Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 12/6/2009

Question
I would like to know how long it takes Lamictal to be free of your system once you stop taking. (I did not stop "cold-turkey".)

A little background may help.  I was wrongfully incarcerated for close to 17 years--Sept. 1990 to April 2007.  When I came home my adjustment seemed to be going well.  I did, however, want to speak to someone because I was feeling depressed and was having mood swings that I associated with "not being able to cope".  

I went to see a pyschiatrist, who within 2 visits he told me I had a mild form of bi-polar and put me on Lamictal.  Prior to starting, I discussed everything with my family and did some research.  There is no instruction manual on healing from being wrongfully incarcerated, so I took his word.

I have never had a manic episode in my life.  I told the Dr. this, and he said it didn't matter.

Recently, I went to have a full alcohol assessment.  After 3 hours with the therapist, she asked if I had ever been diagnosed for PTSD.  We went through the system for both bi-polar and PTSD.  I certainly do not fit the bi-polar.

I have hated Lamictal since I started--about 1 year ago. I was taking 200mg.  I cut that in have even before my assessment.  I took 100mg for over 2 months.  I have cut that to 50mg once a day about two weeks ago.  I need some advice on how to proceed from here because I will go off this drug.  I also would like to know how long the drug will effect me (side effects) after I stop altogether.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.
Bob  

Answer
Hi Bob . . .

I cannot give personal medical advice so I cannot help you with a schedule for discontinuing the Lamictal. I often have my patients stopping Lamictal take 50 mg/day for a week, 25 mg/day for a week and then stop.

The half-life of Lamictal is highly variable. In some people the half-life is about 24 hours and in a few people it has extended to about 40 hours. The half-life of a drug is the amount of time it takes the amount in the blood to fall 50% after the drug is discontinued. The drug is essentially out of one's body four half-lives after the drug is discontinued.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%