Seizure Risk of Stopping Lamictal (Lamotrigine) and Similar Medications that also Treat Seizures

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses the inherent risks of stopping or quickly decreasing lamictal (lamotrigine), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), Gabapentin (Neurontin), Klonopin (clonazepam) and other medications that are used for the treatment of seizure disorders. Even if the patient is utilizing one of these medications (or a similar medication) for a mood disorder (like bipolar disorder) and they do not have a history of seizures or a seizure disorder, withdrawal CAN result in that individual seizing. This is why individuals need to be under the direct care and supervision of a medical provider when taking these medications, and when considering changing doses or stopping a medication.

Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.

These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.

Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

If you are researching a specific topic, please view our Youtube channel, click all videos and use the search function. Please also visit and follow us on instagram and FB: @RittenhousePsych.

www.RittenhousePA.com
www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com

[sqisifi]

My child 10 years old....he takes lamotergine..for while ....epilepay stopped....but again starting...he takes 1tabs at night..

[coffeecat]

I am taking 100/mg and so dizzy! Walking is so difficult to walking from the meds. I have a neuro appointment on 8th but this is so disruptive. Decreased dose to help with it, but tts not getting better.

[KL-zglu]

There is a cop who keeps going off his bipolar medication. He stalks and harasses, and becomes violent when not on meds.

Has terrorized the neighborhood by driving up and down the street all night.

I have ADHD, but cannot imagine bipolar.