Posted by JahL on March 27, 2001, at 16:36:19
In reply to Re: treatment resistant depression-Lamictal » JahL, posted by sweetmarie on March 27, 2001, at 14:24:57
> > I spoke to the `medication helpline` (a helpline that specifically deals with psychiatric medications, based in the Affective Disorders Unit at the Maudsley Hospital in London) regarding Lamotragine. The woman I spoke to told me that there wasn`t too much info about the drug as it`s so new (as we know). However, she was able to look into a file they have about it. She quoted a case study of a woman who had been on Lamotragine for 7 weeks, felt completely well and went back to workThe 'magic'?!
> >(a concept that I can`t even think about - I haven`t worked for 3 years now). Also, she found a research project, which quoted `4 +` weeks for any effect. This was helpful as far as it went, but like I said, info about Lamotragine is pretty thin on the ground as yet.
> > I have a question that I meant t ask her, and was wondering if you knew the answer. Do I count ALL the weeks that I have been on an increased dose, or the weeks that I have been on the top dose, or rather the optimum dose for me (250 mg)? Do you know? I`ve always been a bit hazy on this whole time-scale business.Hi Anna.
I'm pretty sure it's 4wks (not set in stone of course) *from* when you reach a therapeutic dose (ie one that will provoke a response in you) So if 250mg is going to work then it might take 4 wks @ this dose before you begin improving.
I guess the secret is to continue gradually increasing the dose (thus testing a good dose range) until you get a result. Then you can gradually titrate downwards until yr response begins to remit. Just above this point is yr optimal dose.
J.
poster:JahL
thread:55847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/57695.html