Lamictal Blood Levels Please Help!

[CarrieH]

Those of you taking Lamictal how long did it take for your levels to be considered Therapeutic? I am on a birth control pill and I know that makes it take longer to be therapeutic.

I'm up to Generic Lamictal 100mg twice daily and I've been on that for a couple weeks after completing the sample titration pack given to me of Lamictal XR, that taking 5-6 weeks of building up.

I had my blood drawn yesterday and the lab said 24-48 hours for neuro to get results. I'm not sure what I will do if I come back too low. I'm trying hard not to get my hopes up, but being stuck at home with 2 kids and it being too cold to walk anywhere is making my depression worse. Not to mention the fact I have a perfectly good mini-van parked downstairs that I can't drive no matter how bad I need time by myself!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi CarrieH --

There is no specific "therapeutic" level for Lamictal -- it's whatever works to control the seizures for any given person. There is a suggested range, but plenty of folks fall outside both ends of the range. I happen to fall below the low end (my dose is 150mg/day). My blood serum levels are "low", but my seizures are controlled.

 

[elizzza811]

I'm on Lamictal (not on birth control though) and my levels were within 'range' the first time they were checked, but at this level they still weren't controlling all of my seizure types...I was still having simple partials, so the dosage had to be increased. I guess everybody is different that way in what level is 'therapeutic' and being within 'range' doesn't necessarily guarantee therapeutic levels.

I know how you feel though...not being able to drive and being homebound as a result. I actually bought a car last weekend and didn't even get to test drive it...my husband had to.

 

[CarrieH]

Thanks for the answers. It's frustrating, my neuro told me that as long as I was in the middle of the therapeutic (sp) range that I would most likely have zero problems with seizures.

I had 7 seizures in my entire life. Usually they are caused by lack of sleep and stress. I have zero warning and just fall over, start shaking, bite my tongue. I would assume since my neuro has my medical records and diagnosed me based on a irregular EEG that he would know what he is talking about when telling me I shouldn't have a problem as long as I am in the middle. grrrrr

Thanks again!

 

[CarrieH]

I got ahold of my doctor's office and I'm under. Things are aweful right now and this disorder has made me a prisoner in my own life.

I plan to get off Lamictal and whatever happens happens. I figure God wanted me to have this let it happen. No, I don't plan on going cold turkey but wean off and deal with the seizures. I'm past the point of caring anymore. It's a curse!

 

[Nakamova]

Is the Lamictal giving you any side effects? if not, then you might want to give it a shot.

if you are positive you want to be off the meds, taper off verrrry slowly. Be as proactive as possible about your health and avoid any seizure triggers. Do your best to make sure you don't put yourself or anyone at else at risk if you do have a seizure. And if your seizures start to progress in kind or frequency, consider re-visiting the possibility of medication to prevent any additional escalation.