Lamictal and Wellbutrin weight gain?

[stressedgal]

Hi there,

I've been on Wellbutrin (150) for a number of years, however, my Dr has recently added Lamictal as well.  I'm so worried that the Lamictal will cause me to gain weight.  (I previously gained weight with Abilify)  Feedback will be greatly appreciated. :)

[Midijane]

Lol. You're welcome.

[stressedgal]

Thank you so much, this makes me feel much better!!! xxx

[Anonymouse88]

Lamictal is in a completely different drug class than Abilify, and tends to be very weight neutral.  All of the atypical antipsychotics, like Abilify, can cause weight gain, although some are less likely to.  That drug class is known for it.  Lamictal is an anticonvulsant, and a lot of those (except for depakote) are weight neutral.  I don't think you have anything to worry about in the weight department.

Make sure to take your Lamictal exactly as prescribed.  It's famous for a nasty rash, but your chances of getting the rash are about 1/1000, and keeping a proper titration schedule and not missing doses helps keep that chance low.  About 1/10 people get a harmless rash when starting.  They'll still probably take you off it if you get a rash, but you'll most likely be in the safe category.  Mine gives me acne, but that's a very rare side effect.

I take Lamictal myself, and I really like it.  The acne is honestly the worst side effect I get from it, and that has lessened over time.  It has been weight neutral for me.  You can always ask your doctor about side effects and any worries you have about a drug.  You have the right to informed consent to treatment, which means that they should tell you enough that you understand enought to make a reasonable decision about it.  Pharmacists will also answer med questions for free if you just walk in, especially if you filled the med at their pharmacy.  

[Midijane]

Hi stressed gal,

I'm on Lamictal and haven't noticed any weight gain. I don't have any complaints with my Lamictal in fact.

Now when I took Lithium... I gained a lot of weight. Mostly water weight but you're already depressed, who wants to feel like the side of a barn on top of being depressed?

M