Lamictal (lamotrigine) for Bipolar Disorder: Reader Question

Hello Julie,

I was taking 800 mg a day of lomictal. I dropped to 600 for six. Then two weeks ago, I dropped to 400. The dose is still way above “normal”. I just don’t think I need these meds. I totally get and appreciate mental illness. I have been on meds for 28 years. I am a high functioning professional — 12 months ago my life took a huge turn — for the better. I retired and several other external circumstances changed. I want to quit all meds and try it on my own — again, I am not anti meds in any way, nor am I feeling above them. I just wonder if meds have always been the first answer for me and adjusting, increasing and changing them for 28 years has gotten me where I am.

Am I way off for feeling this way? Any constructive input would be greatly appreciated.

 

The side effects of tapering down have not been pleasant, but have not been unbearable. I would like to just take the leap and cold turkey the last 400 mg — again input appreciated. 

Tammy
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Hello Tammy,

I was on 700 mg of Lamictal for years. It really helped. Then I didn’t need it any more. Bipolar disorder changes. If you are able to manage this illness through lifestyle changes, this means you can change the way you use medications as well. The biggest issue for all of us is preventing mania. Depression has a big treatment window, mania can catch us in hours. I suggest the Health Cards if you want to manage this illness on your own- with meds ready for triggered mood swings. I don’t say this to everyone, but if you have a plan in place for the mania, you can try a different way to stay stable. This means a lot of people around you looking for symptoms. You can ready about the Health Cards on my books page- these are what I use every single day- especially since my recent move to Europe. Wow, talk about triggers! The Health Cards keep me safe and stable.

I suggest talking with your health care professional when going off Lamictal- there can be huge side effects from going down on the drug including twitching, teeth grinding, breathing problems and other brain/body related side effects.  I’m glad you’re getting through this ok. Think of how long it took to build up in your body- it can take this long to get off it. Also, there is no specific dose for Lamictal for bipolar disorder- 200mg is considered therapeutic and works for many people. I needed the much higher dose and then my depression was under control and I no longer use Lamictal. I would go back on it if needed. I call it the wonder drug. It’s especially effective for angry depression. It’s NOT a mania drug.  There are way too many health care professionals who don’t understand this concept.

When you use a treatment plan to manage all of your symptoms and prevent triggers, you can take much less medication. I’m excited for you, but truly suggest you have your symptoms lists ready to see if any show up as you go down. You might find you need a lower dose of the medications. Lamictal is an epilepsy drug and is used in higher doses quite regularly, but it can also help greatly at very low doses.

I don’t like medications, but I’ve needed them to stay alive. My goal is a strong plan with limited medications. We can all do this. Even people with bipolar disorder one can lower medications with a good plan. Some of us need meds for life, but why not take them in the smallest dose possible. Good luck!

Julie

 

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