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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
How long does it usually take for lamictal to start working, if it's going to work. I did the usual titration package and now have been on 200 mg. for about 1 1/2 weeks. My pdoc says it all depends on your blood levels. I'm not supposed to have bloodwork until the 15th. It seems like this process has taken a long time and I'm impatient for something to work. Anyone have any input/experience with this?
Posted by papillon2 on March 10, 2012, at 21:13:31
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
I don't know if it's just me or not, but I kind of feel like the slowwwwww titration of lamictal compared to other medications makes it a lot harder to work out if it's helping or not. Everything is so gradual.
When my dose was decreased (through drug interactions) I did notice a difference, but it was hard to put into words. So I guess I'm not much help, but I can relate!
Posted by herpills on March 11, 2012, at 11:56:33
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
> How long does it usually take for lamictal to start working, if it's going to work. I did the usual titration package and now have been on 200 mg. for about 1 1/2 weeks. My pdoc says it all depends on your blood levels. I'm not supposed to have bloodwork until the 15th. It seems like this process has taken a long time and I'm impatient for something to work. Anyone have any input/experience with this?
I started feeling better on 100mg Lamictal. I now take 150mg but have been at higher doses. I would think you would feel some benefit at this time. What symptoms are you trying to treat with the Lamictal?
Posted by bleauberry on March 11, 2012, at 14:43:40
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
Disclaimer...mileage varies.
From what I've seen, people who respond to lamictal usually respond fairly soon into treatment and they usually see some kind of hint of benefit along the way before they get up to a target of 200mg.
Posted by mellow on March 11, 2012, at 15:13:20
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
Started doing better rather quickly. I was a rapid cycler so by the time I hit 100mg the drama in my life had calmed down a lot. At the time I didn't really notice it as feeling better rather it was more subtle. I was able to quit binge drinking, hold a job and get some rest at night. I would say all of those improvements came quickly without even realizing. At the time I was so crazy I didnt think I was ill. I might add I didn't do a standard titration. Lamictal had just hit the market as the wonder drug that was known for "the lift" or effectiveness in bipolar depression in particular. I just started at 50 and jumped to 100 at my next appointment. The doctor didn't warn me of the rash or anything. I guess it all worked out for the best. He had me on 150 of trileptal as well. I would say give it a nice long trial if the sides aren't killing you. Sometimes recovery needs to be judged in months and years rather than a few weeks.
Hope that helps. I've been known to sing Lamictal's praises around here. Probably to the annoyance of many babblers.
mellow
Posted by jerseygal111 on March 11, 2012, at 16:49:36
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
Thanks everyone. I go for bloodwork on the 15th of March so I guess the doctor will see how the levels in my blood are. I wasn't responding to any other meds so he though maybe I may have a form of bipolar. Prozac pooped out on me after many year. Then I tried lexapro, pristiq, lithium with pristiq, zyprexa, etc. and none of them worked. I hope something gives soon as it has been almost 2 years since I have felt well.
Posted by mellow on March 11, 2012, at 16:59:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 11, 2012, at 16:49:36
Well since Lamictal is your first anticonvulsant it may be a whole different ball game for you as far as side effects. I feel for you as Ive been there. Ive had poor reactions to almost all antidepressants. Seems like you didn't respond to 2 SSRI's and an NRI. Wellbutrin is worth a shot as I think it works on dopamine and you haven't tried TCA's or Parnate, Nardil etc. plus there all this hype about Ketamine. You certainly aren't out of options. Hang in there.
mellow
Posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 23:16:32
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 11, 2012, at 16:49:36
> Thanks everyone. I go for bloodwork on the 15th of March so I guess the doctor will see how the levels in my blood are. I wasn't responding to any other meds so he though maybe I may have a form of bipolar. Prozac pooped out on me after many year. Then I tried lexapro, pristiq, lithium with pristiq, zyprexa, etc. and none of them worked. I hope something gives soon as it has been almost 2 years since I have felt well.
I was in a totally similar situation when I started Lamictal, nothing had worked except meds that pooped out and I was really losing hope. I really think mileage varies on this one, cause it took a full month for me to feel better on Lamictal. Once I did, though, it was the best drug I had taken. I've had to go off of it two years later because it was extremely bad for my teeth (again mileage varies, but you might want to take vitamin supplements!) however it remains the most helpful drug in my med history. Good luck!
-kagome
Posted by phidippus on March 17, 2012, at 20:54:14
In reply to Lamictal, posted by jerseygal111 on March 10, 2012, at 16:29:37
Working for what?
Eric
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