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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
Hi - my question is does anyone know (or experienced) any WITHDRAWAL effects with cold turkey cessation of Lamictal? If so, what are the symptoms?
I'm not sure what the heck was going on with me, but for several days after having to stop Lamictal abruptly (details further below!) I began to feel weird - dizzy, lightheaded, exhausted, could not get out of bed for a few days (literally) and felt depressed (increased my Celexa a notch and knock on wood it seems to have helped). Finally, after like 4 days of pure MISERY, it passed and I'm *awake* again.
I have not read anything one way or another about stopping Lamictal - should it be done gradually or is it okay to just STOP (like I had to)???
This all started because I recently finished taking an antibiotic - Amoxicillin - and about three days later I developed a BAD RASH all over my body from head to toe (literally). My pdoc of all people said that Amoxicillin can have a delayed rash that is a side effect NOT indicative of an allergic reaction. I went to my PCP, well the doc who's covering for her while she's on extended maternity leave, and he was useless.
HOWEVER, I was also taking 200mg/day of Lamictal, a mood-stabilizer known to cause a potentially dangerous and fatal rash. I was doing fine with it - titrated up very gradually with NO rash and was at 200mg/day for months when boom, I got the rash.
Since we don't really know if the rash was from the antibiotic or the Lamictal (I heard that you can just suddenly get the rash, although the first 8 weeks of titration are most critical), my pdoc told me to STOP the Lamictal, let the rash clear up COMPLETELY, then go back on it, but I'm going to have to titrate up slowly again with a starter kit.
Anyone with any info, experiences related to this stuff, please write back! Thanks.
Posted by SLS on February 26, 2004, at 18:14:35
In reply to Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
Hi Janelle.
I think it is a bad idea to stop any anticonvulsant abruptly. There is a risk of seizure.
- Scott
Posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 23:38:23
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by SLS on February 26, 2004, at 18:14:35
Posted by jane d on February 27, 2004, at 4:09:07
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by SLS on February 26, 2004, at 18:14:35
Scott,
Do you know whether this risk exists for people who are not taking it as an anticonvulsant in the first place? Its something I've wondered about since I first saw that caution on the label. I know the studies those warnings were based on were done on people with epilepsy but I wonder if there's some sort of "rebound" effect on the rest of us.
Jane> Hi Janelle.
>
> I think it is a bad idea to stop any anticonvulsant abruptly. There is a risk of seizure.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on February 27, 2004, at 7:49:28
In reply to LAMICTAL withdrawal - seizure? » SLS, posted by jane d on February 27, 2004, at 4:09:07
Hi Jane.
> Do you know whether this risk exists for people who are not taking it as an anticonvulsant in the first place?
I have not seen anything that addresses this specific question with Lamictal. However, it should represent a possibility given that this phenomenon exists with other AEDs.
- Scott
Posted by jane d on February 27, 2004, at 12:09:16
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL withdrawal - seizure?, posted by SLS on February 27, 2004, at 7:49:28
> Hi Jane.
>
> > Do you know whether this risk exists for people who are not taking it as an anticonvulsant in the first place?
>
> I have not seen anything that addresses this specific question with Lamictal. However, it should represent a possibility given that this phenomenon exists with other AEDs.
>
>
> - ScottScott,
Thanks. I guess I was really wondering about AED's in general. I also assume that Lamictal would probably work the same way. Do you know anything about exactly how the seizures are caused (or threshold lowered)with the other drugs? I'm just curious and would appreciate any information you have.
Jane
Posted by Margit on February 28, 2004, at 1:09:34
In reply to Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
No withdrawal for me. I was on it for 6 months as an adjunct to an AD (100mg). Stopped it from one day to the next without any problems.
Posted by katia on February 28, 2004, at 1:43:10
In reply to Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
Hi,
I had a very similar situation as you. I was on Lamictal for months - after titrating up slowly and staying for months at 200mg. It wasn't until I started Lithium that I got the rash and I stopped Lam. cold turkey - you have to. It's very dangerous to keep taking something causing an allergic reaction. within 2 days my rash went away and I stayed on Lithium so it was the Lam.
I didn't have an wierd withdrawals. However, I was then in a Li. enduced stupor, so it's hard to say. I think the Li. increased the Lam. or they reacted together. I haven't restarted the Lam. and that was almost two months ago. I'm too scared. And you?
Katia
Posted by SLS on February 28, 2004, at 7:50:48
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » Janelle, posted by katia on February 28, 2004, at 1:43:10
> It's very dangerous to keep taking something causing an allergic reaction. within 2 days my rash went away and I stayed on Lithium so it was the Lam.
This is a good point. The risk of seizure upon discontinuation of Lamictal is probably small enough to argue in favor of stopping it abruptly given the urgency of the rash reaction.
- Scott
Posted by Letty on April 11, 2007, at 17:55:36
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by SLS on February 26, 2004, at 18:14:35
Well there are two reasons for taking Lamictal is for convulsions and seizures and the other for Bipolar disorder. Definitely should not stop taking abruptly if you have any of these conditions, but if there is something life threatening like the Rash or allergic reaction or something in those regards it is prudent to stop taking it immediately but it should usually be tapered off. Yes there is a withdrawal in some people which is a side effect of stopping abruptly.1 dizziness 2 lethargy 3 swelling on different parts of the body 4 depression 5 moodiness. hope this helps
Posted by k10 on May 1, 2007, at 10:43:01
In reply to LAMICTAL withdrawal - seizure? » SLS, posted by jane d on February 27, 2004, at 4:09:07
if you're taking it for bipolar there is no risk of seizure, there is basically just a mood change, hyperness, unablity to sleep, or depemding how it affected you before you may have totally opposite of those. Lepracy may also happen.
Posted by gretchenjm on September 15, 2007, at 5:16:13
In reply to Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
Yes, I got the dreaded rash and decided to stop Lamictal immediately.
I had gone up to 400 mgs. with no rash and then it hit.
I had problems with double vision during moments of extreme stress that had bothered me before the rash.
I had problems with exposure to high temperatures and wound up in an ambulance and emergency room. I had the headache from hell and hours of dry heaving.
I had no energy and was in bed for a couple of days when I got off Lamictal. My head felt very heavy. I still have some congested feeling in my head.
I have only gone psychotic once for a few hours in 50 yrs. My problems is really bipolar 2 depression.
Lamictal was great for about a year but the side effects were contributing to stress rather than relieving stress.
Does anyone here have a recommendation for Bipolar Depression.
I am on zyprexa which has antidepressant qualities. I do not gain weight on it. I hate depokote.
Posted by rina on September 15, 2007, at 20:39:51
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by gretchenjm on September 15, 2007, at 5:16:13
Hi I saw your post and sorry you had that awful reaction to the lamictal. For some reason, I thought 200mg was the highest therapeutic dosage ? Anyway, have you tried any of the three categories of mood stabilizers?
Abilify
Seroquel
Symbyax or (Zyprexa plus Prozac)
Risperdal
Geodon
Clozaril
Or the other anticonvulsant Tegretol?
Posted by gretchenjm on September 15, 2007, at 21:27:36
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » gretchenjm, posted by rina on September 15, 2007, at 20:39:51
Has anyone tried:
Abilify
Seroquel
Symbyax or (Zyprexa plus Prozac)
Risperdal
Geodon
Clozaril
Or the other anticonvulsant Tegretol?99% of my bipolar illiness is DEPRESSION.
Today my dosage of 5 mgs. of zyprexa twice a day seems to have completely lifted my DEPRESSION.
Have atypical antipsychotics helped others fight Depression as well as zyprexa has helped me. Lamictal was a disaster for me?
Posted by rina on September 15, 2007, at 21:37:53
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by gretchenjm on September 15, 2007, at 21:27:36
I suffer from Bipolar 1 ADD/Depression my cocktail is:
Lexapro10mg
Adderall40mg
Lamictal175mg
Topomax200mg
Trazadone50mg(if needed for sleep)works pretty good...knock on wood....and somebody's actually home now...lol
Posted by rskontos on September 16, 2007, at 10:28:43
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » gretchenjm, posted by rina on September 15, 2007, at 21:37:53
Rina, I noticed you are on 200 of topamax, do you find you are forgetful. My memory got so bad I reduced. But my partial seizures are coming back, so I can't decide if memory loss is better with less partials or what. I was on depakote before but hated it. It is funny I never knew any of these were used as mood stablizers, and so far I can't say any of them has helped my moods. Does the lexapro help with your depression and is anxiety a problem for you cause it one of my biggests problems and with my history of seizures, lexapro is the safest anti-convul the neuro suggests. I have been thinking I need something but I just dont know what. I have been searching this site for help before I go. I also think I need a new doc. Anyway when I saw your cocktail I thought I'd asked. I have been diagnosis with Dissocative Disorder but I went off the AD I was on and it caused my seizure disorder that was pretty much not a problem to flare up in a big way. Thanks for any input you can give. RK
Posted by rina on September 16, 2007, at 16:09:16
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by rskontos on September 16, 2007, at 10:28:43
Hi,
Yeah I feel the same about the Depakote. It had me like a zombie out of space. The topamax plus lamictal combination has been wonderful for me and haven't noticed any memory loss...knock on wood. The lexapro has worked wonderful for my anxiety as well, eventhough Lyrica at 600mg worked the best but I couldn't put up with the weight gain and tingling hands and toes. What meds are your pdoc thinking of trying you on next? Did he titrate or just take you off the lamictal? That could cause a bit of memory loss too. If I can remember, in the beginning of the topamax, there was a small amount of memory loss but it subsided quickly.
Posted by rskontos on September 17, 2007, at 10:38:33
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » rskontos, posted by rina on September 16, 2007, at 16:09:16
I don't have a p-doc yet that is my problem I am dealing with a gp and I am thinking of going to my neuro and get her to recommend one. Maybe my therapist too. The topamax gives me the tingling too but only right after I take it. I am not sure the seizure thing is all biological, maybe part of dissociative thing. I feel I need all the ammo I can have when I go to her because I am not sure if she will think of the mental aspects of this versus the physical. The topamax, nor the depakote or the lamictal nor anything helped with the partial seizures that is why I am thinking maybe it is more the dissociative thing. But the frequency of the reality checkout is increasing and the meds aren't helping, they do help the migraines but those too can be explained with the dissociative disorder as well. Not they too me off everything just cold. I have been on topamax now for over three years. Maybe it is pooping out. But my migraines aren't returning so it is working for something. I just wish it had worked for the mood thing. Depakote hurt my insides something fierce too. Thanks for the information. I will call now and make an appt. I need a p-doc I think in a very bad way and I know it is hard to find one especially one with experience with mood disorders.
Posted by CMariaB on September 29, 2007, at 15:43:33
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL withdrawal - seizure?, posted by k10 on May 1, 2007, at 10:43:01
I just wanted to add a few things. I am not sure it's a good idea to make any drug changes without consulting your neuro/md. I am certain that unless advised by you DR you should not quit Lamictol cold turkey. When I went on the med, I started at 25 mg twice daily for 2 weeks and then added 25 mg more for the next 2 weeks, and then again and again until I hit my max dosage. It took about 3 months until I got to my prescribed level. I would think you should take the same steps in trying to get off Lamictol. I also know how I feel if I have missed a dose or 2.....nervous, easily agitated, shakes, loss of memeory etc. I would think "weening" would help to lessen these effects.
As far as Tegretol.....HATED it! My memory suffered terribly and I was always feeling down. Switched to the Lamictol and it has worked well.
(ps. I use the drugs to control seizures)
Posted by spudoonkoo on August 5, 2008, at 18:58:31
In reply to Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by Janelle on February 26, 2004, at 13:55:06
> Hi - my question is does anyone know (or experienced) any WITHDRAWAL effects with cold turkey cessation of Lamictal? If so, what are the symptoms?
>
> I'm not sure what the heck was going on with me, but for several days after having to stop Lamictal abruptly (details further below!) I began to feel weird - dizzy, lightheaded, exhausted, could not get out of bed for a few days (literally) and felt depressed (increased my Celexa a notch and knock on wood it seems to have helped). Finally, after like 4 days of pure MISERY, it passed and I'm *awake* again.
>
> I have not read anything one way or another about stopping Lamictal - should it be done gradually or is it okay to just STOP (like I had to)???
>
> This all started because I recently finished taking an antibiotic - Amoxicillin - and about three days later I developed a BAD RASH all over my body from head to toe (literally). My pdoc of all people said that Amoxicillin can have a delayed rash that is a side effect NOT indicative of an allergic reaction. I went to my PCP, well the doc who's covering for her while she's on extended maternity leave, and he was useless.
>
> HOWEVER, I was also taking 200mg/day of Lamictal, a mood-stabilizer known to cause a potentially dangerous and fatal rash. I was doing fine with it - titrated up very gradually with NO rash and was at 200mg/day for months when boom, I got the rash.
>
> Since we don't really know if the rash was from the antibiotic or the Lamictal (I heard that you can just suddenly get the rash, although the first 8 weeks of titration are most critical), my pdoc told me to STOP the Lamictal, let the rash clear up COMPLETELY, then go back on it, but I'm going to have to titrate up slowly again with a starter kit.
>
> Anyone with any info, experiences related to this stuff, please write back! Thanks.
>
I am having very serious problems right now ... I went off Lamictal cold turket three days ago and I am feeling very weird.I was given a month's Lamictal samples - for bi-polar, not seizure disorder - and when my sample ran out I found out my insurance won't cover it. My doctor said "too bad."
I feel HOBRRIBLE ... I might go to the hospital
Posted by wneptune on August 9, 2008, at 2:48:27
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » Janelle, posted by spudoonkoo on August 5, 2008, at 18:58:31
Hello :)
I've been taking Lamictal since March, for mood stabilisation. Now that I'm on Strattera for my ADHD I've been trying to withdraw from Lamictal. And YES, upon attempted cold turkey cessation I certainly experienced some very bizarre side effects:
*Some dizziness
*Cognitive disturbances (trouble with focus, spelling, attention)
*Hallucinations
*Bodily aches/pains
*Headache
*Fatigue
*Mild depressionNumerous times I've tried withdrawing cold-turkey but I inevitably give up because these effects are unpleasant. However, as we speak I'm slowly halving my dose at 2-day intervals and it seems to attenuate the withdrawal symptoms.
Best of luck to you.
> > Hi - my question is does anyone know (or experienced) any WITHDRAWAL effects with cold turkey cessation of Lamictal? If so, what are the symptoms?
> >
> > I'm not sure what the heck was going on with me, but for several days after having to stop Lamictal abruptly (details further below!) I began to feel weird - dizzy, lightheaded, exhausted, could not get out of bed for a few days (literally) and felt depressed (increased my Celexa a notch and knock on wood it seems to have helped). Finally, after like 4 days of pure MISERY, it passed and I'm *awake* again.
> >
> > I have not read anything one way or another about stopping Lamictal - should it be done gradually or is it okay to just STOP (like I had to)???
> >
> > This all started because I recently finished taking an antibiotic - Amoxicillin - and about three days later I developed a BAD RASH all over my body from head to toe (literally). My pdoc of all people said that Amoxicillin can have a delayed rash that is a side effect NOT indicative of an allergic reaction. I went to my PCP, well the doc who's covering for her while she's on extended maternity leave, and he was useless.
> >
> > HOWEVER, I was also taking 200mg/day of Lamictal, a mood-stabilizer known to cause a potentially dangerous and fatal rash. I was doing fine with it - titrated up very gradually with NO rash and was at 200mg/day for months when boom, I got the rash.
> >
> > Since we don't really know if the rash was from the antibiotic or the Lamictal (I heard that you can just suddenly get the rash, although the first 8 weeks of titration are most critical), my pdoc told me to STOP the Lamictal, let the rash clear up COMPLETELY, then go back on it, but I'm going to have to titrate up slowly again with a starter kit.
> >
> > Anyone with any info, experiences related to this stuff, please write back! Thanks.
> >
>
>
> I am having very serious problems right now ... I went off Lamictal cold turket three days ago and I am feeling very weird.
>
> I was given a month's Lamictal samples - for bi-polar, not seizure disorder - and when my sample ran out I found out my insurance won't cover it. My doctor said "too bad."
>
>
> I feel HOBRRIBLE ... I might go to the hospital
Posted by elbee on August 11, 2008, at 14:49:44
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » Janelle, posted by spudoonkoo on August 5, 2008, at 18:58:31
That's too bad your insurance won't cover it. Did you know it just went generic? Don't know if this helps.
Posted by Mickapoo on August 13, 2008, at 8:57:53
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ??? » Janelle, posted by spudoonkoo on August 5, 2008, at 18:58:31
> I was given a month's Lamictal samples - for bi-polar, not seizure disorder - and when my sample ran out I found out my insurance won't cover it. My doctor said "too bad."
>
>
> I feel HOBRRIBLE ... I might go to the hospitalIf your insurance company won't cover it try getting it directly from Glaxo Smith Kline. They have a program called "Bridges to Access" which covers medications free of cost to those without insurance, and possibly those whose insurance doesn't cover it. Just google "bridges to access".
Posted by BGB on August 14, 2008, at 15:22:07
In reply to Lamictal- prescription assistance through GSK » spudoonkoo, posted by Mickapoo on August 13, 2008, at 8:57:53
> > I was given a month's Lamictal samples - for bi-polar, not seizure disorder - and when my sample ran out I found out my insurance won't cover it. My doctor said "too bad."
> >
> >
> > I feel HOBRRIBLE ... I might go to the hospital
>
> If your insurance company won't cover it try getting it directly from Glaxo Smith Kline. They have a program called "Bridges to Access" which covers medications free of cost to those without insurance, and possibly those whose insurance doesn't cover it. Just google "bridges to access".
Lamictal has JUST come out in generic form, only within the last month. You may want to check with your insurance company again, because they may be willing to pay for it now that it's so much cheaper.I have been on the Teva generic lamotrigine (200mg/day) for 2 weeks now and I can't tell any difference from the brand name. I took the brand name Lamictal for over 10 years, I believe.
Good luck! =)
Posted by Ron Wilson on September 24, 2008, at 21:16:27
In reply to Re: Is there LAMICTAL withdrawal ???, posted by rskontos on September 17, 2007, at 10:38:33
This is the end of the thread.
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