How long for Lamictal to have an effect?

[GinAndTonic]

My difficult child just started taking Lamictal to help with a possible mood disorder. Those of you who've had kids on it: how long until you noticed its effects, good or bad?

 

[smallworld]

How much is he taking? Are you noticing anything?

Lamictal generally takes 3 to 4 weeks to see any effect and at a dose higher than the starting dose (source: The Bipolar Child). However, some have reported feeling the antidepressant effect take effect at 25 mg.

 

[BusynMember]

It takes up to eight weeks. My grown son takes it and thinks it's a wonderful medication. He says he has no side effects.

 

[GinAndTonic]

He's only had two doses of 25mg each so far. I know when I took Zoloft, it took a few weeks for it to really work (although I felt better as soon as I'd called my doctor, never mind getting the prescription filled!).

 

[susiestar]

I was on it for several weeks. It is supposed to be good at handling serious, long-term depression, but not as good with mania.

I did not get any help from it, but did get lovely stomach cramps. So we switched to prozac again.

I would think it will take several weeks (sometimes up to 8) for the full effects. That is AFTER you get to the therapeautic dose.

 

[SaraT]

My difficult child started at 25mg (3 yrs ago, age 9) and is now at 150mg a day. It took about 2 weeks to see her mood stabilize some, but about 6 or so for full effect to be seen. No side effects and she no longer cycles several times a day. It is a seizure medication that is used to stabilize mood swings.

Good luck.

 

[DammitJanet]

Im on it and have been since 2003 I think. If I can remember correctly it took me about 2 weeks...until I got a bit up there on the starter pack...for me to feel anything and then it really kicked in when I was on full dose.