Overview
Lamictal belongs to the anticonvulsants and antiepileptic class of medication that is prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder for mood stabilization. Bipolar disorder, as the name indicates, presents with the symptoms of two extreme mood scenarios, usually named mania-high and depression-low.
Lamictal (lamotrigine) can extend the duration between these two moods. The dose and frequency of duration can only be determined by the healthcare provider after a thorough consultation and discussion of your signs and symptoms. After which, you will be prescribed Lamictal to treat Bipolar disorder.
Is Lamictal good for bipolar?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is FDA-approved to be prescribed for medical conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It makes it the best choice for bipolar in terms of stabilizing the mood swings experienced by an individual.
Lamictal is an excellent option for long-term management of bipolar disorder, particularly in preventing depressive episodes. Its mood-stabilizing properties can help patients maintain balance without weight gain or sedation – says Dr.Richard Honekar.
Important to know: Usually, the treatment options for bipolar treatment cause sedation and hypnotic effects. With Lamictal, you can get the treatment for bipolar without sedation. Discussing these symptoms with your healthcare provider for effective diagnosis is important when looking for alternatives.
What is the maximum dose of lamotrigine for bipolar?
The maximum dose of lamotrigine (Lamictal) depends heavily on the other medications that affect its metabolism. Medications like Valporate generally increase lamotrigine metabolism, and the dose chosen should be less than the normal maximum dose prescribed.
- Without any other medications, the maximum adult dose for Lamotrigine is :
25 mg once daily for 2 weeks, which can be gradually increased to 200 mg once daily.
- With medications like Valporate, the maximum dose can only go to 100 mg once daily.
- With medications that decrease the metabolism of lamotrigine, like carbamazepine and phenytoin, the maximum dose can go up to 400mg once daily.
It’s important to consider the medications being taken with lamotrigine, which affects the solubility and effectiveness of medications, to determine the right dose for you. Only a healthcare provider can determine the right dose for your medication after evaluating all the other factors.
How long should you take Lamictal for bipolar?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a long-term medication that a patient can take for years to even a lifetime, depending on the severity of their medical condition.
In case of mood stabilization, the minimum duration can be at least 6 to 12 months, only if your doctor advises you to. Your healthcare provider can only determine the dose and longevity duration after analyzing your symptoms and overall mental health.
Is it OK to suddenly stop taking lamotrigine?
It’s an ongoing therapy; just like it increases gradually, it decreases gradually to avoid side effects. If you are taking lamotrigine for epilepsy, stopping medication suddenly can lead to the onset of seizures again. In the case of bipolar treatment, you might experience an onset of manic and mood episodes right after stopping the medications.
If you want to stop the medication for any reason, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider for an effective stopping dose for the prescribed period of time. You will be prescribed a lower dose than the previous recommended dose, gradually decreasing over the weeks.
When to consult a doctor?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder, specifically managing the mood swings experienced by an individual. It’s not an over-the-counter medication and needs a thorough medical and mental health consultation to diagnose the disorder and get the prescription for this medication.
The dose increases gradually according to the severity of the medical condition and medication history. It’s also an ongoing treatment that will go a long way. Consult an online doctor for the well-suited dose of Lamictal (lamotrigine) and refills.
FAQs about lamictal for bipolar
Lamictal helps balance chemicals in the brain by stabilizing mood and reducing the frequency of mood swings, especially in bipolar depression. It’s not an OTC medication and requires a prescription.
It’s important to follow the doctor’s prescription and guidance for Lamictal, which can be taken in the day or at night. It can generally be taken in the morning, but people who experience drowsiness can only take it at night.
