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What Causes Dryness In Eyes After Taking Lamictal?
Question: My cholesterol has ranged below 208 for a while with HDL good and LDL low. Last testing was XXXXXXX 2015 with cholesterol at 207. I just had it completed and it went up to 247, the LDL changed a small amount.
I was put on Lamotrigne to help the Lexapro that Iv'e been on for years. I started the Lamictal (Lamotrigne)
about 4 months ( the lowest dose.) Also, Ive had significant dryness in the eyes that I cannot wear my contacts. I'm also more tired and achy. I'm thinking the Lamictal has a negative effect and not really feeling any diffract since taking it.
I was put on Lamotrigne to help the Lexapro that Iv'e been on for years. I started the Lamictal (Lamotrigne)
about 4 months ( the lowest dose.) Also, Ive had significant dryness in the eyes that I cannot wear my contacts. I'm also more tired and achy. I'm thinking the Lamictal has a negative effect and not really feeling any diffract since taking it.
Brief Answer:
Possible side effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I am Dr. Meriton. I read your query and understand your concern.
Both, lamotrigine and escitalopram are drugs that are mainly excreted via urinary routes. However, there are some studies that link taking lamotrigine and a mood stabilizing drug (such as escitalopram) with their affect to fluctuating, but more, increasing cholesterol levels. Although, there are not definitive indicators that this is your case.
Both, lamotrigine and escitalopram, like all the drugs, have their side effects. From the symptoms you described in your query, there is a chance that both these drugs can cause tiredness, drowsiness and aching in different body parts. Also, there is a slight chance of escitalopram causing the dry eyes. On the other hand, these drugs are necessary therapy so they should be taken regularly and I recommend you to adhere to the treatment. There is always the option of artificial tears, or you may discuss with your neuro-psychiatrist about a possible substitution of escitalopram. Due to the very low effect that escitalopram has on CYP metabolising systems in the liver, the possibility of these drugs interacting with each-other is very low.
As about the cholesterol levels, I would like to say that normal cholesterol levels are up to 220 mg/dL. Also, we cannot attribute all our suspicions to the fact that high and/or fluctuating cholesterol levels can come from these drugs. I would recommend you to keep a physically active lifestyle and some changes in your diet should be made:
- light physical activity 40-60 minutes a day for seven days a week
- green and dark green leafy vegetables and fruit 200 - 300 g a day
- once a week red or raw meat; more fish and poultry (chicken or other)
I suggest testing your cholesterol levels after three months, since the high cholesterol, combined with your age, make up two independent factors for coronary artery disease.
In the context of blood tests, I would recommend you to run a complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemical panel (glucose, urea and creatinine, AST, ALT and GGT, electrolytes).
I hope I was helpful with my answer. If you have any further questions, I would be happy to help. I wish you a good health.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Possible side effects
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I am Dr. Meriton. I read your query and understand your concern.
Both, lamotrigine and escitalopram are drugs that are mainly excreted via urinary routes. However, there are some studies that link taking lamotrigine and a mood stabilizing drug (such as escitalopram) with their affect to fluctuating, but more, increasing cholesterol levels. Although, there are not definitive indicators that this is your case.
Both, lamotrigine and escitalopram, like all the drugs, have their side effects. From the symptoms you described in your query, there is a chance that both these drugs can cause tiredness, drowsiness and aching in different body parts. Also, there is a slight chance of escitalopram causing the dry eyes. On the other hand, these drugs are necessary therapy so they should be taken regularly and I recommend you to adhere to the treatment. There is always the option of artificial tears, or you may discuss with your neuro-psychiatrist about a possible substitution of escitalopram. Due to the very low effect that escitalopram has on CYP metabolising systems in the liver, the possibility of these drugs interacting with each-other is very low.
As about the cholesterol levels, I would like to say that normal cholesterol levels are up to 220 mg/dL. Also, we cannot attribute all our suspicions to the fact that high and/or fluctuating cholesterol levels can come from these drugs. I would recommend you to keep a physically active lifestyle and some changes in your diet should be made:
- light physical activity 40-60 minutes a day for seven days a week
- green and dark green leafy vegetables and fruit 200 - 300 g a day
- once a week red or raw meat; more fish and poultry (chicken or other)
I suggest testing your cholesterol levels after three months, since the high cholesterol, combined with your age, make up two independent factors for coronary artery disease.
In the context of blood tests, I would recommend you to run a complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemical panel (glucose, urea and creatinine, AST, ALT and GGT, electrolytes).
I hope I was helpful with my answer. If you have any further questions, I would be happy to help. I wish you a good health.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have been on Lexapro (30 mg.) for years and has not affected eyes or cholesterol. Lexapro has been used for me as a maintenance dose.
The Lamotrigine, like I said, was added 4 months ago. Last blood panel was completed in January 2015 when cholesterol levels were very good. Six months later after being on Lamotrigine the level went high. I'm very health conscious. My thyroid levels are good also as well as rest of blood.
Optomotrist said allergies could be causing part of dry eye problem.
I think I'm going off of Lamotrigine because I feel its not affecting me in any positive way. I've talked with my psychiatrist who has been my doctor for 15-20 years.
Iv'e also noticed unusual headaches, aches. slight off balance, and dizziness in the past few months.
The Lamotrigine, like I said, was added 4 months ago. Last blood panel was completed in January 2015 when cholesterol levels were very good. Six months later after being on Lamotrigine the level went high. I'm very health conscious. My thyroid levels are good also as well as rest of blood.
Optomotrist said allergies could be causing part of dry eye problem.
I think I'm going off of Lamotrigine because I feel its not affecting me in any positive way. I've talked with my psychiatrist who has been my doctor for 15-20 years.
Iv'e also noticed unusual headaches, aches. slight off balance, and dizziness in the past few months.
Brief Answer:
Hi again.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Welcome back.
It is always your choice to which agent or medication you use. Every doctor merely offers knowledge and recommendations regarding a medical condition or a certain drug. There are other medication that can be used as alternative to lamotrigine, which I suggest you to discuss with your psychiatrist. The allergy theory may be right, also a primary problem in the natural tear production system may be. It is always a pleasure to have patients that are conscious abot their health.
I hope I was of help. If you do not have further clarifications, close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you a good health,
Dr. Meriton
Hi again.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Welcome back.
It is always your choice to which agent or medication you use. Every doctor merely offers knowledge and recommendations regarding a medical condition or a certain drug. There are other medication that can be used as alternative to lamotrigine, which I suggest you to discuss with your psychiatrist. The allergy theory may be right, also a primary problem in the natural tear production system may be. It is always a pleasure to have patients that are conscious abot their health.
I hope I was of help. If you do not have further clarifications, close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you a good health,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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