I take zoloft and lamictal to treat depression and anxiety. I've lost my job and health insurance and subsequently can't afford the cost of lamitcal per month. I am staying on the zoloft. My Dr. advised me to cut the mg in half over the next 2 weeks but warned of the small chance I could have a seizure. This terrifies me as I've never had one and the medication was/is intended to stabilize my mood and obviously not to treat seizures. Has anyone had experience w/ coming off this drug? Thanks in advance!!!
I have to wean myself off lamictal (anti-seizure and mood stabilizer). I take it w/ zoloft. pls help
Question posted by fayecogar on 17 Nov 2009
Last updated on 17 September 2018 by ruth7155
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
6 Answers
ruth7155
18 Sep 2018
I went off lamictal with no problems at all. I was taking 400mg a day. I decreased 50mg every 3-4 days. I think it took 2-3 weeks. No seizures at all.
Ruth
wattie
17 Sep 2018
please contact the drug maker they have programs for free meds. my wife takes latuda and it costs 1,486 dollars for 28 pills. they are giving them for free for 12 months then have to renew . her dr. upped hers from 20mg to 40 so that means double the price. thank GOD for the rx being generious.
WildcatVet
6 Feb 2014
Hi, faye! Medications used as mood stabilizers (Lamictal, Tegretol, Depakote, etc.) are actually classed as anticonvulsants. The only true mood stabilizer is lithium. It was wise of your doctor to alert you to the possibility of a seizure, but it's pretty unlikely. I came off lamotrigine over two weeks and had no problems at all.
Here's a couple links that might help you:
http://www.gskforyou.com/patient-assistance-programs/drugslist.html
https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/lamictal
Elderrose
6 Feb 2014
Hi. There is a website called point of return that is very helpful with withdrawing from any psychotropic med. apparently you are supposed to titrate it down very slowly, as slowly as it was increased. I was titrated up to 150 mg by increasing by 25 mg every two weeks and now d/t severe gastrointestinal distress and joint aching and stiffness am titrating it back down. It's hard to be a totally accurate when splitting the tablets but I have a pill splitter so am trying to decrease by 25 or so every two weeks. I know it helped stablilize my mood but the side effects have been distressing, also it freaks me out that this is a seizure medication. In any event I think cutting by 1/2 is too much, I would say 25 mg at a time from what I have heard from pharmacists.
kimichi
4 Dec 2011
Weaning off of lamictal is not couple week process. Your doctor should not want to risk you of having a seizure at all costs. Take it very slow and if possible, cut 3/4 off he pill instead of half.
itsmetoo2
17 Nov 2009
have you checked Cost Co for the generic?
Strengths of Generic Lamictal
Generic Lamictal is available in a number of different strengths, including:
•Lamotrigine 25 mg tablets
•Lamotrigine 100 mg tablets
•Lamotrigine 150 mg tablets
•Lamotrigine 200 mg tablets
•Lamotrigine 5 mg chewable dispersible tablets
•Lamotrigine 25 mg chewable dispersible tablets.
If you do not belong to Cost Co., that is ok you do not need to belong to Cost Co., to have an RX filled.
Also you can call the manfacture as GlaxoSmithKline has a patient program. You may even get it for free !! Just call and see how their program works.
amisteare
18 Nov 2009
go to the lamictal website and register for the coupons they have. you can get $40 off your copays for the next year. your doc should also have coupons he/she can give you.
Peanut4
2 Sep 2013
I can relate to all of these post. My Dr. wrote the prescription for Lamictal 2 weeks ago, and they filled out forms for the GSK program for me because I have no income, no insurance; Lawyer has filed for ssi. BUT as of this moment NO MEDICAID either. And they will not except you in the program (that one for Lamictal) if you do not have MEDICAID. But I am enrolled in others that send me free medications every 3 months. And even the Generic Lamotrigine is over $140. for 30 day supply 25mg to start (Wal-Mart price) insane. It's because it's a brand new drug. After I found out how dangerous it is to take, and what it will do to you, More important what will happen to you God Forbid if you ever have to stop taking it for any reason; They could NOT PAY me enough money to take even one pill!!! Do your research!! And Not just on "Their" drug info page.
Ask other people the nightmare they went through with that drug! Please be careful, and don't blindly take a pill from a Dr. because you "Trust him OR her" I did that for 13 years; It almost killed me, and took my life away! UNTIL I woke up, and the fog lifted, it was then I was able to pray and ask God to help restore and heal me. And he did, But I almost killed myself when I was taking all of their Dangerous Poison Drugs! I read a few stories here JUST like mine! Love you All!
Related topics
lamictal, zoloft, depression, seizures, bipolar disorder, anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.