Introduction
Those taking Lamictal lost more weight than those on the placebo (about 2.5 pounds versus about one-third of a pound), and they did have significant improvements in their blood sugar and cholesterol lab test results.
What bipolar medication causes weight loss?
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of bipolar disorder, including refractory populations, and in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Topiramate led to substantial weight loss in patients with bipolar disorders in these studies.
Does Lamictal cause weight change?
Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). All of these medications are known to increase the risk of weight gain except lamotrigine.
Does lamotrigine affect metabolism?
Conclusion: This study revealed that lamotrigine treatment reduces glucose metabolism in the thalamus, basal ganglia, and multiple regions of the cerebral cortex in drug-naïve patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Does Lamictal help with motivation?
This study demonstrates a clear pro-motivational effect of repeated lamotrigine administration, accompanied by a restored dopaminergic response in the NAcS, possibly consequent to the modulation of VTA dopaminergic neurons firing rate.
How long does it take to see results with lamotrigine?
When will I feel better? It usually takes around 6 weeks for lamotrigine to work properly. This is because the dose needs to be increased slowly to prevent side effects. You may still have seizures or feel low during this time.
What medications cause drastic weight loss?
Six weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
What are the long-term effects of taking lamotrigine?
Long-term treatment with lamotrigine can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia, increasing your risk of breaking a bone. Your doctor can arrange for tests to check your bone strength. Regular exercise and a good diet can also help keep your bones strong.
What is lamotrigine mainly used for?
Lamotrigine is used alone or together with other medicines to help control certain types of seizures (eg, partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Does Lamictal flatten mood?
Lamotrigine is the only mood stabilizer that calms mood swings by lifting the depression rather than suppressing the mania, says Dr. Aiken. “That makes it a great choice for the bipolar spectrum, where the depressive symptoms usually outweigh the manic ones. Its greatest benefit is in prevention.
Lamotrigine is the only mood stabilizer that calms mood swings by lifting the depression rather than suppressing the mania, says Dr. Aiken. “That makes it a great choice for the bipolar spectrum, where the depressive symptoms usually outweigh the manic ones. Its greatest benefit is in prevention.
Conclusion
Mood stabilizers, Lamictal, and weight gain
In clinical trials, less than 5 percent of those taking Lamictal gained weight. If you take Lamictal and have gained weight, the weight gain may be an effect of the disorder itself. Bipolar disorder can increase your appetite or change your metabolism.
