scatty Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I was wondering if everyone takes all their lamictal at once or several times a day. My new pdoc says that it is more effective if the doses are spread out. Just wondering if that is common practice or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 In typical drugs, multiple dosing would result in a steadier (but lower peak) blood level. However, Lamictal is unusual in that it 'self induces' its own metabolism. Which if I describe correctly, means that the more Lamictal you take, the faster the liver breaks it down. from http://www.rxlist.com/ PI sheet, -users taking no other drugs, and taking a single dose daily, Lamictal had a half life of 32 hours. -users taking no other drugs, and taking multiple doses daily, Lamictal had a half life of 25 hours. I think the second result is explained by the self inducing mechanism. The first dose of the day primes the liver, which then rapidly gobbles (thats a technical term) the second dose. For users taking other antiepileptics that interfere with and slow down Lamital metabolism, the opposite was true. Taking multiple doses increased Lamictal half life from 48 hours to 72 hours. I don't think this is worth debating with your doctor about, or appearing to doubt his judgement. I suggest giving it a try over several weeks and see whether mutliple dosing works for you. At 32 or even 25 hours half life Lamictal is one of the longer lasting psych drugs, which means that you have fewer ups/downs in blood level anyhow. An advantage when you are trying to soak those brain neurons. Let us know how this works for you. There are lots of other interested users. Best, a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scatty Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks for the info A.M! I would never debate this with my pdoc. He seems like a smart man, being board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. I was just wondering if anyone else was taking lamictal in 3 doses vs once daily. I will certainly follow his advice. Honestly, I think he might be on to something. I haven't felt this stable in a while! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowbutterflies Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks for the info A.M! I would never debate this with my pdoc. He seems like a smart man, being board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. I was just wondering if anyone else was taking lamictal in 3 doses vs once daily. I will certainly follow his advice. Honestly, I think he might be on to something. I haven't felt this stable in a while! Hey Scatty, My old pdoc always adhered to this philosophy (I was also on lithium) of spreading out the doses of Lamicatl. 25mg morning and night, then 50mg morning and night, then 100mg morning and night. It worked really well for me, however, I personally would find and extra pill time during the day to be a bit of a challenge as I don't have such a good memory, especially if I was going to work or out and forgot my meds, just me ). Also I have heard Lamictal may be "activating" and make sleep difficult in the evening, particularly if you are not on another medication with sedating properties so if this was ever a real problem for you it may be something you could think about talking to your doctor about - it seems like he is both qualified and in tune with your treatment plan. Good luck with your recovery, Sarah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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