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Lamictal reduction: how much is too much?

Fri, 07/15/2016 - 22:34
Hello lovely people, I am new to this forum but would deeply appreciate your advice! I am reducing Lamictal in a month under the care of a brilliant neurologist as my epilepsy is stable but was hoping for some advice and/or suggestions on coping mechanisms. Keppra brought my seizures under control so it makes sense after 10 years to reduce Lamictal (hopefully!)and it has impacted my cognitive function ( I want that back as you all know epileptics are brilliant like Einstein). I have been epileptic since I was 17. I am now 28 on Keppra (500mg twice a day), Lamictal (200mg twice a day) and Clonazepam (0.5mg once a day) for Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). I also take Dexamethasone (0.25mg once a day) and Spironolactone (100mg once a day) for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). My neuroendocrinologist would like to do the following: July 15th: 200mg morning and 200mg at night August 1st: 175 mg in the morning with 200mg at night September 1st: 150mg in the morning with 200mg at night After this he will consider further reduction. I am curious about the following: 1. How do you know during the process when the reduction is not right for you? ( Withdrawal seizures?) 2. Do you wait for a seizure to realize the reduction was too much? 3. How do you ensure you remain safe over the withdrawal period? I plan to live with my parents but realistically I could get seriously injured 4. Being isolated is not great for a social bee like me. How do you cope with the isolation? 5. What are withdrawal symptoms you have faced if you have gone through it? 6. What did you do during this isolated period of time to keep yourself calm as I heard anxiety, anger and suicidal thoughts occur? I don't want to lose my cheerful nature! 7. What safety precautions did you take such as living on one floor ( avoiding stairs), staying on carpeted floors etc? If you have gone through Lamictal reduction/elimination, please share your experience. Thank you for reading my post. Have a nice day :)

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