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Do Lamotrigine (medicine for manic-depressive illness) cause incontinence?


I'm taking Lamotrigine for manic-depressive illness (bipolar II disorder). I am very reluctant to stop taking it, as it has been helpful in offsetting dreadful depressions.
However, one thing that has happened to me since taking it is that I have had trouble controlling my bladder and, even worse, my bowels.
I lose control of my bladder once every 2-3 days, although mostly can 'stop' myself half way through. Even worse, every 5-7 I lose control of my bowels, and there is nothing I can do to stop this. Its so bad I've started buying incontinence pads
I am afraid of telling my doctor in case he tells me to come off the medication, as then I will have to start from scratch on a different one, risking the chance of a relapse. And it might be nothing to do with the medication.
But then I'm 25 so its difficult to think of another reason why this is happening.
Has anyone on this medication had these problems? If they haven't then I might as well not tell my doctor.
Thanks very much

Hi, I've tried this drug. I did not find myself to have incontinence, but I did read:
eneral: Fever, neck pain.

Cardiovascular: Migraine.

Digestive: Flatulence.

Metabolic and Nutritional: Weight gain, edema.

Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia.

Nervous System: Amnesia, depression, agitation, emotional lability, dyspraxia, abnormal thoughts, dream abnormality, hypoesthesia.

Respiratory: Sinusitis.

Urogenital: Urinary frequency.

I haven't had your experience, but there are other drugs out there and having to wear pads doesn't sound pleasant. I think that you might try another drug. I have found Neurontin to be extremely helpful, both for managing my moods and for helping with my depression.

Good luck!

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