![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 115. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
Posted by Matt on August 8, 1998, at 1:35:01
In reply to Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
> Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
you might try posting this to alt.support.anxiety-panic as well. Lots of people there use Xanax.
Best,
Matt
Posted by Levi on August 8, 1998, at 23:54:56
In reply to Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
> Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
--------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
Posted by threecro on August 18, 1998, at 10:46:26
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Levi on August 8, 1998, at 23:54:56
> > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> --------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
I took benzos for years, I was a herion addict and whent to rehab to kick. The xanax part was discounted. I got such bad heart palpatations,I thought I would die. Eventually I had to return to the benzos. The heart paps got only slightly better untill a long period of time. I tried to quit slowly.
I got it down to about 4 pills a week. By the third day without one I was climbing the walls.The real withdrawal started when I stoped completly. I was afraid to ride in a car. And I could not sleep. This all got worse for about 3 weeks then slowly subsided. First 3 months were tuff. My sleep
really did not become normal for a year. Spent a lot of money on excedrin PM. If you could find a doctor that really understands xanax withdrawal I am sure he could make it easier. But any doctor that say withdrawal only lasts for a few weeks is misinformed. Ask anyone else thats quit.
Posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 18, 1998, at 23:54:39
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by threecro on August 18, 1998, at 10:46:26
Threeco... I have heard and seen that klonopin is worse....getting ready whether I have a doctor or not.....was at 8 mponths off before when they convinced me that I needed to be back on....just as before panic is worse on the medication......
it seems to be causing what it is suppose to take care of.......anyone try anything in the natural
remedy area.......any results.....love and light
Posted by Phyllis on August 19, 1998, at 0:01:14
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Matt on August 8, 1998, at 1:35:01
> > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> you might try posting this to alt.support.anxiety-panic as well. Lots of people there use Xanax.
> Best,
> Matt
I have posted to all I can find .....where is this
I am not computer literate ...just so so....
I typed it in but went no where......
Posted by Linda Ward on August 27, 1998, at 18:10:14
In reply to Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
> Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
Hi,
I was on 6mg. of Xanax for over 2 years for chronic anixety disorder. I realized with the help of my family that i needed off of that chemical-dependant medicine or i would rot in hell living a life of a ZOMBIE, I lost 2 wonderful years with my family and friends. But once I realized I wanted off of that medicine I succeded THANKS for the support of my loved ones.To this day i REFUSE to put any form of anti-anxiety medicine in my body all I do when I feel an attack comming on is remember what it did to me before and what I lost and talk myself through it. It works try it dont give up or it will win :) Good Luck.
Posted by Phyllis on September 2, 1998, at 11:48:30
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Linda Ward on August 27, 1998, at 18:10:14
Thanks Linda.....sorry anyone has to go through this problem with meds. How long before you came back to normal. At 8 months off I was still running from doctor to doctor for all was not ok
I just figured the xanax had covered up something that was wrong and it did in one respect but then when it was reinitiated some went away soooooooo
just am looking for any info on something that would help get through this rough (more than rough)period till the brain can readjust to life without xanax. OH I also had more panic on the xanax it just made me not care and I never took the amounts they wanted me too for I knew it was addictive. Just did not know this addictive that dropping it would be such a physical problem.
Posted by Tom Parsons, LPC on January 11, 1999, at 20:26:25
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Levi on August 8, 1998, at 23:54:56
> > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> --------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
Were you even able to stop the Xanax utilizing the Klonopin regimen? If so, how long did it take? How long and how much Xanax had you been taking?
Posted by alan on January 12, 1999, at 9:03:15
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Tom Parsons, LPC on January 11, 1999, at 20:26:25
> > > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> > --------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
> Were you even able to stop the Xanax utilizing the Klonopin regimen? If so, how long did it take? How long and how much Xanax had you been taking?I've shifted to valium and detoxed very, very slowly lowering dosage by minute amounts and had no touble at all. Are you surre the new symptoms were due to going off the xanax? Not a rising tide of depression, say, or whatever? Well, good luck. Take all the time you need as long as you are moving in the right direction overall.
Posted by Shelley on January 12, 1999, at 14:20:02
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by alan on January 12, 1999, at 9:03:15
> > > > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> > > --------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
> > Were you even able to stop the Xanax utilizing the Klonopin regimen? If so, how long did it take? How long and how much Xanax had you been taking?
> I've shifted to valium and detoxed very, very slowly lowering dosage by minute amounts and had no touble at all. Are you surre the new symptoms were due to going off the xanax? Not a rising tide of depression, say, or whatever? Well, good luck. Take all the time you need as long as you are moving in the right direction overall.
I stopped taking Xanax entirely after adding in only .5 mg klonopin a day. I have withdrawn from klonopin before for extended periods of time. I found the first 2-3 days rough, but it passed easily enough as long as I had someone to talk to. I am taking klonopin again, now, but for other reasons. I don't seem to have much problem switching on and off of it, as I have had with other benzos (Halcion, e.g.) Hope this helps.
Posted by steve on January 14, 1999, at 12:00:41
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Shelley on January 12, 1999, at 14:20:02
I took Xanax at 4 mgs for 16 months. That was four years ago. Now I take Klonopin (1mg a few times a week). Here are my observations:
1. Slowly reduce Xananx.
2. Better yet, switch to Klonopin; it was a longer half-life and therefore one does not feel the sudden reduction of its medicine (ie: withdrawl).
3. Make sure you are on an SSRI of some kind. Improving seratonin is crucial for relieving anxiety problems.
4. Use bio-feedback. I was the biggest skeptic of this until I tried it. It works (within reasonable expectations).
5. If you need Xananx at this point in your life, then you need it. Don't force things too hard.Good luck!
Posted by Mary Jo on March 22, 2000, at 1:02:52
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis on September 2, 1998, at 11:48:30
> Thanks Linda.....sorry anyone has to go through this problem with meds. How long before you came back to normal. At 8 months off I was still running from doctor to doctor for all was not ok
> I just figured the xanax had covered up something that was wrong and it did in one respect but then when it was reinitiated some went away soooooooo
> just am looking for any info on something that would help get through this rough (more than rough)period till the brain can readjust to life without xanax. OH I also had more panic on the xanax it just made me not care and I never took the amounts they wanted me too for I knew it was addictive. Just did not know this addictive that dropping it would be such a physical problem.Hi, I find myself having to withdraw myself from 2 mg of Xanax a night by myself. My doctor recently retired and does not believe Xanax is addictive! I have one refill for 60 Xanax left. How do I go about finding a doctor that would understand the true physical hell this medication can put you through when you stop. I went down .5 mg and the physical sensations were too much. I then tried just .25 and it was tolerable. I am so scared of having a seziure. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, Mary Jo
Posted by Amanda S on March 23, 2000, at 15:21:14
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Mary Jo on March 22, 2000, at 1:02:52
I have posted this type of thread before and didn't have much response. I have been taking lamictal 100mg since July 1999. I am just trying to find out if anybody has problems with there hair thinning. One person answered my thread and he did notice the thinning, but that was all I was given. I am taking a zinc supplement and I have had my thyroid checked. My hormones are all normal. I am not sick and I am not on chemotherapy. What gives? My pdoc can't answer that question because lamictal is so new. HELP
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 23, 2000, at 21:30:22
In reply to long term lamictal , anyone???????????????????????, posted by Amanda S on March 23, 2000, at 15:21:14
> I have posted this type of thread before and didn't have much response. I have been taking lamictal 100mg since July 1999. I am just trying to find out if anybody has problems with there hair thinning. One person answered my thread and he did notice the thinning, but that was all I was given. I am taking a zinc supplement and I have had my thyroid checked. My hormones are all normal. I am not sick and I am not on chemotherapy. What gives? My pdoc can't answer that question because lamictal is so new. HELP
I have been on and off Lamictal (lamotrigine) for over three years. I find that it causes big-time dandruff along with some hair loss. Although the hair loss is not dramatic, there is a difference between the periods I have taken Lamictal compared to those periods when I have stopped. I am currently taking 300 mg/day. Lamictal is also responsible for areas around my nose, eyebrows, and ears becoming dry, red, and scaly. I use an anti-dandruff shampoo (Pert Plus) containing pyrithione zinc every day. It works to control the dandruff, and I think it may also be helping to decrease the rate of hair-loss. I'm not sure. It might be worth a shot, though. As for the dry areas, I find that Aveeno moisturizing lotion works well.Lithium and Depakote are two other notable culprits for causing alopecia.
What about selenium?
- Scott
Posted by sherry on March 24, 2000, at 8:07:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal and Hair Loss, posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 23, 2000, at 21:30:22
One of the medications I took caused the same thing(red,dry patches on my face). I used Avon's Anew, and it completely controls it. If I miss more than one day of using it though, the patches return. Anew is a alpha hydrox that helps to turn over dead skin cells. You may want to give it a try. Even if you don't use Avon's there are others you can by at Walmart that do the same thing. I also use Nuetrogena's T/GEL shampoo for the dandruff, and it works great. May be worth a trial for you as well. Have a great day.
~Sherry
> > I have posted this type of thread before and didn't have much response. I have been taking lamictal 100mg since July 1999. I am just trying to find out if anybody has problems with there hair thinning. One person answered my thread and he did notice the thinning, but that was all I was given. I am taking a zinc supplement and I have had my thyroid checked. My hormones are all normal. I am not sick and I am not on chemotherapy. What gives? My pdoc can't answer that question because lamictal is so new. HELP
>
>
> I have been on and off Lamictal (lamotrigine) for over three years. I find that it causes big-time dandruff along with some hair loss. Although the hair loss is not dramatic, there is a difference between the periods I have taken Lamictal compared to those periods when I have stopped. I am currently taking 300 mg/day. Lamictal is also responsible for areas around my nose, eyebrows, and ears becoming dry, red, and scaly. I use an anti-dandruff shampoo (Pert Plus) containing pyrithione zinc every day. It works to control the dandruff, and I think it may also be helping to decrease the rate of hair-loss. I'm not sure. It might be worth a shot, though. As for the dry areas, I find that Aveeno moisturizing lotion works well.
>
> Lithium and Depakote are two other notable culprits for causing alopecia.
>
> What about selenium?
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 24, 2000, at 15:21:43
In reply to Re: Lamictal and Hair Loss-Scott, posted by sherry on March 24, 2000, at 8:07:11
> One of the medications I took caused the same thing(red,dry patches on my face). I used Avon's Anew, and it completely controls it. If I miss more than one day of using it though, the patches return. Anew is a alpha hydrox that helps to turn over dead skin cells. You may want to give it a try. Even if you don't use Avon's there are others you can by at Walmart that do the same thing. I also use Nuetrogena's T/GEL shampoo for the dandruff, and it works great. May be worth a trial for you as well. Have a great day.
> ~Sherry
Thanks !
- Scott
Posted by FLMALE on June 1, 2000, at 22:55:33
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by alan on January 12, 1999, at 9:03:15
> > > > Anyone ever take xanax for an extended period and try to detox and have problems or success. I have had problems only to be put back on xanax after trying other drugs for symptoms I had not had before taking xanax.....anyone with anything similar.....or has anyone heard of anything similar.....
> > > --------------Try aswitching to Klonopin, and reduce the amount as gradually as possible.
> > Were you even able to stop the Xanax utilizing the Klonopin regimen? If so, how long did it take? How long and how much Xanax had you been taking?
> I've shifted to valium and detoxed very, very slowly lowering dosage by minute amounts and had no touble at all. Are you surre the new symptoms were due to going off the xanax? Not a rising tide of depression, say, or whatever? Well, good luck. Take all the time you need as long as you are moving in the right direction overall.
>
>> Hi, I have been taking Xanax for anxiety and was has never been "fully" diagnosed as CFIDS, formerly Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Initially, I was started on .25 mg 3 times per day. This was in March of 1995. During one of the latter parts of last year, I visited my physician to advise that I seemed to be becoming "tolerant" to the medication and was having what I have since learned to be both "withdrawal" symptons, as well as symptoms that can occur from "long-term" usage of the medication. Rather than to help with the problems (less and less sleep, tingling sensations, etc. --- some of the worst symptoms of withdrawal/long-term use), my doctor switched me to two tablets per day rather than three. After several days it was more than I felt I could bear. I was not sleeping at all and felt as if I would go unconscious at any time due to the "sensation of pain" that I was feeling. Fortunately, my Primary Care Physician agreed to prescribe the medication and was a bit amazed that a physician would lower the dosage but yet not respond when I pleaded and described what I was going through. Of course, this helped, but the "tolerance" to the "3 0.25 mg tablets per day" grew, and the latter part of 1999 the dosage was increased to "3 0.50 mg tablets per day". That has been nearly a year and I have found myself experiencing the same symptoms of "tolerance/withdrawal feelings/long-term usage" again. After many sleepless nights, I decided to try to find what is fairly new to me, the Tahitian Noni Juice, which is supposed to be wonderful for "calming you", "addiction to medications", as well as numerous other things. I followed the dosage prescribed by a physician and continued with the normal dose of Xanax but noticed that as each day went by, I was becoming more and more alert, sleeping less, and having even "stronger" tingling feelings. This is not surprising, as the juice was described as ridding your body of chemicals and toxins, so I was really not getting any effect from taking the Xanax at the same time. After the fifth day, I remained awake for over 28 hours straight (and of course had to get up and deal with work, which was mentally and physically devastating). I decided to "STOP" taking the Tahitian Juice, as it obviously was either working too fast and was thereby increasing my symptoms of little sleep into absolutely "NO" sleep, tingling sensations into that of "SEVERE tingling/jitteriness", as well as a few other symptoms of withdrawal that I'm sure most of you are familiar with. At this point it has been seven days since I "STOPPED" taking the Tahitian Juice, have continued taking the Xanax as prescribed, but these symptoms continue to feel "heightened" as they did a week ago when I was taking the juice. I am curious if anyone has experienced this, as I just recently read about the juice and actually read a posting by a physician who recommended the juice for withdrawal to Xanax. I wish I could offer more help, as this seemed to be my last hope. I have tried (unsuccessfully) several times to decrease the Xaxax dosage by only a minute amount but it seems by the second or third day even "THAT" small of a reduction results in more severe symptoms. I, too am concered, as I have been taking it for five years and can see only where it can be increased to once again be effective. Also, I don't want to end up taking the maximum dosage and going through anything more severe than I already am. I was once taking Klonopin (prescribed for what a neurologist termed, "a benign tremor" --- prior to taking the Xanax --- I had begun having invulontary tremors in my hands, arms, and legs --- tremors that were "NOT" associated with feelings of anxiety --- tremors that occurred at some of the happiest moments in my life) and after two years of it, it too lost its effectiveness. After being told that some people have to take up to nine doses a day and I as at that time on three tablets per day with no relief from the tremors, I went through nearly six months of severe withdrawal and swore I would "NEVER" take the medication again. Hence, now I and going through the same thing, only more severe, with the Xanax and am in quite a dilemna. I would appreciate "ANY and ALL" responses to this by anyone who can relate or any physician who could possibly help, as it has devastated my life and working is becoming more and more difficult to endure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by JudithC on June 2, 2000, at 17:36:14
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by FLMALE on June 1, 2000, at 22:55:33
Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
JudithC
Posted by FLMALE on June 2, 2000, at 18:48:26
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » FLMALE, posted by JudithC on June 2, 2000, at 17:36:14
>
>
> Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
>
> If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
>
> JudithCHi, JudithC, and thanks for responding. I am not certain which of the postings I responded to, but it was included at the beginning of mine. The posting was in reference to someone attempting to decrease Xanax dosage and was having difficulties. Since I have reviewed many websites and have found that this one contains the more related and understanding comments, I decided to post my entire situation from the date that it started back in 1987 (that was when the symptons of the CFIDS started, but I had no idea what it was until 1995 when I had gathered much research and visited the first physician who started me on the Xanax (0.25 mg/3 day)). I know the references to CFIDS and separate references to tremors (unrelated to anxiety) seem a bit confusing but there WAS one piece of information that I neglected to post. When I was in high school I contracted some form of encephalitis and upon exiting a coma, experienced severe tremors and shaking in my neck, hands, arms, practically all over. After several months, the tremors subsided completely and I never had trouble with them again until 1995 (eight years after I began having MOST of the symptoms associated with CFIDS) and visited a neurologist, as even at that time I was aware that the tremors did not necessarily go hand-in-hand with any anxiety that I might experience. Thus, it's a two-fold problem. My reference to both problems was to also relate my encounter with the withdrawal from Klonopin (administered by the neurologist for tremors but not diagnosed by him due to anxiety) and subsequently being placed on Xanax once I began to feel so weak and exhausted, continuing in a highly-stressful job. I have since realized that the tremors are something I can live with, as they do not occur that often. However, the problem with the Xanax continues to remain. My current physician has continued to prescribe it and that is my primary conern at this point (the stronger feelings of withdrawal or jitteriness as if I've built up a tolerance to the dosage, even after it was raised to 0.50 mg/3 day approximately a year ago). In short, I was relating to the posting that I, too have been attempting (without any success) at times to slowly decrease the Xanax but always ended up raising it back to the prescribed dosage. Also, I was trying to provide some information in relation to the "natural/herbal" method that I attempted but seemed to have a rebound effect (Tahitian Noni Juice). Thanks in advance for any additional information that you can provide.
Posted by LesaH on November 29, 2000, at 23:49:43
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » JudithC, posted by FLMALE on June 2, 2000, at 18:48:26
> >
> >
> > Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
> >
> > If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
> >
> > JudithC
>
> Hi, JudithC, and thanks for responding. I am not certain which of the postings I responded to, but it was included at the beginning of mine. The posting was in reference to someone attempting to decrease Xanax dosage and was having difficulties. Since I have reviewed many websites and have found that this one contains the more related and understanding comments, I decided to post my entire situation from the date that it started back in 1987 (that was when the symptons of the CFIDS started, but I had no idea what it was until 1995 when I had gathered much research and visited the first physician who started me on the Xanax (0.25 mg/3 day)). I know the references to CFIDS and separate references to tremors (unrelated to anxiety) seem a bit confusing but there WAS one piece of information that I neglected to post. When I was in high school I contracted some form of encephalitis and upon exiting a coma, experienced severe tremors and shaking in my neck, hands, arms, practically all over. After several months, the tremors subsided completely and I never had trouble with them again until 1995 (eight years after I began having MOST of the symptoms associated with CFIDS) and visited a neurologist, as even at that time I was aware that the tremors did not necessarily go hand-in-hand with any anxiety that I might experience. Thus, it's a two-fold problem. My reference to both problems was to also relate my encounter with the withdrawal from Klonopin (administered by the neurologist for tremors but not diagnosed by him due to anxiety) and subsequently being placed on Xanax once I began to feel so weak and exhausted, continuing in a highly-stressful job. I have since realized that the tremors are something I can live with, as they do not occur that often. However, the problem with the Xanax continues to remain. My current physician has continued to prescribe it and that is my primary conern at this point (the stronger feelings of withdrawal or jitteriness as if I've built up a tolerance to the dosage, even after it was raised to 0.50 mg/3 day approximately a year ago). In short, I was relating to the posting that I, too have been attempting (without any success) at times to slowly decrease the Xanax but always ended up raising it back to the prescribed dosage. Also, I was trying to provide some information in relation to the "natural/herbal" method that I attempted but seemed to have a rebound effect (Tahitian Noni Juice). Thanks in advance for any additional information that you can provide.Ladies:
I am a 5 milligram per day, 6 year xanax addict. I have no emotion I am flatlined. Help
Posted by Coachnanci on December 4, 2000, at 12:05:18
In reply to long term lamictal , anyone???????????????????????, posted by Amanda S on March 23, 2000, at 15:21:14
> Has anyone experienced weight gain while on Lamictal. My pdoc told me that this is a "charge neutral" med when it comes to weight gain. I was on Topimax/Effexor previously - but with no luck. Now I am on just one med and feel really good. No manic episodes and no real deep swings into depression. But, I have gained about 10 pounds. I figured feeling better was more important than the weight - but am joining Weight Watchers to take off what I put on. Anyone else with similar experience? Can you lose weight or is this a waste of time? Thanks.
Nancy
Posted by shellie on December 4, 2000, at 16:16:05
In reply to Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on December 4, 2000, at 12:05:18
> > Has anyone experienced weight gain while on Lamictal.
Nancy, I also gained weight (over ten pounds) while on lamictal. Recently when discusing this with my pdoc, I have questioned whether the weight was due to an increase in prolactin levels caused by the lamictal. In my case, while on lamictal, my breasts were enlarged and extremely uncomfortable. She does believe that the weight gain and breast pain were related, and we may try to treat them by using a medication to lower my prolactin levels.
Otherwise, I found it totally impossible through diet and intense exercise to lose the weight.If you are not feeling any breast discomfort, then this probably does not apply to you. shellie
Posted by Coachnanci on December 5, 2000, at 8:23:08
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal » Coachnanci, posted by shellie on December 4, 2000, at 16:16:05
> > > Has anyone experienced weight gain while on Lamictal.
>
> Nancy, I also gained weight (over ten pounds) while on lamictal. Recently when discusing this with my pdoc, I have questioned whether the weight was due to an increase in prolactin levels caused by the lamictal. In my case, while on lamictal, my breasts were enlarged and extremely uncomfortable. She does believe that the weight gain and breast pain were related, and we may try to treat them by using a medication to lower my prolactin levels.
> Otherwise, I found it totally impossible through diet and intense exercise to lose the weight.
>
> If you are not feeling any breast discomfort, then this probably does not apply to you. shellieHi Shellie -
Thanks for responding to my post. Yes, that's exactly where I gained the most weight - was my breasts, also. So, are you going to be treated with a medication to lower prolactin levels? I wonder if other mood stabilizers such as Tegretol have the same affect? I have done so well on the Lamictal but cannot stand the added weight. Please keep me posted how you do and thanks so much for sharing the information.
Nancy
Posted by shellie on December 5, 2000, at 9:28:09
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on December 5, 2000, at 8:23:08
Nancy, I had gone off the lamictal because of the weight gain and was trying other meds (including topopax). None of them had the same side effect, but neither did they provide relief for me. Now I'm going to start back on the lamictal (but maybe not until after Christmas), so it will be a while until I know if I will be able to control the side effect. But I'll let you know--probably in January. Shellie
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