Questions about tapering off Lamictal

[ahds2k]

Hello, I'm new to this site but am hoping to get some advice. My son, now 17, has taken 200 mg of Lamictal twice a day for about six years now for a seizure disorder. He has had a normal EEG and we are about to begin tapering off the lamictal, having consulted with the neurologist. About how long will it take to taper off this dosage and is there anything we should anticipate in terms of withdrawal symptoms? He starts his senior year of high school a month after starting the taper so I'm hoping he'll be ok by then. Any advice or ideas, guidance etc would be great! Thanks.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi ahds2k, welcome to CWE!

It's best to check with your son's neuro, but usually the withdrawal process should be as slow or slower than the time it took to ramp up. Reducing in small increments, and waiting at least two weeks at each increment is one of the best ways to minimize withdrawal side effects.

I've found that whenever I change my Lamictal dose -- either up or down -- I get occasional mild dizziness (a bit like the spins) for a few days until my brain adjusts. Other folks have reported some temporary moodiness and/or headaches. The main things is to go slowly, and ask the doc about anything unusual, particularly any side effects that persist more than two weeks after the Lamictal is completely out of his system.

Best,
Nakamova