My pdoc wants to put me on Lamictal/Lamotrigine because Latuda isn't staving off my depression very well.

I have a few questions:

1. How fast did you titrate up to your current dosage?
2. How long and at what dose did you first feel its effects?
3. Do you take it in the morning or at night? Which is more effective?
4. For you, is Lamictal activating, sedating, or neither?

[gina_re]

I have yet to feel any benefit from lamictal, though it works great for others. I started at 25 then up to 50 a week later. I think a month or two later I went up to 100mgs. I just upped the dosage up to 150 on Friday after about three to four weeks.
I had started off taking it at night, but once I went up to 100mgs I started taking it in the morning because I couldn't sleep at night, so I would say it's activating.

[Travelinglady]

I took it for years as a mood stabilizer--too long ago to answer your questions. I know it's a popular drug. I hope it will work for you.

[LonesomeTonight]

I just started on Lamictal about a week ago. My p-doc is having me do 25 mg for 2 weeks, then 50 mg for 2 weeks, then up to 100 mg. Going up slowly like that apparently decreases the chance of a really bad, but rare, skin reaction. (She did say if I had any strange rash to let her know immediately.)

I'm not sure I've felt much of an effect from it yet. I'm also on Zoloft (150 mg) and am trying Lamictal because we're wondering if I actually have bipolar II (rather than recurring major depressive episodes plus anxiety). Haven't noticed any sleepy or sedating effect--or other side effects really, though I have had a few headaches (might not be med-related). Will update if I notice anything once I go up in dose.

[Fresia]

My Dad titrated up 25 mg every two weeks like the others have mentioned. He started out only taking it in the AM as it is activating until he got to higher dosages but now it is split is 150 mg in the AM & early PM another 150 mg.

He started to notice some effects at around the total dose of 200 mg for him but every one's body chemistry is so different it is hard to say what will be the case. It could be at a much lower dose or even higher dose before effects are felt, if at all.

I hope you find the medication that works for you soon.

[Lanadelle]

I started at 12.5 mg of lamictal for one week..... 25 mg the next ...50 mg the next.. The titration was 25 mg increase weekly to 300 mg.. The max dose.,
It's really helpful for depression, anxiety and mood swings ... All the best xx

Thanks for your replies.

I'm glad to hear all these good things about Lamictal. It's good to know it can be activating! So I might try taking it in the morning instead of at night. I will bring that up with my pdoc.

I haven't started yet, but I probably will on Wednesday when I see my pdoc for an appointment.

[pearlys]

It took months for me to reach 400mg. First 2 weeks 25, then 2 weeks 50, 2 weeks 75, 2 weeks 100 etc. I think from around 200 we upped with 50 every 2 weeks.
It didnt do anything for depression but could stabilize me amd prevent from going manic. No side effects either.

[tealBumblebee]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

My pdoc wants to put me on Lamictal/Lamotrigine because Latuda isn't staving off my depression very well.

I have a few questions:

1. How fast did you titrate up to your current dosage?
2. How long and at what dose did you first feel its effects?
3. Do you take it in the morning or at night? Which is more effective?
4. For you, is Lamictal activating, sedating, or neither?

Hi Bluebicycle,

1] I started at 25mg for a week and then moved up to 50mg the next week. We were going to go higher but 50mg seems to keep me level, so we've maintained that dosage.

2] I had absolutely no side effects, and would swear to you that it was a sugar pill if, in fact, I had not been stable and had absolutely no suicidal ideation, for the last month.

3] I've taken it both, without much difference. I take it in the morning though, just to kind of get it out of the way for the rest of the day.

4] I'm not sure yet, but I think its more calming for me without being a sedative. It basically keeps my racing thoughts in control.

[medicalfox]

1. I went up 25 mg every two weeks until I hit my max dose at a therapeutic level (I was once up to 200mg).
2. I only experienced side effects when I first started it. It gave me nightmares at first, but now I have no side effects from it.
3. I take it in the morning since it's not sedating, but my body for some reason is addicted to it so I feel better on small doses and taking it when I wake up. I'm on 50 mg.
4. Neither

[Mrs. Mania]

I love my lamictal! I titrated up to 200 mgs fairly quickly. The only side effects I noticed in the beginning was constipation. I no longer suffer from that and it definitely helps me from bouncing too high or too low. Good luck to you!

[88Butterfly88]

I will try to answer your questions though I am taking Lamictal more for mood stabilization, I take Prozac for depression.

1. I don't remember.
2. I temporarily felt results at 50mg but now take 75 mg. Doc upped me to 100mg but that dose agitated me so went back to 75mg.
3. I take the extended release so it lasts all day. I take it at night.
4. Neither at 75mg, was activating at 100 mg.