When I saw a neurologist recently I explained that the Neurontin was not working for pain because I couldn't take it consistently due to the fact that it made me too tired and foggy/groggy. I couldn't work or drive while on it so I only took it at bedtime. I was having almost daily pain through the summer and attacks that were increasing in intensity.
The neurologist prescribed Lamictal, saying it wouldn't make me tired like the Neurontin had. I started on one 25 mg pill a day and worked my way up to 3 pills a day. It has been like a miracle! Once I got to three times a day, my pain essentially went away. I have not had any attacks (knock wood) and just a little residual pain and numbness in my jaw. It's funny, though. If I forget to take a pill at lunchtime I start to get twinges of pain within an hour of my dose time. It serves as a reminder not to forget to take my pill.
There are a number of listed side effects with this drug but I think I've escaped them ... with this exception. Last week I found a pea sized, hard-as-a-rock tender bump under my ear, at the hinge of my jaw. I looked it up online and it appears to be, from what I read, a swollen or inflamed lymph gland. "Swollen lymph glands" was listed among the side effects of the Lamictal although I don't know if it's related or not. The bump is on the same side of my face as the TN. It has gotten a little more painful in the last few days so I may check with my regular doc about it.
Anyone here take Lamictal and how have your results been?
I have been on and off lamictal. It control the pain, but I get bad effects. I have had swollen glands multiple times. The biggest thing though was the skin issue. My hands and fingers became blistered, swollen and cracked. They just bleed lots and gross!! My Dr. said I had to get off due to long term damage…
I was on Lamictal too before I had Gamma Knife. It was great. After I worked up to 100mg a day I was almost pain free. I did not have any side effects. I am off now but may have to go back. Good luck with it!
I am glad it is working for you! And if it works, don’t fix it!!
Karen, when you say “I looked it up online”, even ‘Big Pharma’ tells us to “Talk to your doctor”.
in August of this year, the FDA put a warning out about Lamictal causing aeseptic meningitis in a percentage of patients taking the drug. 40 cases popped up between 1994 when the drug was created, and 2009.
I just started taking it about a week ago…75mg twice a day. I increased it to 150mg twice a day yesterday. I’m dizzy & feel pretty funny & hope that the side effect mellow out soon.
It feels like the meds are trying to suppress the pain today_ but it cant yet.
Please let me know how your adjusting.
Beth
can you tell more about your gamma knife ? was it sucessful ?
Sharon Bryant said:
I was on Lamictal too before I had Gamma Knife. It was great. After I worked up to 100mg a day I was almost pain free. I did not have any side effects. I am off now but may have to go back. Good luck with it!