thing happened with Topamax which I discontinued because of in addition it gave me a upper respiratory infection. Now I'm on a small doseof Keppra and a small does of Lamictal (100mg) and am doing fine.
When I started Lamictal and during dose increases, I would feel like I was coming down with a sore throat for a few days, but my body would adjust and it would eventually go away.
I would go ahead and try Lamictal, but don't be disappointed if you feel good for a few days after a dose increase and it fades away.
Posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 22:50:37
In reply to lamictal and swollen lymph nodes, posted by isomalt on November 16, 2004, at 19:55:17
The rash is the worst side-effect and can be deadly. Its a good thing you are only on a very small dose.
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 10:46:52
In reply to Re: lamictal and swollen lymph nodes, posted by theo on November 17, 2004, at 7:29:29
> I think anticonvulsants as a class do this. When I started Keppra this happened, I dropped in dose for a while then increased with no problem. Same thing happened with Topamax which I discontinued because of in addition it gave me a upper respiratory infection. Now I'm on a small doseof Keppra and a small does of Lamictal (100mg) and am doing fine.
>
> When I started Lamictal and during dose increases, I would feel like I was coming down with a sore throat for a few days, but my body would adjust and it would eventually go away.
>
> I would go ahead and try Lamictal, but don't be disappointed if you feel good for a few days after a dose increase and it fades away.
So does the "feeling better" effects stop going away after you reach a certain dose?Otherwise, what's the point? I'm at 250 mgs and climbing.
Posted by theo on November 18, 2004, at 17:48:19
In reply to Re: lamictal and swollen lymph nodes » theo, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 10:46:52
My point is yes, it may poop out at each dose increase. I've known people to keep going up to max dose chasing the effects and finally gave up.
I think Lamictal is a good med to keep someone from hitting rock bottom, but that's about it.
My problem was that above 150mg, I experience memory problems, so that's my max dose.
Bottom line, I think Lamictal is a good add on, but not a full blown antidepressant.
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 18:03:52
In reply to Re: lamictal and swollen lymph nodes » CraigD, posted by theo on November 18, 2004, at 17:48:19
that seems to be what I'm finding, unfortunately. I though I was going to be able to taper of the Celexa.
Poo
Posted by isomalt on November 21, 2004, at 17:21:43
In reply to Re: lamictal and swollen lymph nodes » CraigD, posted by theo on November 18, 2004, at 17:48:19
I stopped taking the lamictal and within two days the swelling was gone. My doctor wants me to start again and see if the same side effects occur. I would rather not, and just try something different. But so far I have been on trileptal, depakote, tomomax, klonopin, seraquil, lexapro, celexa, xanax, risperdal, gabitril, and serzone.(over the past five years.) I am looking for a good combo to help with bipolar, extreme depression, and extreme anxiety. The best I took so far was the depakote w/ lexapro, but could not deal with the weight gain it caused. The doctor added Topamax to help w/ the weight, but it made me really stupid. I couldn't even spell simple words anymore. Does anyone know of a good medicine that does not have horrible side effects. I am willing to try anything as long as there is no chance of weight gain. Thanks
Posted by Emme on November 22, 2004, at 9:39:56
In reply to Re: lamictal and swollen lymph nodes, posted by isomalt on November 21, 2004, at 17:21:43
If you retry Lamictal, start off lower and try a slower titration. If you need it, you can get 2 mg tabs.
This is the end of the thread.
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