Lamotrigine and Weight Loss
Lamotrigine is a prescription medication that is used to treat a variety of different illnesses and disorders. According to RxList.com, Lamotrigine is used most commonly for the treatment of symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, manic depression and epilepsy.
When used to treat bipolar disorder, Lamotrigine decreases the manic episodes; and when used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy, the medication decreases the frequency of seizures.
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Administered
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Lamotrigine can be administered as a regular tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet or as a CD tablet.
Depending on the healthcare professional, Lamotrigine can be prescribed to the patient to be taken either once or twice daily, according to Medscape Today. -
Side Effects
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The most common side effects associated with Lamotrigine are headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, coordination problems, drowsiness, double vision, blurred vision, hair loss, nausea or vomiting and weight loss. Skin rashes and allergic reactions are also a side effect of Lamotrigine.
Weight Loss as Side Effect
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According to eMedTV, Lamotrigine can cause weight loss in up to 5 percent of patients taking the drug for epilepsy.
Precautions
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Individuals who have liver disease, liver failure or cirrhosis, heart disease, blood disorders, allergies or are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider before taking prescription Lamotrigine.
Lamotrigine can cause life threatening allergic reactions and rashes. Lamotrigine can also cause anemia and other blood disorders.
Weight Loss Precautions
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Weight loss due to taking prescription Lamotrigine can be a cause for concern with individuals who should not lose weight. The concern for these individuals stems from healthcare professionals recommending patients not lose more than a certain percentage of their body weight. Lamotrigine is often used to treat epilepsy in children in which case weight loss would be cause for concern.
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