I started Lamictal a couple of weeks ago as an add on to Wellbutrin XR. I also believe I was prescribed Lamictal as mood stabilizer as well since I’m titrating my dose up every 2 weeks. Next time I see my pdoc my dosage will be increase to 100 mg. (unless I opt out on increasing it) As far as prescribing me Lamictal as a mood stabilizer, I really don’t understand why to be honest, because I don't have mood cycling of highs and lows. I have dysthymia. My depression is chronic and always low. I’m going to ask my doctor on my next appointment why I was put on Lamictal. It doesn’t make sense if I was prescribed it for mood disoreder. The people I trust and let know I was put on a mood stabilizer agree with me also that I’m not bipolar.
Anyways, I have two questions. After reading about lamictal I keep on reading how Lamictal can cause hair loss and weight gain. If that’s really the case why can lamictal cause this side effect? Does lamictal affects one hormone? If that’s the case which hormone does it affect? This is important to me because I have high cholesterol and I’m too young to have complications because hormone imbalance. I also want to know what I’m taking. Your help is appreciated
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
LA
Lasthope
25 Aug 2015
I took lamotrigine generic of lamatical recently for 6 weeks at 100mg . I also have major depression and anxiety. It did nothing for my mood. I now have high cholesterol and I'm not overweight or eat take away rarely. I also have hormone troubles. Low estrogen and extremely high bme of the testosterone component hormones. Which I have been told is extremely odd for someone on oral contraception pill and 27 years old. I no longer take the lamotrigine however they couldn't be sure if that was the cause or wether this was already there. I personally feel it did have a bad effect on my hormones.
Votes: +0
DM
DMAN123
25 Aug 2015
I appreciate all the informative replies. I asked about if lamictal affects ones hormone levels because I have read alot of posts online (not necessary this site) of people stating that had experienced hair loss and weight gain. I know that the main cause of hair loss for male has to do with the hormone Dihydrotestosterone. Just want to be informed with this medication so when i see my doctor I have the right questions to ask. Thanks again
ME
MeggieGirl
25 Aug 2015
Hi LastHope,
Did you quit the Lamictal because it wasn't working, or because of the other stuff going on?
I'm asking because it would be difficult to even be up to 100mg for any period of time after 6 weeks (unless you meant you titrated up, and then was at 100 for that period of time?) I'm also asking because from what I've seen, 100 isn't considered a therapeutic dose for an adult. Most everyone I have spoken with didn't start to get true resolution until they were around 150-200mg.
I just thought I would mention that to you, in the event you are still trying to find a mood stabilizer that will work.
I thought more about the hormone stuff, and there are also reports that birth control can cause Lamictal to fade by as much as 50%. In this case, a person would need a much stronger dose to counter that effect. There was one oral contraceptive worse than others. I know it was the combo with progesterone and I believe the first word was estradiol for the estrogen portion. Increased dose, as much as 2x may be necessary, with the caveat that if a person stops oral contraceptives, they must lower their Lamictal dose along with it (and can't forget!)
LA
LaurieShay
24 Aug 2015
Lamictal is used for dysthymia as an augment to the antidepressant. It can help with the lows. While you may not be bipolar, it does help some people with their depression. I have known many people to take Lamictal, including myself, with little to no side effects. Medications affect each of us differently though. As far as hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone, not familiar with that being a problem.
