Posted by SLS on October 21, 2002, at 0:38:20
In reply to Adverse effects from abruptly quitting Lamictal?, posted by Ellen S. on October 20, 2002, at 21:11:32
Hi Ellen.
> My teenage son has been taking Lamictal (400 mg daily), in addition to Eskalith, Celexa, and Geodon.
What is he being treated for?
> He doesn't think the Lamictal ever had any positive effect, and we also didn't notice that it helped him any. However, he thinks that it caused irritability and insomnia, so he secretly stopped taking it a few days ago. He says he is feeling better without it.
Whether or not he responded to Lamictal, it seems that many people experience a TEMPORARY antidepressant effect from LOWERING the dosage.
> I am concerned about the possible consequences of suddenly quitting any medication, particularly after being on such a large dose. Setting aside (for the moment) the question of whether he needs this drug, I'm concerned about the possibility of rebound/withdrawal effects. Is there a "Lamictal discontinuation syndrome" for people who were taking this medication for depression or bipolar?? I know that people taking this med for convulsions can suffer from convulsions if they stop it abruptly, but that's not an issue here.Whether or not someone has a seizure disorder, abruptly discontinuing any anticonvulsant by anyone can potentially produce seizures. However, I don't know the propensity of Lamictal to do this. My guess is that it is quite a bit lower than the old mainstream anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine, etc.) Anxiety and heart-palpitations might be among the withdrawal symptoms. Just another guess.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:124239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021019/msgs/124480.html