For preventing migraines with antiepileptic drugs, Lamotrigine a healthier alternative to Topamax, as it causes fewer cognitive problems like brain fog, memory loss, and low concentration. Still, it’s important to use any migraine drug with caution. Here are some facts about Lamotrigine as migraine prophylaxis.
Who uses Lamotrigine?
Lamotrigine (LTG) is an anticonvulsive drug approved by the FDA for treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Lamotrigine is also prescribed for:
- Migraine headaches
- Clinical depression
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cluster headaches
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
Lamotrigine (LTG) is a nonenzyme inducing AED with favorable pharmacokinetics, approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in epilepsy as well as bipolar disorder
Overcoming Social Isolation in Migraine Disorder
Lamotrigine Side Effects
Despite its effectiveness in preventing migraines, Lamotrigine carries several FDA warnings. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Life-threatening skin rashes (Stevens–Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Headache
- Severe allergic reactions
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Chest pain
- Neck stiffness
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swollen hands and feet
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Other side effects include:
- Unusual changes in menstruation
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Anxiety attacks
- Mood changes
- Suicidal tendencies
- Fever
- Chronic sore throat
- Severe muscle pain
- Blurred vision
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Double vision
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Feebleness
- Decreased coordination
- Loss of concentration
- Sleep difficulties
Natural migraine ingredients
More migraine patients today opt for natural migraine ingredients for increased well-being and neurological health.
Current research indicates that fixed doses of natural supplements like magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and butterbur are more than 50% effective in improving neurological health and blood flow to the brain.
Recently, the American Academy of Neurology released new guidelines for treating episodic migraines that confirm these results.
Read more about natural migraine prevention:
Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond
Natural Ingredients and Herbs for migraines
Please tell us…
Do you currently use antiepileptic drugs for migraines? If so, have you experienced any of the side effects described above?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Sources:
Lamotrigine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
New Guidelines: Treatments Can Help Prevent Migraine — American Academy of Neurology
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Tags: Lamotrigine for migraines, migraine headaches, natural migraine treatments, preventing migraines
I was taking Topamax until I found out I was pregnant. I switched to Keppra due to the issues of birth defects being linked to Topamax. Now that the little one is here I will be asking to switch back to Topamax. I did notice the concentration & memory issues but the number of headaches I had was cut by 75% plus it was controlling my seizures. So the medication was doing double duty. Migraine are a big factor in my life & in my seizures. If I can prevent the migraine I have a better chance of not having the next seizure. For me the side effects were worth it. We tried multiple other medications to find the right one for me.