Does Prolonged Intake Of Lamictal Result In Memory Problems?

Posted on Sun, 24 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 Answered on

Tue, 8 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 69 years old have been taking medictions my whole life, starting with absence seizures when I was 10, and have been on 400mg of Lamictal for 5 yerars, seems to me the longer I am on it, the worse my memory gets. Is this a normal side effect after being on this drug 5 years? Please advise. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Drugs related side effects, may get investigated

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Chronic epilepsy starting in childhood with absence may require treatment whole life.
The anti epileptic drugs have varied side effects and memory and concentration is side effect other than dizziness, headache, insomnia.
If you have memory problem then first get tested for Thyroid profile and vitamin B12. If these reports are normal then drugs may be changed to Valproate with lesser memory issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T