Bi-Polar II disorder. I take Lamictal 400 mg daily am & pm for 4 years. I am back on brand name for 2 years because after year on generic I noticed more cycling.
I have a constant stuffy nose. I thought it was sinusitis, but the nasal stuffiness is like an allergy. My nose fills with fluid, then blows out clear. I've never had a problem with allergies.
Is it true that stuffy nose is a common symptom of Lamictal? How to fix?
Question posted by riab on 1 April 2012
Last updated on 24 July 2022 by Mzottola
4 Answers
Mzottola
24 July 2022
I just started Lamictal, the generic one and one week in I have a stuffy nose and clogged ears. Can anyone tell me how to get these symptoms under control. I really do not want to give up on this medicine because of this.
Sunflower012
2 April 2012
I'm also on Lamictal, but just 200 mg twice a day. I have a CONSTANT either runny or stopped up nose. I do have allergies or so they say. If you're on a bunch of other meds, like I am, it's hard to know what causes what. I take Claritin and sometimes Sinclair for allergies and Flonase too. I also take sudafed PE, not the sudaphedrin that's a meth ingredient, because that stuff made me wild. Saldy, it's more expensive to take the PE stuff. I also take just regular Mucinex if I need it. If anyone else knows if these meds are harmful, please let me know - I'm just saying what I take, but that doesn't mean that's it harmless. I'm no pharmacist (feels like it though!) :) Sometimes rubbing a little Vicks vaporub or Tiger Balm under the nose helps or saline spray. Less chemicals that way I guess.
riab
2 April 2012
Others have said that Lamictal often causes a stuffy nose. Someone on this site just confirmed it. I'm off to try a nasal spray.
suzanne66
2 April 2012
Yes, a runny or stuffy nose is a common side effect of lamictal.
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/lamictal-side-effects.html
You should talk with your doctor about this. He/she could prescribe an anti-histamine tablet such as Claritin or a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase.
riab
2 April 2012
Thank you. Lamictal has been really good for me, it's stopped the cycling. I don't want to take any more pills. But I think I will try a nasal spray.
sallydoll71
8 Dec 2013
My psychiatrist just bumped my lamotrigine (Lamictal) for bipolar 1 rapid cycles to 300, and I wake up completely stuffed up, breathing from my mouth kind of thing. It's the only thing that changed, so I know it's the cause. I use either a spray with salt water and Xylitol, or a product SinuOrega. The second one literally kills viruses and bacteria, and helps break up the junk. The first one helps lubricate the sinus passages, and helps get the junk out, keeps stuff from sticking in your head. Good luck!
Inactive
1 April 2012
I just started Lamictal and have noticed no untoward side effects. Anyone can become allergic to anything at anytime. I am allergic to everything and still no problems.
Hope you get things figured out.
Peace out,
The Sweet Hippie Chickie
Related topics
Further information
- Lamictal uses and safety info
- Lamictal prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lamictal (detailed)
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