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Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat certain types of seizures and bipolar disorder.[1] It is only available by prescription and works by calming overactive nerves in your brain and body. Lamictal is usually prescribed as extended-release tablets for long-term management of symptoms.
While Lamictal is not considered to be addictive, some individuals attempt to abuse it. It can have a calming effect, which might motivate people to take it in larger doses than recommended. Unfortunately, taking high doses of lamotrigine can result in life-threatening overdoses, which are characterized by symptoms like cognitive decline, hypotension, seizures, and heart complications.
If you or a loved one abuse Lamictal, the Mandala Healing Center is here to help. Even though you cannot become addicted to lamotrigine in the traditional sense, you could experience withdrawal upon stopping the use of it. Because of this, attending a drug and alcohol rehab center is the best way to achieve recovery from Lamictal abuse.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is Lamictal and what are the side effects?
- Do people misuse lamotrigine?
- What are the dangers of abusing Lamictal?
What is Lamictal?
Lamictal is a seizure medication and is also effective in managing bipolar I disorder. It works by decreasing the activity of your brain’s excitatory neurotransmitters and activating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to cause sedative effects and calm nerve firings. While Lamictal is generally considered safe to use daily, you should talk to your doctor if you experience ongoing or intense side effects.
The common side effects of Lamictal include:[2]
- Balance and coordination issues
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Uncontrollable movements of the eyes
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, or speaking
- Headaches
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Heartburn and dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach, back, or joint pain
- Missed or painful menstrual periods
- Shaking or tremors
Lamictal can also cause an allergic reaction characterized by skin rashes. If you experience rash blisters, blistered or peeling skin, or a stiff neck and swollen lymph nodes, stop taking lamotrigine and contact a medical professional immediately.
Do People Abuse Lamictal?
Lamictal is not known to cause addiction, however, it is still possible for people to misuse it. It does not produce symptoms of euphoria or cravings. That said, it can cause a calming or sedative effect, which might be attractive to some people with a history of substance abuse.
Lamictal abuse occurs when you take it without a prescription or consume it in higher doses than prescribed. If you are consuming it in an attempt to experience a high, you are engaging in prescription drug misuse. Additionally, if you are experiencing a mental health emergency and consume a large dose of lamotrigine to overdose, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Whether you are abusing Lamictal to get high or not, taking large doses of the medication is incredibly dangerous. You could experience a life-threatening overdose that requires emergency medical attention.
What are the Dangers of Lamictal Misuse?
The main danger of abusing Lamictal is experiencing an overdose. To notice any sort of mind-altering effects, you’d have to take a large amount of the medication. In other words, abusing Lamictal puts you at a high risk of overdosing.
Lamictal overdoses often cause the following risks:
Cognitive Issues
When you use Lamictal in high doses, you could experience cognitive issues like confusion, reduced consciousness, or a decline in awareness. According to a study on Lamictal overdoses, 20% of cases included severe neurological dysfunction, a risk of coma, or long-term cognitive problems.[3]
Hypotension
If you take too much Lamictal at once, your blood pressure could become dangerously low. Also known as hypotension, this could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, an increased risk of falls, and even organ damage or stroke in severe cases. This occurs in 12% of Lamictal overdoses.[3]
Seizures
While Lamictal treats seizures, taking it in high doses could cause you to experience one. Even without having a seizure disorder, overdosing on Lamictal commonly leads to life-threatening seizures. 55% of Lamictal overdoses result in seizures, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and other life-threatening effects.[3]
Heart Complications
While less common, Lamictal overdoses can lead to heart complications. You could experience cardiac arrest or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) when you take high doses of lamotrigine. These symptoms occur among 6% of Lamictal overdose cases.[3]
Get Help for Lamictal Abuse
If you regularly abuse Lamictal or another prescription drug, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a combination of evidence-based and compassionate care, ensuring you get the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.
During treatment for Lamictal abuse, you will receive medical detox, individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. We also offer treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Contact us today for more information on how the Mandala Healing Center can help you overcome lamotrigine abuse.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Lamotrigine
- Medline Plus: Lamotrigine
- Taylor and Francis Online: Acute lamotrigine overdose: a systematic review of published adult and pediatric cases
