As I mentioned before, I've been tapering off Lamictal 1/16th (~19mg) of my original dose every 2 weeks or so. Now, this number is not 100% accurate, since I've been using a pill-cutter to haphazardly slice the pills into small bits. I haven't been to my psychiatrist for about 3 months, and my tapering plan is not approved by a physician. *If you are tapering off any drug--pharmaceutical or otherwise--I highly recommend guidance from a physician!* The only reason I'm not relying on my doctor is that I go to the county mental health clinic, where they have bounced me between several doctors over the past year. I feel that my doctor is unequipped to sufficiently help me, so I've done extensive research on withdrawing from the specific drugs that I am prescribed. Also, I've had previous experience with Vicodin and Xanax withdrawals.
YAY ME!!! I'm down about 100mg from my original dose! That means I'm one-third of the way done--this is cause for celebration!!!
Back to business--here are the side effects I have been experiencing since my last reduction:
Not too bad! The migraines, extreme agitation, and anxiety are not bothering me this time. (I think it's because of the QuietMinds supplement I've been taking. Source Naturals' GABA Calm helps, too.) Sleeplessness is an especially bad side effect to have because I believe it intensifies all the other side effects. To combat this I've been taking 3mg-6mg of Melatonin before bed, which I highly recommend for anyone who has trouble falling asleep.
Are you tapering off Lamictal? Do you have any comments to add?
I AM NOT A DOCTOR. THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO REPLACE THE GUIDANCE OF YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
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