I take a very high dose of Lamictal ever day. (The generic form of Lamictal is Lamotrigine.) The basic dose is 200mg and I take 500-550mg. It just shows how differently we all process medications! A dose that high can naturally lead to more side effects. I have tried so many ways to get the meds in my system while minimizing the neck stiffness, breathing problem and itching I get with Lamictal.
Take Your Meds Over a 24 Hour Period
I finally came up with something that works. I do a 24 hour round of the meds. Most of us take meds while we are awake or when we go to sleep. I decided to take them throughout the day and night. I got a 7 day pill box, but instead of using it for days- I use it for hours. I break my Lamictal into sections some big and some smaller and put them in each day. I carry this in my purse for the day and then put it in my kitchen at night. It has taken a while to get used to it. I can also add any supplements I take such as an Iron pill or Vitamin D.
If you take more than one drug (and most with bipolar do) you can spread them out the same way if needed. Also, it’s essential that you tell your health care professional you want to do this. Some medications are time released and may not work with this system!
A typical day looks like this- I wake up and take a dose. Wait a few hours and take the other, then a third. I take one right before I go to bed. One when I wake up to go to the bathroom- and if I get up two times in the night I take another one then- and if there is a little bit left over in the morning, I take that and then wait a few hours to start all over again.
My mother does this with her generic Lamotrigine (Lamictal is the brand name) – and a friend does it with her Zyprexa and Lamictal. This takes planning for sure! But it’s worth it. I will send this out as a newsletter as I feel it’s a great way to get the meds in our system with less side effects to worry us!
If you have not checked out my updated bipolarhappens.com website for my Health Cards Treatment System, here is the link.
This one goes directly to the medications side effects page. You can then read about my books from there!
BipolarHappens.com Medications Side Effect Information
If you would like to send this blog to a friend, you can copy and paste the URL at the top of the blog and send it in an email!
Julie
Great idea! I have thought about splitting up the dosage of my medicine as well, but I was hesitant because I thought I might be more likely to forget to take some of it. Your idea of using a pill box is a good one. I still think it might be difficult to remember during a mood episode, especially a hypomanic/manic one.
I don’t think I could break it up as much as you are, but right now I take it at breakfast/evening and I think taking it at breakfast/lunch/evening might be very doable.
I guess we each have to weigh the possible benefits with the possible problems.
HB
Hey Julie, thanks for this article! I’ve forwarded it to my friend and I hope he will be able to do something like that as well, depending on what his doc’s advise, of course. Have a good day! 🙂
Question about hospitals stays (my apologies, wasn’t sure where to post this)
Hi Julie,
I have a question concerning a loved one with bipolar disorder who is currently in the hospital. I have been reading your books which have been so incredibly informative and helpful during what has been a frightening and difficult time. My boyfriend has been in a mood disorder inpatient program at the hospital now for 5 weeks following a big episode before Christmas. At first he did not want contact at all, which was difficult but I wanted to respect his wishes so that he could take the time he needed to focus on getting himself well. A couple weeks ago he began calling and texting me, and so we now talk every few days. I have also seen him on a few occasions when he was able to get a pass and leave for a few hours. He will not however allow me to see him there. A few times now he has also asked if he could see me on a certain day (on a pass) and when the day arrives, he will text to say he’s having a bad day and needs to cancel. I know that this is not his fault and try not to take it personally. When this happens I tell him that it’s alright, and that I love and support him.
My question is- when this happens I know that he’s feeling depressed and from what I’ve read it seems like the best thing to do is to take action. For example, not ask if they want to go for a walk, but instead just say we’re going for a walk. How does this apply when your loved one is in the hospital? Is it best just to be understanding and trust they are receiving what they need from the medical staff? I worry when I hear that he is depressed that his instinct to isolate will only make it worse, but I also don’t want to be intrusive. When I ask about the visiting hours he always avoids answering the question and the hospital will not release any information to me as I am not his family or spouse. I am conflicted as to how I can best help him during this difficult time. Is there anything you suggest? Suggestions or insights from anyone would be so helpful and so appreciated. I feel so scared and helpless, and want to do whatever I can to help my partner, even if that’s just sending love and being supportive from afar.
So many thanks,
N.