Bipolar Support Group

I have been taking lithium and lamictal for about a year. I have hand tremors, balance issues and increased memory loss issues. I have had head pain since I had sinus surgery. I went to a head pain and memory loss neurologist. He asked me to walk in my socks toe to heel. I lost my balance mostly. Of course I had tremor issues and was almost stuttering due to anxiety. Now I am REALLY anxious since he felt that I needed to be tested for brain issues that would rule out or in parkinson's disease and/or alzheimers. HELP--has this happened to anyone else. Like Scrooge, I would like to have someone "speak comfort to me."

Post edited by: pattyann, at: 02/09/2008 10:52

Hugs Patty, I am sorry that you are having these problems, please put the fears out of your mind, get all the tests that you need done to eliminate any other possible causes beyond the medications, stress alone can cause a lot of problems..

Hi Pattyann!

Welcome!

My dearest friend has ataxia. She experiences all of what you have described along with affected speech and memory recall.

I believe the National Ataxia Foundation claims only one hundred fifty thousand people have been diagnosed with ataxia, and most neurologists have no first hand experience and little knowledge of the disease.

So perhaps there's a question you may want to ask your neurologist.

Respectfully,

Jim

I recall reading somewhere that the Lamictal can cause balance problems. When I get a chance later I will look for the site I read that information on.

Found it... List of side effects is on the right hand column.

http://www.oflikeminds.com/MedNewsLamictalBipolar.htm

Has anyone had a connection between lithium and lamictal that leads to parkinson's and/or alzheimers?

Thanks,

Pattyann

I had a HORRIBLE reaction to lamictal. I got the dreaded "lamictal rash" within 2 days. It is a great med but can also be very dangerous.

Hi,

I am on Lithium, and Lamictal. I have had tremors, and stutters from the Lithium.I had memory problems, and dizziness from the Lamictal, but, they passed.

Thanks, Gypsy

Hi Patty,

I am on Lithium and Lamictal and have had a lot of the same problems you have. My doctor cut down on my Lithium, and since then most of the symptoms have gone away. Hope that helps!

Thank you for the empathetic note--I know that not feeling alone is extremely helpful in anxious situations. I know I am on information overload and am trying to get a grip. Your response was kind and helpful.

Pattyann