I have a 14 yearl old son who is refusing to take his Lamitical, it makes him shake and throw up all his food. What can I expect as far a mood goes, and how long until this medication is all the way out of his system, he is in his 4th month at 400mg.
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7/10/08 8:28am
My doctor put me on Lamictal a year ago when I was officially diagnosed with BP2. I was 18 at the time and was not taking any medication prior to the diagnosis. Over a course of 6 months my dose was increased to the current level of 300 mg. In addition I take Abilify - also a mood stabilizer and Prozac (antidepressant). I haven't had any side affects but I have a high amount of energy and rapid thoughts. I also have panic attacks which come on out of the blue. Prior to my diagnosis and medication plan, I had suicidal tendancies (3 attempts) and severe mood swings with anger and rage. My doctor told me that if I miss 3 doses in a row I have to begin at the introduction dose as the medication is out of your system after 72 hours. Good luck.
7/21/09 2:57pm
Update .... in April I stopped all my medication abruptly (Lamictal, Ability and Prozac) b/c I was feeling balanced and didn't think I needed it anymore. It took 3 weeks for the residual medication to completely leave my system and I know this b/c that's when the rapid cycling and thoughts of suidide returned (with a vengance). My doc. put me back on the Lamictal (starting back at introductory dose. I had to build back up to 300 mg.) and added Lithium in place of the Abilify and Prozac. I feel much more balanced but will never stop my medication again.
7/ 9/08 6:44pm
I am on lamictal and am an adult. I had a toxic reaction at 200 mg and taking it for two years. It gave me an eye condition, nystagmus. It was reduced to 100 mg. I am on lexapro (20mg) and wellbutrin (200). I feel better. I would not take him off lamictal until your pychiatrist says so. I am not a doctor, but 400 mg seems like an awful lot! I never heard of being on that much....particularly for a child. Perhaps tell your doctor you want him to come off it. He should take him off gradually because coming off any med for bipolar, or any mood disorder, can have some terrible withdrawal effects. Also, if your child is throwing up, he is definetly having a bad reaction, or perhaps the dosage is making him toxic. Please talk to your doc. If he tells you to keep him on it at that dosage, I would get another opinion. What kind of symptoms of bipolar does your son have?
raku
7/ 9/08 9:56pm
400 mg does sound like a lot. I'm on 200 mg and I'm an adult. I agree with the previous post - talk to the doctor. I've not had any adverse reaction to Lamictal.
7/10/08 8:17am
I have been taking lithium metallicum in Homeopathic form, would most definitely reccommend it, as there's absolutely no side effects...
9/29/09 11:49am
Hi. Where dd you find the litium and were there any problems? I am afraid to take meds because of a suicidal reaction to Prozac? Did you take this for bipolar? thanks
8/19/10 6:12pm
yes there are side effects to taking lithium. for one lithium poisening if your doctor does not test you often enought which happens in england. also you should be a person who does not get derpressed easily as it will make you slow-mentally and physically. oh it does cause weight gain!
7/11/08 1:46pm
I was on lamactil for many years. I eventually gave it up because I could no longer afford it and needed something generic. Well, back to your son. 400mg seems high to me. Also, please make sure the dose is tapered slowly as you would not want your son to experience withdrawal. Let you M.D. know what's happening. Best of luck. I know it is so difficult to find the correct medication. His side effects do sound severe so he will need something else. I pray for you and your son. Good Mom.
12/ 1/10 9:03am
PLEASE READ THIS----I HOPE THE MOTHER THAT HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO GIVE 400 MG OF LAMICTAL IS SERIOUSLY WAY TOO HIGH. MY SON HAS BEEN ON 150 MG FOR 4 YRS. LAMICTAL IS A VERY SERIOUS DRUG AND ALTERS BRAIN CHEMISTRY. YOUR SON WOULD HAVE TO VERY VERY VERY SLOWLY WEENED OFF OF THIS MEDICATION TO A LOWER DOSE. I URGE YOU TO FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR. I REALIZE THAT YOU POSTED IN 2008 AND I PRAY TO GOD THAT SOME HOW YOU WILL BE READING THIS. LAMICTAL IS TITRATED VERY SLOWLY BECAUSE OF THE STEVEN JOHNSON RASH THAT IS LIFE THREATENING. YOUR DOCTOR IS DANGEROUS. PLEASE, PLEASE CONSULT ANOTHER DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE GET ADVICE ON HOW TO TITRATE HIM DOWN. THE DOSE THAT HE IS RECEIVING IS WAY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HIGH. YOUR SON IN BEING OVERDOSED. I REPEAT GET TO A DOCTOR WHO CAN CAREFULLY REDUCE THE AMOUNT. I PRAY TO GOD THAT YOU READ THIS.
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By vlbhopes— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 07/08/08
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