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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Lamictal Withdrawal Side Effects Be Reduced?

I am bipolar and have been taking lamictal for the last 6 to 7 weeks because it has less side effects, but I broke out in the lamicatal rash over the weekend, and obviously I had to stop the medication immediately. My last dose was yesterday morning. I am feeling MAJOR withdrawls. My internist doesn't deal "atypical" meds, so I have to go to a psych, but I don't know what to do in the meantime for the withdrawl... is there another drug that I can be safely put on to reduce the side effects of these withdrawls? I have to be able to function.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 11 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 12 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Lamotrigine is a nice anti-epileptic drug. It is also used as mood stabiliser in patients of bipolar disorder with depression. One of serious side effect of lamotrigine is development of rash which can progress to Steven Johnson's Syndrome. It can prove fatal. This is the reason that Lamotrigine was stopped. Abrupt stoppage has resulted in withdrawal syndrome.

In most of individuals symptoms of brain fog like giddiness, dizzy spells, tiredness, lethargy, insomnia etc symptoms are seen. The symptoms usually go in some days but in some individuals remain persistent and can result in precipitation of seizures.

Consult a Psychiatrist for treatment of these symptoms. Medicines like clonazepam will help in reducing the risk of seizures and will decreasing severe anxiety.

Take proper nutrition with plenty of fluids.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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How Can Lamictal Withdrawal Side Effects Be Reduced?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Lamotrigine is a nice anti-epileptic drug. It is also used as mood stabiliser in patients of bipolar disorder with depression. One of serious side effect of lamotrigine is development of rash which can progress to Steven Johnson s Syndrome. It can prove fatal. This is the reason that Lamotrigine was stopped. Abrupt stoppage has resulted in withdrawal syndrome. In most of individuals symptoms of brain fog like giddiness, dizzy spells, tiredness, lethargy, insomnia etc symptoms are seen. The symptoms usually go in some days but in some individuals remain persistent and can result in precipitation of seizures. Consult a Psychiatrist for treatment of these symptoms. Medicines like clonazepam will help in reducing the risk of seizures and will decreasing severe anxiety. Take proper nutrition with plenty of fluids. Thanks, hope this helps you.