Lamictal and birth control?

Question

What exactly is the problem with taking the two? I'm on 125 mg of Lamictal and I'm interested in going on birth control, but I am not sure what the controversy is. Is anyone on both?

Answer 1

I've been on 200 mg for two years.  Several months ago I started Mirena.  I was told by two different doctors and a pharmacist that the combination of the two slightly reduces the effectiveness of both.  Basically you're looking at 90 - 92% effectiveness, versus the usual 99%.  I don't know if this is true with every type of birth control, but I imagine it's similar.