[Hopeful Camel]

I currently take all the meds you see below. I just moved to a new town and cannot find a new pdoc and don't see a regular doc for over a month. I generally am a very good patient, but I am so depressed it is scaring me. I have a whole bottle of 150mg lamictal, in addition to the 200mg lamictal that I already take. I am thinking about adding that to my 200, to bring my daily dosage up to 350mg at bedtime. Just to tide me over until I can find and see a pdoc. I live in a very rural area so there are few mental health resources here.
It is my understanding that 400 mg is a therapeutic dose for bipolar depression with lamictal. Thoughts, feedback? Thanks a bunch.

[~Christina]

Oh no no no .. Don't increase your dose like this. The dose has to be titrated up slowly 25mg at a time so it lessens the chance of the rash (SJS) that can be fatal.

Please please don't do this.

[Hopeful Camel]

Thanks, Christina...exactly what I needed - some good solid feedback. I'll hang in until I can see a pdoc. Later, last night I got the name of a new pdoc who just opened a practice in town. So I might not have to wait so long after all. I'm taking your advice and not changing my meds. Again, thanks!

[Hottiedepressed]

I take 600mg since at that dosage Lamictal has anti-depressant properties.

[valentineslover]

I've read a good deal about Lamictal as it was recently prescribed for me. I researched before my pdoc even suggested it. If you look up dosing guidelines, you should titrate up as SLOW as possible, ie. the 25mg per 5-7 days. You should also do it that way so that you can monitor your symptoms or relief to see if you can get therapeutic results at a lower dose.

It also seems like you're on a mighty cocktail of meds. Tegretol did nothing for me, and I've heard from several psychiatrists that it's really not effective as a mood stabilizer. Also, Tegretol and Lamictal serve nearly identical purposes, but Lamictal has shown to have much better results.

I too live in a somewhat rural (ie. not very medically inclined) area. There are only 3 pdocs in my county and 2 are retiring. I drive an hour to see my pdoc, with whom I have a history. I also drive an hour in the opposite direction to see my therapist. Good mental health care is hard to find.

[lilypup]

Don't change your meds. Get with that new pdoc. Drive a long way if you have to. You're on a lot of stuff (just like me) and when we jiggle it I can really go downhill. Be safe.