Lamictal and Sleep

[melissaj]

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[Dweii]

Sounds more likely it's the Lexapro and/or Xanax.

[Thomas]

Lamictal doesn't make me sleepy at all, but lexapro did when I first started on it. Never used xanex.

Tommy

[faith]

I've been up to 150 mg on the Lamictal, and even at 100 mg it makes me tired- but not THAT tired. I'm not sure what, if any, the effect would look like at 300 mg, but I'm inclined to think it is probably either the Xanax or the combination that is knocking you out. You should def. mention to pdoc, it's scary that you can't be woken up.

[AirMarshall]

Lamictal can have either an energizing or sedating effect on people, depending on the person. However, the effect is ususally reported to be fairly minor. The easiest way to handle this, if it is a problem, is to change dose times between morning/eveneing as appropriate.

I think the likely culprit is the Xanax, XR. Since it is an extended release design, It will suddenly release more medication at various times thruough the day. Though, being unable to awake you is quite extreme.

Talk with your pdoc about this. He may prescribe a lower dose of Xanax or alternative med like Klonopin. Don't split the Xanax XR tabs, since this will destroy the XR mechanism.

a.m.

[tallulah]

i found that 300mg and over makes me dopey, but nothing like you described. 275mg is the perfect dose for me.

like AM said, speak with your doc about the xanax. if anything, its the only med in my cocktail that will knock me right on my ass.

tal

[scream_phoenix]

i just started the lamictal titration a week ago, and even at 25 mg i've reached the point where i CAN'T. FUCKING. STAY. AWAKE. for the LIFE OF ME!!!

it's really getting seriously annoying and i'm thinking of stopping the whole process. i'm not even sure i have any flavor of bp (i've always been more OCD) and how can i find out if a higher dose will help me, if i can't even get past 25 mg right?

nobody else had this effect starting on lamictal? melissa, did you only notice the sleepiness at 300 mg? i'm really in a quandry about what to do. i'm wondering if this is a sign that lamictal is really not meant for me.

[seven]

When I first started Lamictal, it curiously was very activating/agitating...but at night, i was able to sleep soundly. Previous to that, I didn't sleep much at all. Things have leveled off since, perhaps because of the Lithium. Now, I'm back to needing some extra sleeping help from Seroquel.

So, yeah, I can see how it could be drowsy for some. That is one of the common side effects listed after all... which is why some of us take it during the day (activating) and some at night (somnolent)

7

[ncc1701]

Heya melissaj,

My favourite and first side effect of Lamictal was I actually got some sleep. First time in 32 years, my whole life really, and no goddamn nightmares.

I took it at bedtime b/c I saw in the PI that it could be sedating, and I really really wanted to sleep, so I was hoping for that s/e.

That was on 25mg; now I'm on 300 and I still have a "sleep window" (screwed up a bit by Seroquel, but whatever).

As in, I take Lamictal at 8pm (better update my sig). I go to bed between 9 and 12. Fall asleep in an instant.

If I miss my window (like tonight), I'm up for hours.

Anecdotally, I've had patients who also noticed instant and deep sleep on low doses of Lamictal.

My psych was intrigued by my side effects; in general very welcome in bipolar anyways.

--ncc--