lamictal possibly affecting baby

[mdmama]

Hello,

I have been nursing my infant while taking 90 mg of Cymbalta and 100 mg of lamictal since baby was approximately 9 months old. She is now over 12 months. I felt comfortable using these based on things I read here as well as research I had found.

My question is regarding lamictal. I know that it can act as a blood thinner, and today while my daughter was giving a blood sample I noticed she bled quite a bit. Do you think this could be related to the lamictal? Should I discontinue nursing?

Thank you.

[admin-james]

Hi, thanks for your post.

In rare cases, Lamictal (lamotrigine) can cause increased bleeding by lowering platelet counts or fibrinogen levels. Both of these can be tested easily from a blood sample. If either platelets or fibrinogen are significantly out of range, Lamictal exposure is a possible cause. Take this lab work to your pediatrician and have a discussion about the risks vs benefits of continued breastfeeding.

Please call us at the InfantRisk Center if this has not completely answered your question.*(806)352-2519

-James Abbey, MD