Lamictal and Weight Loss

In clinical studies on Lamictal, weight loss was reported by up to 5 percent of people taking the drug to treat a certain type of seizure. Therefore, while weight gain is more common while taking it, weight loss is also a possible side effect of the drug. If you are taking Lamictal and weight loss occurs, ask your healthcare provider about ways to manage this.

Lamictal Drug Information

An Overview of Lamictal and Weight Loss

Lamictal^® (lamotrigine) is a prescription medication used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. Weight loss is one of the possible side effects of Lamictal.

How Common Is Weight Loss With Lamictal?

In clinical studies, up to 5 percent of people taking the drug to treat a certain type of seizures called partial seizures experienced weight loss. People taking Lamictal for other conditions (such as other seizure types or for bipolar disorder) did not experience weight loss. In fact, gaining weight is actually fairly common in people taking the drug for bipolar disorder (see Lamictal and Weight Gain).

While some weight loss can be desirable for many people, weight loss in children or losing too much weight can be a problem.

Lamictal and Weight Loss: Final Thoughts

Because weight loss is a possible side effect of Lamictal, especially in people taking it for treating partial seizures, if you are noticing bothersome weight loss while taking the drug, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend ways to slow down or stop the weight loss. In more severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend that you switch to a different medication for bipolar disorder or seizures.