Weight Loss & Lamictal

Although weight loss is not listed as an official side effect of the antiepileptic drug Lamictal (also known as Lamotrigine), controlled studdies have shown that many patients seem to experience weight loss while taking this drug. Lamictal is commonly used to treat certain types of seizures, such as epilepsy, as well as Bipolar I disorder in those aged 18 or older.

Study on Lamictal's Affect on Weight Loss

• In 2006, the American Journal of Psychiatry published results of a study led by Charles L. Bowden, M.D, which focused on the changes in weight among obese patients who took the drug Lamictal.The study of 399 patients (of which 155 were obese) over 52 weeks concluded that those with bipolar I disorder lost weight while taking Lamotrigine. During the study the obese patients lost on average, 7 percent of their body weight compared to patients who took a placebo (a "sugar pill" that contains no medication) during the preliminary phases of the study. To put in simpler terms, if a woman weighs 180 lbs. and loses 7 percent of her body weight, she has lost 12.6 lbs. Although this study focused mostly on Lamictal's effect on weight gain or loss in obese patients, it was noted that the non-obese patients taking Lamictal did not gain any weight.

Choosing Lamictal Over Other Medications

• The results of this study may guide bipolar I patients who are already overweight or obese in the direction of Lamictal, rather than trying Lithium, another commonly used drug to treat this condition. Frequently used by doctors to treat bipolar patients since 1970, this medication is notorious for causing weight gain, according to psycheducation.com

Other Contributing Side Effects

• Also possibly contributing to weight loss in patients who take Lamictal are proven side effects found in controlled studies: this medication may cause nausea (which may prevent one from eating certain foods) and vomiting (which can cause dehydration and loss of water weight).

Pros and Cons of Lamictal

• Patients being treating for conditions who take medication that cause them to gain weight, must take into perspective the pros and cons of the drug and its effectiveness in treating their condition. For example, if someone who begins taking lithium finds that she has a significant decrease in mood changes but has gained 15 lbs., she may want to consider whether reaping the benefits of this drug is more important than gaining weight.

Lamictal May Not be Right for Everyone

• With any drug, side effects can vary. If you are taking Lamictal and feel that you have gained or lost weight because of this drug, or are experiencing any other unpleasant side effects, consult your doctor immediately.