Starting Lamictal - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

ssforcey · 03-14-2007, 09:17 AM

Hi there,

I'm new to the board and was diagnosed BP yesterday. Wasn't a suprise really. My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed BP about a week and a half ago but I'm still waiting on a second opinion on her. I really feel that to get the help she needs I need to get myself straightened out.

The doctor prescribed Lamictal. He gave me the sample pack (1 25mg 1 X day for 2 weeks, then 1 25mg 2Xday for 2 weeks and 1 100mg 1Xday). I know I need to titrate slowly as to avoid/lessen the chance of side effects and THE RASH. I've started today and took half of the 25mg this AM. Should I take the other half tonight or wait until tomorrow and take half?

Love the information on this site. I appreciate your help.

Have a great day!
Sharon

langlee · 03-14-2007, 09:33 AM

Hi Sharon and welcome!

You are right about titrating slowly with Lamictal, but it's a great drug. I would think that if you only took half of the prescribed 25 mg/day that you could take the other half tonight, but you might want to check with your doctor. My son is on 200 mg. of Lamictal. He was taking the 200 mg. in the morning, but it was making him jumpy. Taking 100 mg. in the morning and 100 mg. at night has worked out much better for him.

I also wanted to mention that there are other mothers with young children who have been diagnosed with BP, so if you are looking for support for helping your daughter, there are those who are walking in your shoes.

Good luck,

Hope

goody2shuz · 03-14-2007, 09:41 AM

Hi, Sharon....I would agree with Hope on this except if you have hypersensitivities to other meds or allergies that have involved a rash. In that case I would proceed at a slower pace.

IF you develop any signs of swollen glands or a sore throat my advice would be to take the titration one step backwards for a week and then slowly progress again.

The glands will swell up just before a rash would come with a sore throat and fever...and from what I studied this is what a doctor who got his patients, even some that did develop the rash to be able to take the Lamictal.

The rash will be quite noticeable in that it would start out with a weltlike rash filled with fluid which will be a half dollar or larger in size that will have the skin sloughing off. It is very important that you STOP taking the med immediately if this were to happen since feeding your body will only make it worse and possibly fatal....this is where the problem lies, people continuing the med after the first signs of the rash. Also, any signs of sores in the mouth or any mucus membranes including the intestines with mucous in the stool would be indications to seek medical help.

Do not allow the Lamictal to scare you....we had to back up the Lamictal a few times with my daughter due to swollen glands and just went up slower than usual because of her allergies and hypersensitivity to meds. She is now at 150mgs and holding.

Welcome and kudos to you for taking care of yourself...you will find lots of help here for both yourself and your son.

(((HUGS))) ~ Goody