Posted by Faerie-Witch on September 22, 2005, at 12:34:28
In reply to Re: how fast to taper off lamictal?, posted by Alexandra_nyc on June 18, 2005, at 22:33:59
My sister and I were both on a combo of Lamictal and Seroquel. She quit before me and our Psychiatrist told us that she could quit cold-turkey, that there were no withdrawal symptoms or worries. She had already quit Seroquel and then she was working on Lamictal. Well, a bit after she went cold-turkey she had a "flu" for a week! Hot and cold flashes without a fever, nausea. She stayed in bed. She was also on Welbutrin, which I understand quitting is different if you are also taking other meds. Well, I quit both Lamictal and Seroquel at the same time after weaning for under a week and not taking any other meds. (Upon start of weaning I had diarrhea and was so tired I missed nearly two days of work!) The day after I quit altogether, (yesterday), I went into work only to throw up 4 times in my trash can and lie down in the back room at lunch with a make-shift "fedex pillow!" (Yes, stuffed with paper!) I had hot and cold flashes without fever. I left work a bit early only to throw up when I got out of my car and throw up again 10 paces away! I slept for 3 hours, got up to throw up several more times. My boyfriend made me a shake because I couldn't eat. I lie there for an hour trying to hold it down but I eventually was unsuccessful! I called my sister who told me to take a Lamictal to see the next day, (today), if I really had the flu or withdrawals. I took my whole dosage, (1 200MG tablet), of Lamictal and 1/4 dosage of my seroquel, (I took 50MG). I didn't go into work today and slept until 11 AM. IT is nearly 1:30 PM, my "flu" symptoms are gone, I've eaten, walked around, been up for 2-1/2 hours. One day flu or withdrawal symptoms? My bet is on the latter. I think my doc should keep up on the latest meds, especially if he is going to prescribe them! And if what I read on this website is true, the seizures can occur even without a history of seizures from going cold turkey off of Lamictal, I guess I should count my blessings. I lost time at work but at least the potential worst didn't happen. I have had the flu before and it never felt like this! I couldn't walk or talk for long without having to throw up. I would not suggest going cold-turkey. I think the info on this website is very informative and important. Consider the 1/2 life of the drug, consider what other meds you are taking, consider how long it took you to go up in dosage and use that info to consider how long to wean off. In my case I know talking to the doc is important but ALWAYS self-educate yourselves. Peace, love and good-luck to all who decide to quit your RX. I am on a pursuit of alternatives now to include much research and visits to my local health food store for supplements. On a final note, my sister told our psychiatrist that she was going to eat better, including raw veggies and fruits and chicken and fish, and he told her if everyone ate that way he'd be out of business. Think about that one!
Blessed be!
poster:Faerie-Witch
thread:479955
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/558137.html