Experiencing Reflux-like Symptoms on Lamotrigine: Seeking Insights
Recently, I was diagnosed with emotional instability and prescribed 200mg of Lamotrigine, also known as Lamictal. As an 18-year-old female with several years of medication history, I’ve been on Lamotrigine for approximately 18 months without experiencing any adverse skin reactions. However, since I started taking it in the morning, I’ve been grappling with a sensation akin to reflux. This discomfort manifests as a feeling of having something lodged in my throat, accompanied by nausea, a hot sensation in my chest, excessive sleepiness, and an overwhelming sense of weakness reminiscent of low blood pressure episodes. Additionally, I've noticed dark circles under my eyes and a slight sense of confusion. Initially, I didn’t connect these symptoms to the medication and sought opinions from multiple doctors. An endoscopy revealed no traces of gastric acid in my throat, and despite making dietary changes to avoid acidic foods, I remained in the dark about the root cause. It dawned on me that these symptoms seemed to arise between 1 to 2.5 hours post-medication. After discussing this with my psychiatrist, we decided to adjust my dosage schedule to before bedtime. I currently take Lamotrigine at night, but if I wake up during the night, I still experience these symptoms. I’m unsure of what might be causing this issue and don’t know anyone else on the same medication to share insights. I would appreciate any information regarding what could be contributing to these sensations or advice on how to manage them better.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 1:01:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that seem to coincide with your Lamotrigine medication, especially when taken in the morning. It's good that you've already consulted with multiple doctors and had an endoscopy to rule out some issues. Since adjusting the timing of your medication to nighttime hasn't completely resolved the discomfort, let's explore some potential causes and strategies to manage your symptoms.
Key Points:
- Medication Side Effects: Some individuals report gastrointestinal discomfort or feelings akin to reflux from Lamotrigine.
- Timing and Dosage: Adjusting when you take your medication is a good first step, but lingering symptoms suggest that more might be at play.
- Symptom Monitoring: Keeping a close watch on your symptoms can help identify triggers or patterns.
Explanation:
- Lamotrigine can occasionally lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea or feelings of reflux. These symptoms might be influenced by the timing of the medication, your diet, or interactions with other substances (like caffeine).
- The hot sensation in your chest and feeling something lodged in your throat could also relate to anxiety, especially since you've indicated emotional instability as a diagnosis.
- Dark circles and confusion might not be directly related to Lamotrigine but could indicate fatigue or stress, which can exacerbate feelings of weakness and low blood pressure.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary detailing when you take your medication and when you experience symptoms. Note any patterns with food intake, stress levels, or sleep disturbances.
- Diet Adjustments: Beyond avoiding acidic foods, consider small, manageable meals and staying upright for a bit after eating to minimize discomfort.
- Hydration: Increase your water intake, especially if you're experiencing feelings of weakness. Dehydration can contribute to these sensations.
- Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you have good sleep practices, as poor sleep can contribute to confusion and fatigue. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Discuss with Your Psychiatrist: Since you’ve already discussed timing adjustments, consider if the dosage might need reevaluation or if there’s an alternative medication that could work better for you without these side effects.
Feeling confusing and overwhelmed is certainly troubling, and it's important to prioritize self-care while keeping an ongoing dialogue with your healthcare provider about your current experience.
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