Lamictal question: - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

IceBoy · 01-26-2008, 10:49 AM

Hey I have been taking 25 mg a day for a week. Yesterday I took 4 of those (straight from taking 1 the day before) and it didn't feel any heavier than before. I know it was a crazy risk but I think it proofs I´m less sensitive to it than the norm. No swelling in the throat or breaking out on the skin. (the two my doc mentioned).

I´m not saying I will now take 4 a day but I was wondering if I could built up in maybe 2x faster. That would mean I would start taking 2 a day now for a week, then 3 for a week... and so on. Ive always had a good tolerance for drugs.

I mean wouldn't I have had bad side effects right away when jumping to 4 if it would be too much?

seaturtle · 01-26-2008, 04:24 PM

No, you wouldn't necessarily have side effects right away. Lamictal must be increased slowly over a p;eriod of time. If not, you can get some serious side effects, a couple of which can make you really sick and put you in the hospital and last a long time.

Please don't mess with your meds. Only under a doctor's instruction should you ever alter your medications. Self-medicating is dangerous.

So please get in touch with your doctor before you go beyond the 25 mg. You might be able to speed up the schedule a bit, but your body has to get used to Lamictal gradually.

You're playing with your health and perhaps your life here.

Llama · 01-26-2008, 07:25 PM

Seaturtle is right. Lamictal is one of those meds that NEEDS to be built up slowly. It is really important so as to try to avoid the bad rash that can occur with this medication. I know it is tempting to mess with your meds on your own, but in my experience it has never had a good outcome. I hope you will call your pdoc about this and ask about your dosing schedule. Stay well!

IceBoy · 01-26-2008, 07:45 PM

Somehow I doubt taking 2 pills after a week could be life threatening.

We are talking about building up in over a month instead of 2. Yes I understand it has a higher risk of side effects but I don't believe I could end up in the hospital.

Btw if I would get side effects I would change my mind right away.

IceBoy · 01-29-2008, 07:00 PM

Update... I have been taking 2 a day now for 4 days. Doesn't feel any heavier and no bad side effects. I appreciate the warnings but IÂ´m gonna continue with the plan to build up in 5 weeks instead of 10. I'm pretty sure I would feel something negative by now if I couldn't handle it.

So when Ive finished 7 days of taking 2 IÂ´ll go up to 3.