Lamotrigine (lamictal)

[firecracker123]

I have been on lamictal for last 8 years due to post partum seizures although I only had 2 seizures ever with no history of epilepsy before or since. I can not stop taking it easily as means not driving. Frankly, I very much doubt I would have a seizure if I did not take it as they were probably linked to the birth but it was not possible to clinically prove this. I know lamictal is sometimes used to treat depression but I am wondering if it could cause depression if clinically I do not need the drug for seizure control?

Hi firecracker I'm not an expert but i think whether or not you need lamotrigine for seizure control one of the less common side effects can be depression, as well as anxiety, irritability and confusion, amongst other things.

Anti epileptics affect everyone differently and can change over time. Side effects can appear at any time in use I believe but are more likely at the start.

I think that also if you have not had a seizure for two years then they say you can try and wean off drugs and have much less chance of suffering another seizure.

Lamotrigine is usually used to treat bipolar disorder, not depression. One of the side effects CAN be depression though, and sleep disturbance.

Is there any chance you could have your dosage reduced? Although I think it's pretty unlikely you'd develop depression after 8 years of taking it.

To be honest, I have felt down for a while. Probably up and down over 8 years. It has been far worse lately as had big relationship problems and that is what has really tipped me over the edge.

I am on a low dose of lamotrigine, 125mg a day . The lowest maintenance dose is 100mg. I did try and cut down to that but I got quite tearful.

The problem with weaning off the drugs is the DVLA guidelines. It used to be stop driving while withdrawing and then for 6 months thereafter which was almost 9 months in total! I think it may have changed now so it's risk based and I was told by my consultant my risk was only about 3% of seizure recurrence. I did have grand mal seizures though so would be pretty serious potentially if I had one whilst driving

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time firecracker Maybe it'd be worth discussing it again with your consultant, and perhaps the DVLA themselves - ask what their up to date policy is on driving whilst on medication.

What a difficult situation. I wish I could help more!