Is Vitamin D Safe With To Take With Lamictal?

Answer

Thanks for reaching out! There is no known interaction between Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Vitamin D. They are considered to be safe to be taken together.

I'm not sure where you would have read that Vitamin D interacts with Lamictal, but if you ever find your source for that information, I'd love for you to send it my way so I can take a look at it.

It may be possible that you saw some issues with Vitamin D and other antiepileptic drugs.

For example, phenytoin and carbamazepine, very commonly used antiepileptics, can decrease the activity of vitamin D by increasing its metabolism. Although rare, some studies have shown that individuals taking phenytoin for a long period of time may be more at risk for developing rickets, which is caused by a Vitamin D deficiency.

Due to some anti-epileptic drugs causing problems with Vitamin D, and thus bone density, they are oftentimes all grouped together in regard to this side effect. This, however, does not seem to be the case with Lamictal.

Wellbutrin (bupropion), the other drug you mention in your question, is also safe to take with Vitamin D.

How Vitamin D Blood Levels Are Checked

You mentioned wanting to know how Vitamin D levels are checked, specifically, what units are used in lab tests. 

The most commonly used laboratory test for evaluating Vitamin D levels is the serum 25(OH)D [25-hydroxy vitamin D] concentration test. Now, what 'normal' levels are, and what units are used, varies. Nevertheless, the most common unit used is ng/mL (nanogram per ml). You may also see units reported as nmol/L (nanomoles per liter) in countries outside the United States.

Various sources and medical groups have different Vitamin D reference levels, but it generally ranges from 20-40 ng/mL. The 'Endocrine Society' gives the following reference ranges:

• Vitamin D deficiency: At or below 20 ng/ml
• Vitamin D insufficiency: 21-29 ng/ml
• Vitamin D sufficiency: 30-100 ng/ml

Other groups have different standards. For example, the International Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that a minimum level of 30 ng/mL is necessary in older adults to minimize the risk of fractures due to falls.

Final Words

I hope this answer was what you were looking for! Reach back out anytime!