Lamictal Titration Problems

[6un6silent6]

I've been on Lamatrogine for about 2 months now and am up to 125mg/day. I noticed since my jump from 100 to 125 I've had a lot of cognitive dulling (doesn't help that I also take Lithium), increased shakiness (controlled by Propanolol on most days), increased anxiety attacks, and very dry lips. I'm drinking about a gallon of water per day and keeping my sodium regulated so I don't think I'm dehydrating but I'm curious as to why my lips are so dry and that my anxiety is through the roof. Also, I've noticed hypomania creeping up on me often and been irritable. Anyone else experience this with Lamictal/Lamatrogine? I've called my doctor to see if I can get a blood test to make sure my Lithium is in check but he's out of town for a few days.

[6un6silent6]

You did what I'd have suggested, check the lithium. A lot of those side effects sound a lot like lithium side effects, not Lamictal. You did the right thing in calling your doctor. Hopefully he'll be back soon and you can get to the bottom of this.

I'd be surprised if my Lithium level is up as I've not changed anything and my levels are always at .5-.6 max at 900mg. I'm slamming down water like crazy right now just in case it is elevated. each time i make a jump on the lamictal i feel like total crap and like a mental retard. but you're right, it's better safe than sorry. i talked to his office and they said i have a standing order so i can go in any time. i have a meeting tomorrow morning so i'll either go at the end of the day or first thing wednesday morning. i may drop my dose by 150mg tonight as a precautionary measure. i've had these symptoms before plenty of times and my readings are always around .6.thanks for the suggestion

[notfred]

I would leave you dose of Lamictal alone or at least make a smallreduction. You will need to titrate again if you stay that low for long.You said things were better at 100 mgs, I would try that.

You cannot platy with the dose of Lamictal unless you are willing the titrate up and titrate down. You run the risk of seizures with drastic reductions in dose with out titrating down

nf.

[6un6silent6]

I would leave you dose of Lamictal alone or at least make a smallreduction. You will need to titrate again if you stay that low for long.You said things were better at 100 mgs, I would try that.

You cannot platy with the dose of Lamictal unless you are willing the titrate up and titrate down. You run the risk of seizures with drastic reductions in dose with out titrating down

nf.

sorry i meant lowering my lithium by 150mg just in case my levels are high. i feel off/on ok. it comes and goes. tons of water, food, and hopefully good sleep tonight.

[lavender]

I would leave you dose of Lamictal alone or at least make a smallreduction. You will need to titrate again if you stay that low for long.You said things were better at 100 mgs, I would try that.

You cannot platy with the dose of Lamictal unless you are willing the titrate up and titrate down. You run the risk of seizures with drastic reductions in dose with out titrating down

nf.

I totally agree. My doc says many ppl do very well on 100mg Lamictal and so he holds it at 100 for a while to see (although he won't hesitate to raise it if needed/not working). He told me that often times ppl start having side effects at a higher dose and then want to give up on it. I'm not saying this is the case with you, but just some info to consider. I really suggest not changing any of your dosages until you talk with the doc. If it can't wait, there should be another doc covering for yours while he's out of town.

[Catnapper]

I'm with the changing doses after you talk to your pdoc, or his fill-in. The side effects you describe sound like those from lithium more than those from Lamictal. Maybe someone will chime in who has experience taking them together.

I have more than a casual interest as the pdoc has said the next time I start sliding into the abyss his next med of choice for me would be adding lithium into the Lamictal and Wellbutrin that I currently take. Hope things settle down for you soon, unending thirst sucks.

If your lips are dry and chapped it may just be the weather changing, and you may find that vaseline works for you. I use it all the time. I keep a jar at home and always have one of those little pocket tubes with me. I like the unflavored version.

[6un6silent6]

I just spoke to the Pdoc today, he said my Lithium levels are only .6 @ 900mg (which is my typical read). He asked that I drop from 125mg to 100mg of Lamictal tonight and increase my Lithium by 150mg for a total of 1050mg to see how I do. We have an appointment Monday morning so the weekend should be interesting.

I can't even begin to iterate how tough this disease is. It's a daily struggle to remain stable, you're good for months then boom all of a sudden you're either unstable or sick. Luckily I have a great Pdoc who really cares and isn't the type to throw a patient into a hospital and leave them there. We'll see how it goes Monday.