Lamotrigine is an anti-convulsant mainly used in treating epilepsy. It can cause some mild side effects, however, it is usually well-tolerated. There is no connection between lamotrigine and weight gain.
This medication can also be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder to stabilize patients' moods. Lamotrigine and weight gain are not related when the medication is used to treat bipolar disorder or epilepsy. A small percentage of people in clinical trials have actually reported weight loss when taking this medication.
Other side effects of lamotrigine include dizziness, drowsiness, and vertigo. Some people experience a dry mouth, diarrhea, or upset stomach, which may lead to weight loss. In a few cases, people have experienced back pain and insomnia. Some people also experience stomach, back, or joint pain. Most people who have taken this drug reported only minor side effects.
The most serious side effect people who take lamotrigine experience is a chest rash. This is a relatively rare side effect, however, it can be very dangerous. People who have this chest rash should alert their physician immediately. Other signs of a serious adverse reaction to lamotrigine include chest pain, seizures that are different or longer-lasting than past episodes, swelling of the extremities, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
Some anti-epileptic medications, such as valproate, can cause weight gain. There is no reported connection between lamotrigine and weight gain, however, and the medication tends to have few adverse effects. This makes lamotrigine a common choice for physicians treating both epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Lamotrigine has been tested in both adults and adolescents. Neither group has experienced weight gain when using the medication. In both groups, side effects were typically mild and easily tolerated. Lamotrigine is safe for use in both adults and children with epilepsy, however, it is not proven to be safe in children with bipolar disorder.
Stopping a dose of lamotrigine can cause severe adverse reactions if done suddenly. If a person wishes to stop his or her medication, it is important to consult with a physician. The dose of lamotrigine must be tapered down gradually to avoid severe side effects from withdrawal. Withdrawal from lamotrigine will not cause weight gain.
Anti-epileptic drugs such as lamotrigine have in rare cases increased suicidal thinking in patients. It is important to monitor a person taking lamotrigine for sudden and severe changes in mood or thinking. Even in these situations, it is dangerous to simply stop taking the medication. A person with these side effects should consult a physician immediately.