Bipolar Happens Blog – Julie Fast

I’ve written a lot about Lamictal and Generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine) the past few months. This is the drug I take as do many other people with bipolar disorder. One reader commented that she couldn’t sleep when she was on Lamictal. That was a side effect I had not heard. Other people have had the same problem- here is a comment from a reader:  

Hi Julie,

It took nine months before I could sleep without some sleep aid. Low doses of Zyprexa or levomepromazin helped.

Lena

Hi Lena,

A friend of mine has had trouble sleeping and her doctor suggested that she use a small dose of Zyprexa. She knows it will work, but she’s scared to feel like a zombie again. She just started a new job. It’s frustrating for her. Others use the Zyprexa with great success. She has to find something that will work for her.

I wasn’t familiar with the other drug you mentioned, so I looked it up.

Levomepromazin is an anti psychotic that has strong sedative effects. I can see how it would work like Zyprexa in terms of sleep. Currently, Levomepromazine is not registered in the USA. In Europe it has been marketed for decades as Neurocil® and Nozinan®.

Nozinan® is also available in Canada.

I also read that it has a lot of side effects in high doses which may be why it’s not used as an anti psychotic in the US. Or, of course, it could just be something economic!

Severe sleep problems are really dangerous for people with bipolar disorder, so if you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor and get more information. Also, make sure your sleep problems are not a result of mania!

Some drugs, like Lamictal produce such unbelievable relief- people are willing to stay on then despite the side effects.  Sometimes the side effects are just too strong. It depends on the person. The good news is that side effects often get a lot better if you can make it through the first three to six months.  
Julie

Hi Julie,
I just read all the blogs and comments on Lamictal (and the generic) and they really answered a lot of questions for me. First off, and I know you’re not supposed to do this, but my daughter had some left over when she tried it so I used those up before I refilled my prescription. I noticed a couple of different things that happened to me while taking her prescription but I blew them off not even thinking about them until I read the blogs. The first one was a twitch I got in my left hand when using the computer mouse and the second one is the rash that I got on my chest just above the breast. I am very thankful that all of you talked about the Lamictal side effects. The only thing is these symptoms didn’t show up until I used my daughter’s prescription. Could it have been because of the age of the pills? Everything else about them is the same as mine. I just wasn’t sure if there is an expiration date on them or not but this is my only explanation of these 2 symptoms. What do y’all think?

Tamara

Hi Tamara,

It’s always best to talk with your doctor regarding the rash.  There is one serious rash, but very few people get it- I know of one who had to stop the drug out of the hundreds of people I know who take Lamictal. The rash is often benign and can be treated with benedryl. Defintely call your doctor though and just give them an update. I have to stress that a mild rash is very normal. A rash that really itches with oozing sores like poison ivy is not ok! I still get a lot of itching from the drug, but I live with it. I always say it’s best to check in with a health care professional.  My coauthor Dr. John Preston is my source of info, so I’m lucky I can call him with all of my questions and he mentioned that most are benign. 

Remember, I am not a medical doctor!

As for the twitching- you should see me when it really gets going! It’s pretty comical. It’s very uncomfortable- especially in the legs. I know it means my dose is not correct. There is NO question that my side effects increased when I had to start the generic Lamictal, but the meds are working and that is all that matters to me. I’ve found that the side effects calm down over time.

Regarding taking your daughter’s pills, I use my mom’s pills if I forget mine. She is on Lamictal as well. I say it’s a lot better to take what is there than to go without! The age of the Lamictal is a question you can ask you doctor or pharmacist. If you switched between regular and generic that may be the problem. This is beacuse the way they make the pills can be differnt and we absorb the drugs differently. I assume my body will adjust.

I love this drug as you know, but the side effects can definitely be strong. But not as strong as Zyprexa for example. I can live with them.

Thanks for your question and definitely check in with your doctor about the rash if it continues, spreads or oozes! Mine comes and goes so I can live with it!

Julie