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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Izzy50 on January 10, 2007, at 21:40:43
I have been experiencing significant muscle/joint pain for at least three weeks. My doc increased my lamictal from 150mg to 200mg about one month ago.
Has anyone experienced this side effect from Lamictal?
I can see no other reason for the sudden onset of muscular/skeletal pain.
Posted by chiron on January 10, 2007, at 22:40:32
In reply to Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Izzy50 on January 10, 2007, at 21:40:43
yip: http://crazymeds.org/lamictal.html
"Lamictal (lamotrigine) is earning a reputation for muscle aches, everything from just a twinge in your neck or back to full-body aches that make you wonder if you were possessed by some spirit that made you participate in a triathalon the day before and have no memory of it."
Posted by Izzy50 on January 10, 2007, at 23:00:39
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by chiron on January 10, 2007, at 22:40:32
> yip: http://crazymeds.org/lamictal.html
> "Lamictal (lamotrigine) is earning a reputation for muscle aches, everything from just a twinge in your neck or back to full-body aches that make you wonder if you were possessed by some spirit that made you participate in a triathalon the day before and have no memory of it."
>I have read that. Very interesting.
I wanted some input from the collective expereinces on this board.
I have cut my Lamictal back down to 150mg.
We'll see what happens.
How long will it take for me to
get the extra med out of my system?
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2007, at 12:45:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Izzy50 on January 10, 2007, at 23:00:39
Gee only got up to 50mg of lamictal but no aches and pains on that low dose. Good luck. Love Phillipa
Posted by Quintal on January 11, 2007, at 15:07:27
In reply to Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Izzy50 on January 10, 2007, at 21:40:43
Yes, I had the rash and the (flu-like) aches and pains each time I started Lamictal.
Q
Posted by Izzy50 on January 11, 2007, at 15:14:02
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain » Izzy50, posted by Quintal on January 11, 2007, at 15:07:27
> Yes, I had the rash and the (flu-like) aches and pains each time I started Lamictal.
>
> QI have been on 200mg dose for about one month now.
I have been on Lamicatal for at least 3-4 months.
Did your doctor say the flu-like aches and pains
were from the Lamictal>
Posted by Quintal on January 11, 2007, at 15:49:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Izzy50 on January 11, 2007, at 15:14:02
The Lamictal was almost certainly the culprit as this happened on two seperate occasions and disappered when I stoped taking it. My doctor wasn't interested in the rash or the aches and pains.
Q
Posted by Izzy50 on January 11, 2007, at 16:22:37
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain » Izzy50, posted by Quintal on January 11, 2007, at 15:49:51
> The Lamictal was almost certainly the culprit as this happened on two seperate occasions and disappered when I stoped taking it. My doctor wasn't interested in the rash or the aches and pains.
>
> QI just spoke to my doctor and he said to cut my dose if half and see how I am feeling in a few days.
We'll see.
Thanks for sharing. The Lamictal has really helped my depression and anxiety.
Posted by Ember on February 13, 2007, at 11:31:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Izzy50 on January 11, 2007, at 16:22:37
I saw my psych yesterday and specifically asked if the Lamictal could be responsible for my feeling like I have mono and constant headaches (I also have arthritis so honestly didn't know if I'm flaring or something). She flat-out told me no and mentioned the Fibromyalgia and pain sensitivity connected with depression. So I came to see what I could find online and also saw the comment on crazymeds and then found this thread.I haven't noticed a single benefit from the Lamictal and I have been at 200 mg since October. When I asked what I should be noticing the psych just said that BPII need the mood stabilizer with their antidepressant. I pointed out my mood hasn't been stabilized. I don't understand why she is determined to keep me on Lamictal instead of trying something else, especially when I specifically told her this muscle fatigue and headache is debilitating.
(The antidepressants haven't been working this go-round, either. The Lexapro was still making me unbearably nauseated, so was switched to Celexa. That sent my liver panel through the roof so back to Wellbutrin at 450 which I tolerate well (and once again quit smoking). Now she's switching me to Effexor. But maintaining the 200mg Lamictal.)
Do the doctors not know about the muscle reactions? Does just lowering the dose help?
Posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2007, at 19:05:41
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Ember on February 13, 2007, at 11:31:56
Can you take cymbalta as an ad? as it helps with pain. And there are other mood stabalizers. A new doc? Love Phillipa
Posted by theo on February 18, 2007, at 21:43:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal Muscle/Joint pain, posted by Ember on February 13, 2007, at 11:31:56
I mean no disrespect to doctors, but they have not a clue when it comes to side effects. Next time they say no, it couldn't be the Lamictal, ask them if they've taken it? If not, they really can't answer that question.
I had back and hip joint pain on Lamictal and my doc laughed it off and said it's just because I'm getting older. I stopped the Lamictal and it all went away. I wanted to call her and tell her that I stopped it and the side effects went away, but was sure she would just say something else besides admitting she was wrong.
This is the end of the thread.
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