Posted by JahL on March 22, 2001, at 13:36:08
In reply to Re: current Lamictal trials in action, posted by phillybob on March 21, 2001, at 19:57:04
> > As far as titration, last week my pdoc explained how it would probably be okay to increase a bit faster because once past the beginning period, increases in dosage become a smaller percentage of the whole that one is taking.
> > In other words, in the beginning, a jump from 12.5 mg to 25 mg is a 100% increase. 25 mg to 50 mg is likewise a 100% increase. But, 50 mg to 75 mg then becomes just a 50% increase and 75 mg to 100 mg becomes a smaller 33% increase, etc., etc.Thanks Bob, that makes a lot of sense.
> > I also read somewhere that the first month is most important so that the body can acclimate to the drug. Once getting through that first month of adjustment, the likelihood of developing the rash is quite small. So, I've read, at least.
Yeah, the general consensus seems to be that the first couple of months are the most critical.
I'll probally hit 75mg, & stay there for a week before making the jump to the magic figure of 100mg.
> > Nonetheless, I met with the pdoc tonight, and I'm gonna sally forward with a 12.5 mg/day increase some time this weekend for a total of 37.5 mg/day. I am going to split the dosage, for now. 25 mg then 12.5 mg later.
> > The pdoc has also more or less given the thumbs up to increase that to a total of 50 mg/day a bit quicker than we had been going, and then hang out there for a bit.
> > Yep, it's frustrating, this patience thang. I find that the not complete positive effects that I have kind of wear off by the afternoon. Perhaps, the higher doses will make it last for the day and perchance make me all better. Patience.I too am finding the response a little erratic (& am p*ssed off the hypomania's stopped!), but like youself, am expecting a more consistent, robust response @ more 'therapeutic' levels (I think the definitive Lamotrigine study 4 rapid-cyclers showed around *3 times* the reponse @ 200mg, compared with a 50mg dose).
I think Lamotrigine is split @ higher doses, so this may help with the afternoon 'dip'.
J.
poster:JahL
thread:55442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010319/msgs/57184.html