Does Lamictal decrease libido? 

Does Lamictal decrease libido? 

Lamictal is not commonly associated with decreased libido, but it can cause this side effect in some people. However, the number of such people is quite rare because Lamictal most commonly increases libido in both men and women (1,2). 

If you’re suffering from decreased libido as a side effect of Lamictal and you’re concerned about it, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine if it’s safe for you to continue using this medication or not. 

Make sure you don’t stop Lamictal, change the dosage, or alter the frequency of drug administration on your own. If any one of such things needs to be changed, your doctor will take care of it. 

What side effects are common with Lamictal?

Lamictal, although it does not reduce libido, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild and common to serious and rare (3,4). 

Common side effects of Lamictal include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Rash
  • Insomnia
  • Blurred vision
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty concentrating

Rare side effects include:

  • Severe skin rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
  • Allergic reactions (hives, itching, swelling)
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
  • Mood changes or depression
  • Confusion or memory problems
  • Liver problems
  • Blood disorders
  • Respiratory problems
  • Aggressive behaviour or hostility
  • Seizures or worsening of seizure control

It’s important to note that these side effects may be specific to certain individuals. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Lamictal, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and consult with your healthcare provider.

What to do if you’re experiencing a decrease in libido while taking Lamictal?

If you’re experiencing a decrease in libido while taking Lamictal, it’s important to communicate this issue with your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and determine the best course of action. 

Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may adjust your medication dosage, prescribe additional medications to address the side effects or explore alternative treatment options. Some doctors may also adjust the timing at which you take Lamictal.

Make sure you don’t stop using Lamictal abruptly. Suddenly stopping Lamictal can lead to potential risks and complications (1). 

When you stop the medication abruptly, it may increase the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms or a rebound of the condition it was prescribed for, such as seizures or mood swings.

To ensure the safe discontinuation of Lamictal, it is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. They will usually recommend a gradual tapering schedule, reducing the dosage over time to allow your body to adjust and minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. 

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References

1.-

Gil-Nagel A, López-Muñoz F, Serratosa JM, Moncada I, García-García P, Alamo C. Effect of lamotrigine on sexual function in patients with epilepsy. Seizure. 2006 Apr;15(3):142-9. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2005.12.006. Epub 2006 Jan 24. PMID: 16434217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16434217/

2.-

Grabowska-Grzyb A, Nagańska E, Wolańczyk T. Hypersexuality in two patients with epilepsy treated with lamotrigine. Epilepsy Behav. 2006 May;8(3):663-5. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.01.005. Epub 2006 Feb 13. PMID: 16473556. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16473556/

3.-

Betchel NT, Fariba KA, Saadabadi A. Lamotrigine. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470442

4.-

Besag FMC, Vasey MJ, Sharma AN, Lam ICH. Efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in the treatment of bipolar disorder across the lifespan: a systematic review. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2021 Oct 8;11:20451253211045870. doi: 10.1177/20451253211045870. PMID: 34646439; PMCID: PMC8504232. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34646439/