Lamictal
When treating various mental health disorders, there is a wide range of medications that could potentially help individuals manage their symptoms. Using medications can make a huge difference for many people when they suffer from conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. One such medication that could be prescribed is Lamictal, which is the brand name for the drug lamotrigine.
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What Is Lamictal?
Lamictal is a medication that was originally approved by the FDA to control and prevent seizures. Upon further research, it was also discovered the medication was effective at treating bipolar disorder since it is also a mood stabilizer.
The drug works to alleviate depressive symptoms and calm moods but does not suppress hypomania and mania episodes.
Side Effects of Lamictal
As with other medications, Lamictal can have various side effects that range from mild to severe. The mild side effects can include:
- Insomnia
- Excessive tiredness
- Headache
- Changes in weight
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Back pain
- Acne
- Tremors
- Abdominal cramping
- Hair loss
- Elevated sex drive
Most people who experience these side effects notice they subside after being on the medication for a short time. However, it is important to let the prescribing physician know as soon as possible when experiencing any of these.
Lamictal also has some serious side effects people need to be aware of when considering taking this medication, such as:
- Vision problems
- Allergic reaction to the drug
- Severe skin rash
- Aseptic meningitis
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Lowered blood cell counts
Should any of these adverse side effects be experienced, the person should inform their doctor and seek immediate medical attention.
Can Lamictal Help Anxiety?
Lamictal is not prescribed to treat anxiety since it is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer medication. Nor is it FDA-approved to treat anxiety. There are other more effective medications that are used to treat anxiety.
Can Lamictal Help Depression?
Lamictal can be used to help treat depression in certain cases. Its mood stabilization effects primarily help people experiencing depressive episodes with bipolar disorder. The drug can be taken by itself or be prescribed with another antidepressant when the initial medication is not providing sufficient relief from depressive symptoms.
Can Lamictal Help Bipolar Disorder?
Yes, Lamictal is FDA-approved to treat bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder). It helps elevate mood when people are experiencing depressive episodes. It can also help decrease the intensity of mania symptoms, such as racing thoughts and extreme excitability.
Can Lamictal Help OCD?
Lamictal is not usually the first medication prescribed to treat OCD, as there are other FDA-approved drugs to treat OCD. While not FDA-approved to treat OCD, research has shown the drug can be effective when people are resistant to SSRIs and SNRIs, the medications normally used to treat OCD.
Long-Term Side Effects of Lamictal
Lamictal can have some rare long-term side effects, which can start to appear at any time while on this medication. In very rare cases, some individuals can also experience these long-term side effects even after discontinuing the drug.
These adverse long-term side effects include:
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
- Multiorgan hypersensitivity syndrome
- Organ failure
- DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)
How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Lamictal?
To determine if you are a good candidate for Lamictal, the first thing you should do is consult with your mental health professional or physician. They will consider the extent of your symptoms, bipolar disorder diagnosis, and medical history.
Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and other medications have been ineffective, then it might be worth it to try Lamictal to see if it works.
How Do I Get Lamictal Prescribed?
Lamictal will need to be prescribed by your psychiatrist or primary care physician. However, you must have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, or OCD. Taking the medication when you do not have a mental health disorder can result in adverse side effects.
Begin Bipolar Treatment Near Atlanta Today
When you are tired of letting your bipolar disorder control your life, help is available at Peachtree Wellness Solutions. We offer comprehensive and personalized bipolar treatment plans that can include Lamictal or other medications. Our caring and supportive team is ready to help you regain control over your life and mental well-being.
Contact us today to start the path to a brighter tomorrow.
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