Verywell / Emily Roberts
What is the most important information I should know about Lamictal withdrawal?
Lamictal(lamotrigine) is a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant prescribed to treatbipolar disorderand epilepsy.
If people suddenly stop taking their medication, they may experience Lamictal withdrawal symptoms.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
This article discusses the symptoms of Lamictal withdrawal and how to cope.
It also explores warning you should consider before stopping your medication and other long-term treatment options.
Overview of Lamictal Withdrawal
All medications can potentially cause both uncommon side effects and uncommon withdrawal symptoms.
However, the clinical trials that looked at Lamictal for bipolar disorder didn’t note any significant withdrawal symptoms.
Such reports suggest that people may feel particularly tired, moody, and unfocused when they quit taking Lamictal.
Some individuals suggest that they experience physical sensations such as body tingles.
Such experiences may range in severity from mild to severe.
However, evidence indicates that such symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
The patient information for Lamictal doesn’t mention any potential withdrawal symptoms beyond seizures.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
As with any medication, withdrawal symptoms depend on your circumstances.
How long does Lamictal withdrawal last?
Acute symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week.
Abruptly stopping Lamictal may also lead to a return of symptoms of the condition that is being treated.
For people with bipolar disorder, this might mean experiencing a mood episode.
For people with epilepsy, this might mean an increased risk of experiencing a seizure.
Report any odd or disturbing symptoms to your doctor as you taper off your dose.
Warnings About Lamictal Withdrawal
Be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping or re-starting Lamictal.
Suddenly stopping Lamictal can cause new or worse problems regarding your mental health.
The situation may be even more complicated if you’re taking other medications along with Lamictal.
If you need additional assistance, talk to your doctor.
Once you stop taking your medication, you may need to consider alternative treatments for your condition.
Joining abipolar disorder supportgroup can also be a helpful source of encouragement, support, and advice.
Summary
While not observed in clinical trials, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping Lamictal.
Talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping your medication.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness.Lamotrigine (Lamictal).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medication Guides.Lamictal.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Updated September 5, 2018.
