Posted by 4WD on June 27, 2005, at 23:10:13
In reply to Re: Starting Lamictal 25mg/day, posted by SLS on June 27, 2005, at 22:43:47
> Hi Marsha.
>
> > Is this an okay dosage?
>
> Yes. Follow the starter pack. I wouldn't drop down to 12.5mg unless you react badly to it.
>
> 25mg x 2 weeks
> 50mg x 2 weeks
> 100mg x 1 week
> 200mg x ? clinical evaluation
>
> > It's what's in the startup sample pack my pdoc gave me today. But didn't I read someone here was starting at 12.5 mg per day? Also should I take it morning or at night?
>
> I took mine in the morning because I found it somewhat energizing. Some people take all of theirs at night because it makes them sleepy. Once I reached 100mg, I have always taken mine twice a day. The average for bipolar disorder lies at just over 200mg.
>
> > Can I expect to see *any* results in the first week or so?
>
> Yes. Many people experience a very brief improvement at 25mg and 50mg during the first few weeks. This usually disappears, though, and reappears only when the target dosage of 200mg is reached.
>
> > Can the rash happen at any time?
>
> Yes. The really bad one, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, usually appears as a rash beginning at the neck and above. However, any rash should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. If you do have a rash reaction, one generally discontinues the drug immediately. However, it can be reintroduced and titrated more gradually.
>
> > Or do you have to be on it for a while before it's a risk?
>
> Most rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting Lamictal, although it can appear as much as 6 months later. Proper titration of Lamictal all but abolishes the risk of producing severe rashes.
>
> There was a pretty good website I ran across. Let me see if I can find it.
>
> Here we go.
>
> http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/LamRash.htm
>
>
> - Scott
Scott, I am putting you on my gratitude list for today.Thank you for your quick answers. I'm a bit nervous about the Lamictal and if there's anyone out there whose answers I trust, it's yours (that includes my pdoc).
I'll start it in the morning. Thanks, again, so very much.
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:520257
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050627/msgs/520287.html