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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Quintal on April 27, 2008, at 14:11:01
I'm concerned about the possible long-term effects of melanin binding while taking Lamictal. I don't understand what exactly it means, but from what I've read there is concern that melanin-binding in the iris of the eye may affect eyesight in the long run. I don't know how or why this would happen though. Does it increase the risk of skin cancer or anything like that? Should I take particular care to wear sunscreen and UV filtered shades? I remember the last time I was taking Lamictal my skin changed colour slightly, and one person accused me of using sunbeds becuase I looked as if I had a tan (it was the middle of an English winter). I don't know if this had anything to do with Lamictal, but it was strange. Another explanation is that I was slightly jaundiced.
I'd appreciate it if anyone had further information/theories etc.
Q
Posted by bulldog2 on April 27, 2008, at 18:15:03
In reply to Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by Quintal on April 27, 2008, at 14:11:01
> I'm concerned about the possible long-term effects of melanin binding while taking Lamictal. I don't understand what exactly it means, but from what I've read there is concern that melanin-binding in the iris of the eye may affect eyesight in the long run. I don't know how or why this would happen though. Does it increase the risk of skin cancer or anything like that? Should I take particular care to wear sunscreen and UV filtered shades? I remember the last time I was taking Lamictal my skin changed colour slightly, and one person accused me of using sunbeds becuase I looked as if I had a tan (it was the middle of an English winter). I don't know if this had anything to do with Lamictal, but it was strange. Another explanation is that I was slightly jaundiced.
>
> I'd appreciate it if anyone had further information/theories etc.
>
> QMy feeling is that there is the potential for long term damage to the eyes and only time will. The fact that there are severe skin reactions tells me that the skin becomes more senstive to the sun. This could make one's eyes more likely to get cataracts.
I personally would rather take a chance with an older drug such as an maoi with all it's inconveniences rather than lamactil which I view as being somewhat toxic.
Posted by Quintal on April 28, 2008, at 9:56:42
In reply to Re: Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by bulldog2 on April 27, 2008, at 18:15:03
My problem is that all of the mood stabilizers are highly toxic, and lamotrigine is probably the one with the least side effects. Lithium causes thyroid and kidney damage, valproate has loads of side effects, as do carbamazepine and topiramate. I will probably just have to sick it out for now, but it's disconcerting to think it may be causing long-term damage that I don't know about.
Q
Posted by undopaminergic on May 1, 2008, at 5:57:46
In reply to Re: Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by bulldog2 on April 27, 2008, at 18:15:03
> > I'm concerned about the possible long-term effects of melanin binding while taking Lamictal. I don't understand what exactly it means, but from what I've read there is concern that melanin-binding in the iris of the eye may affect eyesight in the long run. I don't know how or why this would happen though. Does it increase the risk of skin cancer or anything like that? Should I take particular care to wear sunscreen and UV filtered shades? I remember the last time I was taking Lamictal my skin changed colour slightly, and one person accused me of using sunbeds becuase I looked as if I had a tan (it was the middle of an English winter). I don't know if this had anything to do with Lamictal, but it was strange. Another explanation is that I was slightly jaundiced.
> >
> > I'd appreciate it if anyone had further information/theories etc.
> >
> > Q
>
> My feeling is that there is the potential for long term damage to the eyes and only time will. The fact that there are severe skin reactions tells me that the skin becomes more senstive to the sun. This could make one's eyes more likely to get cataracts.
>The transparent components of the eye (cornea, lens, and aqueous and vitreous chambers) contain no melanin, and hence the risk of accumulation of lamotrigine in these tissues is minimal. On the other hand, one might speculate that deposits of the drug in the iris could, perhaps in combination with light (visible or UV), contribute to the formation of toxic metabolic products that might in turn cause damage to adjacent tissues.
An issue that has never been discussed, to my knowledge, is the potential for lamotrigine accumulation in melanin-containing nervous tissues - in particular, dopaminergic and adrenergic neurons. Might lamotrigine increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, or alternatively, reduce it?
Posted by SLS on May 1, 2008, at 6:38:19
In reply to Re: Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by undopaminergic on May 1, 2008, at 5:57:46
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that Lamictal binds to melanin irreversibly. So, once you start taking it, it is already too late.
- Scott
Posted by undopaminergic on May 1, 2008, at 6:43:55
In reply to Re: Lamictal and melanin binding » bulldog2, posted by Quintal on April 28, 2008, at 9:56:42
> My problem is that all of the mood stabilizers are highly toxic, and lamotrigine is probably the one with the least side effects. Lithium causes thyroid and kidney damage, valproate has loads of side effects, as do carbamazepine and topiramate. I will probably just have to sick it out for now, but it's disconcerting to think it may be causing long-term damage that I don't know about.
>Have you tested whether SSRIs work as mood-stabilisers? What about serotonin precursors (tryprophan and 5-HTP)? Omega-3 fatty acids? Combinations of several mood-stabilisers at tolerable, non-toxic doses?
Speculatively, vinpocetine may be effective as a mood stabiliser, as it antagonises voltage-gated sodium channels, similarly to anticonvulsants, including carbamazepine and lamotrigine. As a bonus, it enhances cerebral and retinal blood flow.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 2, 2008, at 16:24:22
In reply to Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by Quintal on April 27, 2008, at 14:11:01
> I'm concerned about the possible long-term effects of melanin binding while taking Lamictal. I don't understand what exactly it means, but from what I've read there is concern that melanin-binding in the iris of the eye may affect eyesight in the long run. I don't know how or why this would happen though. Does it increase the risk of skin cancer or anything like that? Should I take particular care to wear sunscreen and UV filtered shades? I remember the last time I was taking Lamictal my skin changed colour slightly, and one person accused me of using sunbeds becuase I looked as if I had a tan (it was the middle of an English winter). I don't know if this had anything to do with Lamictal, but it was strange. Another explanation is that I was slightly jaundiced.
>
> I'd appreciate it if anyone had further information/theories etc.
>
> QI developed cataracts after using lamictal for depression. I think I'd rather use an maoi for depression as they've been around for ever and we know their sides.Now do i know for sure lamictal caused the cataracts? Only speculation.
This is the end of the thread.
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