Lamictal dosing question

Question

Can anyone please shed some light on the dosage times best for lamictal?  I am bipolar two and on a relatively low dose (50mg 25 2xa day) and have been on for three months- started very very low and titrated up to this dose.  Seemed to be fine, then for two days I went crazy-depression, and anger, crying etc., all not characteristic of me.  I did take 4 prescription diet pills during that time as I eat like a horse on this drug- is that normal.  Could these diet pills -that I was assured were ok to take with lamictal by the dr that prescribed them- have messed me up that bad?!  should i decrease my dose? this med scares me!  please please any advice.  I didnt take my meds today and I feel weird. Like anxious and achy

Answer 1

What were the diet pills you were taking?

Answer 2

Hi pharmageek :) I was taking phendimetrazine-- I have since stopped and realized that those twodrugs don't mix well- at least not for me.  I am trying to take my medicine at night to curb the extreme hunger that I have from these pills.  I am a post gastric bypass patient and have lost 180 pounds, and am at an ok weight of 160 at 5'4" but need to get that last 20 off... I was wondering if you or anyone out there has experienced appetite increase and if a larger dose of lamictal may be the answer...anyone?

Answer 3

I don't know enough about the interaction of lamictal with phendimetrazine to say anything specific. Generally speaking, both of these drugs affect central nervous system, and rare & unusual interactions might occur with almost any combination of CNS-active drugs. This does not mean that that's what happened in your case, but it is conceivable.

Lamictal does not seem to list weight gain or increase in appetite as a major known side effect. This does not mean that side effects not listed are impossible but you should talk to your doctor and discuss other possible causes.

Answer 4

I really appreciate your quick and informative response.  One dr said it was fine to take them together-but now that I have stopped, I feel much better!  I am calling my dr for a complete check up today. I have numerous questions, as I have gained a tiny bit of weight -like five pounds- and it HAS to be the lamictal-it's all I take, so, just my luck, Id be the one in many to have it make me hungry.  I had little to no appetite before them, but I will trade the 5 lbs for feeling better any day-but no more than 5...that's the limit