The Two Lamictal Concerns

[Guest shigg]

I have been on Lamictal with much success previously as an antidepressant. Liked many of its attributes. (I am considering a switch from my SSRI to Lamictal because Lamictal among other reasons -- it didn't zap my sex drive like my current A.D., actually increased it).

Anyway, I remember when I was taking Lamictal, my hair got a lot thinner, and some of it fell out. I have a nice thick full head of hair, so it was easy for me to spot. HOWever...I was on Wellbutrin at the same time then, too. And I have read that Wellbutrin is just as likely a culprit of hair loss as the anticonvulsants -- so it makes me wonder if the Lamictal was at play in the hair thing at all with me. So I thought I would see if anyone else has had hair loss issues with Lamictal...

My other concern with Lamictal when I took it was the photosensitivity thing. It seemed like I couldn't handle much sun on it, and I was more pale looking than normal. I am wondering what folks experience 'round here is with Lamictal and the photosens. stuff

Thanks all!

[cattwomannc]

I take Lamictal (with no other meds) and it works very well for me.

I have very fine/thin hair and haven't really noticed any extra thinning.  (I always seem to lose a lot of hair, but haven't noticed a big difference in the amount on the floor everyday  )

Also, I am very fair skinned (burn in ten minutes) and haven't noticed any more sensitivity there either...

However, as always, your individual experience may be quite different

[tallulah]

hey shigg

photosensitivity is a big thing with all anticonvulsants. your skin becomes a lot more sensitive.  a lot of people cant even sit under fluorescent lighting for long periods of time... although ive lucked out and this hasnt been big a huge deal for me.

ive also noticed that my hair has started falling out since my higher dose of lamictal (250mg).  thank god for having lots of thick hair!  i didnt realize or think it was a side effect, though.  still dont? 

[Sam]

I take both Lamictal and Wellbutrin, and I am not sure about the hair loss. I was thinking it was just my imagination and I have always lost as much hair as I do now, but I think maybe I do lose more hair than I should. Mine is really thick, too, so it really doesn't look any different, but when I comb it out after a bath there seems to be more hair in my hand.

So, basically, I am of NO help whatsoever! The hair loss for me isn't alarming. As long as I don't think about it. But now that I think about it...bummer, man.

Sam

Edited to add: What is photosensitivity? Like the sun hurts you or your eyes are more sensitive or you burn easily or what?

I spent more time in the sun than I have in years this summer and I was fine. Unless it means I am going to get skin cancer or something...

[huttleston]

Any of these darn meds could cause thinning hair.  Darn, I've had thinning hair since 1990 when I was started on lithium.  I am on Lamictal now with a small bit of Seroquel and I cannot tell any difference honestly with my hair, it's still thin and still different than before being put on meds 15 YEARS AGO.  I just think they all do a number on us, but thin hair I can handle today.  Because today I feel almost as normal as I can remember what normal is supposed to feel like.  I guess if all my hair fell out, I would get upset though.

As far as the photosensitivity, yes I think Lamictal can do this.  It especially did for me when combined with an antibiotic Macrobid I was on for a bladder infection.  I got red in less than 5 minutes in the sun.