What is the maximum dose of lamotrigine for bipolar disorder?

People living with bipolar disorder may witness feeling low and also get a high more often. These alternating moods are accompanied by disturbed sleep patterns. Bipolar disorder is known to be stay happy at some times and experiencing sadness at other times. This condition is also labelled as spells of manic depression. Meds are prescribed to treat it. Lamotrigine is a widely used drug. But, what is the maximum dose of lamotrigine for bipolar disorder? It helps to have added inputs on this.

Manic depression is another name of bipolar disorder; of this name, “manic” refers to staying confident and overexcited. You may also tend to feel impulsive in your actions and careless with your decisions. On the other hand, “depression” explains the sadness and loneliness people feel during the onset of bipolar disorder. However, in between these two periods of extreme moods you may stay quite normal.

There are a few types of bipolar disorder viz., bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, unspecified bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, etc. Of these various types, bipolar I disorder shows up as extremely erratic actions and behaviors. Manic highs are severe. Hence, clinical help is needed to manage your moods. The depressive spells are equally intense and these may last for more than 2 weeks’ time.

Bipolar II disorder is also erratic but not as intense as the above type. Cyclothymic disorders are not as erratic or intensive as the above 2 kinds. But, this may last for more than 14 – 17 months in case of adults, and in teens it can last for nearly 12 months.

What is lamotrigine?

This med is administered for the management of convulsions or fits. Lamotrigine is categorised as an antiepileptic or an anticonvulsant med. Essential chemicals of this med is believed to restore a fine balance of a few natural chemicals of your cerebral system. You need to know lamotrigine is never administered onto babies as young as 24 months. If administered to babies, it may lead to severe spells of infections and related discomforts.

You must inform your caregiver of any allergies or hypersensitivity to lamotrigine prior to starting your dosage plan. Also, if you have had prior spells of liver conditions like hepatitis, cardiac dysfunction including erratic heartbeats, heart attacks, etc., inform your doctor of all such conditions.

What is the maximum dose of lamotrigine for bipolar disorder?

The maintenance dosage of lamotrigine is 200 milligrams (mg) taken orally as a single dose per day. The initial dose is started at a low strength of 25 mg for nearly 14 days. The, it is increased to 50 mg for the next 2 weeks followed by 100 mg each day for a week’s time. The above dosages are for people who do not take drug like phenobarbital, phenytoin or carbamazepine.

If you are taking drugs like valproate, maintenance dose of lamotrigine is reduced to 100 mg per day, which is administered as a single dosage. Among those who take meds like carbamazepine or phenytoin, maintenance dose hover at 300 – 400 mg per day. This dosage is evenly distributed and is administered as multiple doses within a day. Maximum dose of lamotrigine must never exceed 400 mg per day if you are taking meds like phenytoin or phenobarbital.

Like other anticonvulsant meds, lamotrigine may trigger a few side effects. These include blurring of eyesight, being dizzy, tremors, restlessness, etc. Most side effects show up in their mildest form, and may go away in a few days. But, if these effects turn acute, seek assistance urgently.

Owing to these risks, lamotrigine is not taken through the self-medication route. It is important to take this med according to the instructions of a medical professional. Above all, seek inputs from a certified caregiver about maximum dose of lamotrigine for bipolar disorder.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.