Posted by zenhussy on December 5, 2003, at 2:36:16
In reply to Re: Lamictal (lamotrigine) and how do you get there? » zenhussy, posted by Penny on December 4, 2003, at 8:55:00
> ZH,
> There is a blood test your pdoc can do to check the serum levels of lamotrigine. My doc checked my levels frequently when I was taking it, and there's a target range that has been shown to be effective. It differs for everyone - I got as high as 225/225 on lamotrigine and was still only mid-range, whereas someone else might take a much lower dose and be at the top of the range. Just depends on how quickly your body metabolizes it. You might ask your doc about a serum level test.
> PPenny,
Thank you ever so much for this information. After living as a human pin cushion earlier this year having to do much blood work I'm not keen on the idea of blood draws again. However my peace of mind literally and figuratively are worth giving up a bit more blood.
Do you know if the serum level check is more common when lamotrigine is used for bp instead of as an adjunct to major depression?
>when I was taking it....
Did you stop taking lamotrigine? Stopped working? Or have you found the magic potion? ; )
Thanks for your feedback and helpful information.
zenhussy
poster:zenhussy
thread:286102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/286745.html