Do you feel like you can’t think straight when you’re taking lamotrigine? If so, you’re not alone.
Many people who take this medication experience cognitive fog as a side effect. This can be really frustrating and make it difficult to concentrate on anything.
In this blog post, we will discuss 13 ways to clear lamotrigine brain fog naturally.
We will also talk about the causes of mental fog and some tips for preventing it. Keep reading to learn more!
What exactly is brain fog?
Brain fog or mental fog is a term used to describe feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus.
This mild cognitive impairment can be caused by many things, including stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medications.
For many people, being cognitively impaired by the “fog” is a temporary and minor inconvenience. However, for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with work, school, and daily life.
This cognitive dysfunction usually lasts within a few days, but for some people, it lingers for weeks and even months on end, often causing short-term memory loss.
If you are experiencing mental fog on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your doctor. It could be a cause of a more serious underlying medical condition other than a side effect of the medication you’re taking.
What exactly is lamotrigine?
Lamotrigine is a medication that is used to treat seizures, especially in people dealing with brain injury.
This medication is also prescribed as an antidepressant to someone with mental illness, such as:
- major depressive disorder
- attention deficit disorder
- bipolar disorder
- other psychotic symptoms
This drug works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Lamotrigine belongs to a type of antiepileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.
It is available in both brand-name and generic versions.
Like valproic acid, lamotrigine is used alone or with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least two years old (i.e., used to get atypical benign childhood epilepsy treated).
It is also used as a mood stabilizer in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Does lamotrigine make you feel foggy?
For many people, the answer is yes. In fact, a foggy brain is one of the most common cognitive side effects of lamotrigine.
Other common cognitive effects include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, and nausea.
If you are experiencing any of these cognitive adverse effects, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Common Symptoms Lamotrigine-Induced of Mental Fog
There are a few different symptoms that are commonly associated with lamotrigine-induced cognitive fog.
These include:
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Difficulty making decisions
- Struggles with problem-solving
- Mood swings
If you are experiencing any of these behavioral symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
They can help you figure out if the cause is indeed lamotrigine or something else entirely.
13 Ways To Clear Lamotrigine Brain Fog Naturally
If you’re experiencing mental fog from lamotrigine, there are a few things you can do to help clear it up.
Here are 13 tips:
Check with your doctor for alternatives and possible dosage adjustment
If you’re taking lamotrigine and experiencing cognitive fog, the first thing you should do is check with your doctor.
They may be able to adjust your higher doses or switch you to a different medication.
Maintain a healthy, brain-friendly diet
Eating a healthy diet is vital for overall health, but it’s especially important if you’re trying to clear up the mental fog.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
You should also limit your intake of saturated fats, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
Consider taking dietary supplements that are great for your brain
There are a few different nutritional supplements that can help improve your cognitive functions.
Some great options include:
- omega-three fatty acids
- magnesium
- vitamin B-12
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ashwagandha
If you’re interested in taking these dietary supplements that support your brain, make sure to talk to your doctor first before taking them.
Stick to healthy sleeping habits
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, but it’s especially important if you want to clear up the mental fog.
Make sure you’re sticking to healthy sleeping habits by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
You should also aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help.
Some great tips include:
- limiting caffeine intake
- avoiding alcohol before bed
- exercising during the day
- establishing a regular sleep routine
Get regular aerobic exercise.
Exercise is important for overall health, but it’s especially important if you want to clear up the cognitive fog.
Aerobic exercise is especially beneficial because it helps increase blood flow to the brain.
Some great aerobic exercises you can do include:
- running
- cycling
- swimming
- walking
- elliptical
Make sure you’re getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day.
If you can’t do 30 minutes all at once, you can break it up into smaller increments throughout the day.
Create reminders and to-do lists
One of the best ways to combat mental fog is to create reminders and to-do lists.
This can help you stay on track and avoid forgetting important tasks.
There are a few different ways you can create reminders, including:
- using a physical planner or calendar
- setting alarms on your phone
- writing notes to yourself
- using a to-do list app
Keep a journal
Journaling is another excellent way to combat a foggy brain.
It can help you organize your thoughts and feelings, and it can also be used as a reminder system.
Some great things you can journal about include:
- your daily to-do list
- things you’re struggling with
- ideas you want to remember
Take breaks throughout the day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or fatigued, it’s important to take a break.
Taking breaks can help you clear your head and come back to tasks with fresh energy.
Some great ways to take a break include:
- taking a walk outside
- listening to music
- reading for pleasure
- meditating
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great way to combat stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to mental fog.
There are a few different ways you can practice mindfulness, including:
- yoga
- tai chi
- qigong
- mindfulness meditation
Implement relaxation techniques regularly.
Relaxation techniques are another great way to combat stress and anxiety and clear your cognitive fog.
Some great relaxation techniques include:
- progressive muscle relaxation
- deep breathing exercises
- imagery and visualization
- a full body massage
- journaling
- deep breathing exercises
Spend time in natureÂ
Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and improve brain function.
Some great ways to spend time in nature include:
- hiking
- camping
- gardening
- walking in the park
Play brain games that you enjoy
Playing brain games is a great way to keep your mind active and improve brain function.
Some great brain games include:
- crosswords
- sudoku
- trivia games
- memory games
- logic puzzles
Stay socially connected
Staying socially connected is important for overall health, but it’s especially important if you want to clear up the mental fog.
Some great ways to stay socially connected include:
- attending social events or volunteering
- joining a club or group
- meeting new people
- talking on the phone with friends and family
- eating meals with others
Brain fog can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to clear it up.
By following these tips, you can help improve your cognitive function and get rid of the mental fog in the long run.
Other Lamotrigine Side Effects You Should Take Note Of
Lamotrigine is generally a well-tolerated medication, but there are a few side effects you should take note of.
Most common:
- weight gain
- blurred vision
- vomiting
- changes in vision
- unusual weakness or tiredness
- chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
- trouble breathing
- unsteadiness or clumsiness
- swelling of the lower legs, fingers, feet, and face
- decreased urine output
- sweating
- dilated neck veins
- skin rash
- double vision
- irregular heartbeat
- poor coordination
- nausea
- discomfort or pain in the neck, arms, back, or jaw
Less common:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Infection
- Confusion
- Depression
- Uncontrolled eye movements
Rare:
- yellow eyes or skin
- loosening, blistering, or peeling of the skin
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- chills
- trouble sleeping
- cough
- swollen lymph nodes
- diarrhea
- fever
- mouth sores or ulcers
- shivering
- itching
- runny nose
- joint pain
- memory loss
- loss of appetite
- muscle pain or tenderness
- red or purple spots on the skin
- trouble urinating
- unusual weight loss
- nosebleeds
If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.
Lamotrigine can cause serious side effects in some people, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks before starting this medication.
If you have any questions or concerns about lamotrigine, make sure to talk to your doctor.
They can help you decide if this medication is right for you and answer any questions you may have.
The Bottom Line
Lamotrigine is a medication used to treat seizures and mood disorders.
It’s generally well-tolerated, but there are a few side effects you should be aware of.
If you experience any severe side effects, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Brain fog is a common side effect of lamotrigine, but there are a few things you can do to clear it up.
By following the tips in the article, you can help improve your cognitive function and get rid of the mental fog in the long run.
If you want to learn more about brain fog and how to clear it naturally, here are more educational blog posts you can read and check out this online community of brain health enthusiasts.