Lamictal. How long before it starts working?

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eliza0104

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I'm slowing ramping up to 300mg daily. I'm currently at 100mg. I'm curious what others experience as far as when you notice a decrease or cease in seizures. (I have simple partial)
Thank you!
 
When a person starts to notice an improvement with any medication will vary from person to person. Some people, for example, will achieve seizure control at a dose that for other people don't yet notice any improvement. For this reason I wouldn't suggest going by others' experience in this regard, and instead focus on what is happening in your case. Continue to keep a seizure journal; who knows, you may find that you can stop before you even get to 300mg (as long as you consult with your doctor) since the lower the dose of any medication that one is on the better!
 
I agree with masterjen -- There's no way to predict what dosage will work for you and at what stage of the ramp-up. Lamictal doesn't have a single target dosage that guarantees seizure control. The target dose is...whatever works for a given individual. Some people need more than 300mg, some people need less. (I'm currently at 225mg/day which controls my tonic-clonics). If you've been having partial seizures often enough, then you may be able to notice fairly quickly when you reach an effective dose because your seizures are reduced or controlled altogether. Pay attention to how you are feeling during the ramp-up (both in terms of seizure control and side effects) and contact your neuro with any questions.
 
Others have said it already. This was the billionth med we tried, each with varied results. I've been mostly seizure free on a very low dose (225 mg), but recently bumped back up to 300 mg after a breakthrough (generalized tonic).

As I recall, I saw a decrease in seizure activity almost immediately. But, as others have said, your mileage may vary.

If you're new to the seizure medication game, just know that it may take a very long time to get the right med(s) dialed in at the right dosages, combined with other strategies to get you the best results. Took me years, and I don't think that is atypical.

Best of luck with the new med.
 
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