Can Lamictal cause severe arthritis?
I began taking Lamictal for depression. Almost immediately I began having trouble with my hands. On waking in the morning they are very stiff and painfull. Some of my fingers freeze or lock when I shut my hands. They feel very swollen although they do not look it. I have trouble holding on to things or opening anything. I asked the DR. who after looking it up, decided the med might be responsible, and he held off on increasing the dosage. After several weeks I finally slowly took myself off completly. I have been med free about a week but the symptoms are still just as bad. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
In these studies, the most common Lamictal side effects included:
- Dizziness -- in up to 54 percent of people
- Double vision -- up to 49 percent
- Headaches -- up to 29 percent
- Coordination problems -- up to 28 percent
- Blurred vision -- up to 25 percent
- Nausea -- up to 25 percent
- Vomiting -- up to 20 percent.
Other common side effects, occurring in 5 to 20 percent of people, included:
- Drowsiness
- Irritated or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Insomnia (see Lamictal and Insomnia)
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Weakness
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms (such as body aches or chills)
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Bronchitis
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dry mouth (see Lamictal and Dry Mouth)
- Constipation
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Chest pain
- Weight loss (see Lamictal and Weight Loss).
- Worsening of seizures
- Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
- Any unusual bruising or bleeding
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Severe muscle pain
- Frequent infections
- Signs of a dangerous allergic reaction, including:
o Hives or any rash o Fever o Swollen lymph nodes (swollen "glands") o Painful sores in or around the mouth or eyes o Swelling of the lips or tongue
- Suicidal thinking or behavior (see Seizure Medications and Suicide).
Lamictal can cause very serious skin rashes and allergic reactions. These rashes can cause large sections of the skin to die and can cause disfigurement or even loss of life (see Lamictal Rash.)
Rare Lamictal Side Effects
Less common side effects of Lamictal are also possible. These side effects occurred in less than 5 percent of people taking the drug. Because these side effects are so rare, it can be difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by Lamictal or by other factors unrelated to the medication. Some of these less common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Vaginal infection or irritation
- Speech problems
- Bladder infection (urinary tract infection or UTI)
- Concentration problems
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Neck pain
- Sinus infection
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Nervousness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Increased sex drive
- Bloody nose
- Dry skin
- Sweating
- Migraine headaches
- Weight gain (see Lamictal and Weight Gain).
- Thank you for your input
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