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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 Racer on September 15, 2005, at 12:39:24
I think I'm posting this for laughs, by the way...
Every day at about 2PM, I find that I *need* a nap. I absolutely cannot manage to keep my eyes open, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with my sleep at night. So, at about 2PM, I put on my sleep mask, settle onto the sofa -- with or without a cat -- and nap.
And wake up with blurred vision that lasts a couple of hours.
Yesterday, though, something occurred to me: I think I've been sleeping with my eyes open, and the sleep mask is irritating them!
I know, I know, you don't have to tell me. Sleeping with my eyes open is just plain weird. I know I used to do it, because my mother would tell me about it, wonderingly, as one of those weird and funny things about me. No one has mentioned it in years, so I guess I'd either forgotten about it or just assumed that I didn't do it anymore. If I am still doing it, though, that would certainly explain the irritated eyes and blurred vision...
On the other hand, I didn't notice this happening until after starting Lamictal...
Posted by Lazarus on September 15, 2005, at 15:25:05
In reply to May have figured out my blurred vision on Lamictal, posted by Racer on September 15, 2005, at 12:39:24
I experienced severe dizziness on a low daily dose of 50 mg. I had to discontinue it. I read the literature and 38% of people during drug trials experienced dizziness on this drug. It is outrageous that this drug is allowed to be marketed.
Lazarus
Posted by Emme on September 15, 2005, at 17:17:25
In reply to Re: Lamictal causes dizziness, posted by Lazarus on September 15, 2005, at 15:25:05
> I read the literature and 38% of people during drug trials experienced dizziness on this drug.
You have quoted the prescribing information out of context. The 38% was for patients with epilepsy. In the placebo group, 13% had dizziness. The table with the 38% does not make dosage distinctions. In a separate table, dizziness was reported in 27% of the placebo group, 31% of the group taking 300 mg, and 54% of the group taking 500 mg. 200 mg seems to be a common dose for bipolar depression.
In the section on bipolar patients, dizziness was listed among the symptoms occurring in 5% or more of the patients, but equally or more frequently in the placebo group.
> It is outrageous that this drug is allowed to be marketed.
I'm sorry you weren't able to tolerate it. It does work well for many people. A neurologist friend tells me that their epileptic patients like it and do not feel drugged out on it the way they do with other meds. I personally find it one of the easier drugs I've taken.
Posted by Kimbersaur on September 15, 2005, at 22:02:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal causes dizziness, posted by Lazarus on September 15, 2005, at 15:25:05
> I experienced severe dizziness on a low daily dose of 50 mg. I had to discontinue it. I read the literature and 38% of people during drug trials experienced dizziness on this drug. It is outrageous that this drug is allowed to be marketed.
>
> LazarusI've tried over a dozen meds (for bipolar) and had the most luck with Lamictal... it may not have worked for you, but a lot of people would suffer a great loss if they took the drug off the market.
Posted by theo on September 15, 2005, at 22:55:50
In reply to May have figured out my blurred vision on Lamictal, posted by Racer on September 15, 2005, at 12:39:24
I'm about 99% sure it is the Lamictal. My eyes were blurred and I found myself blinking constantly to try to get them to focus. It got so bad, I went to get an eye exam!!
Posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2005, at 17:28:36
In reply to Re: May have figured out my blurred vision on Lamictal » Racer, posted by theo on September 15, 2005, at 22:55:50
Racer, how can you sleep with your eyes open. Try it without the mask and see if it helps and don't close the blinds. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racer on September 18, 2005, at 1:08:06
In reply to Re: May have figured out my blurred vision on Lamictal, posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2005, at 17:28:36
> Racer, how can you sleep with your eyes open. Fondly, Phillipa
LOL! I've been waiting for someone to comment on that! It's actually why I posted that, because I thought it would make someone here laugh.
Thank you, for being the first.
Posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2005, at 1:12:02
In reply to FINALLY!! » Phillipa, posted by Racer on September 18, 2005, at 1:08:06
You're quite welcome. Always willing to obligue. Fondly Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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