Winnerwinner: Trying to get off meds and be stable bipolar

[Winnerwinner]

I've been tapering a while now. Not very safely, and it has been pretty rocky - had some very tearful times, and lots of agitation (though that is to do with being reviewed by the health professions Council which may bar me from working). I'm currently just on 25mg lamictal (epitec), but think I'm going to hold it here until after July when I've moved from South Africa to England, for safety sake - it's a big move. I'll keep posting though, in case I decide to move onto a lower dose before I leave. 

 

 

Edited March 23, 2022 by ChessieCat
added member name to topic title

[ChessieCat]

Hi Winnerwinner and welcome to SA,

 

SA's recommended taper is to reduce by no more than 10% of the current dose with a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  This is a guide only and generally the next reduction is only made if you are stable.

 

It is also suggested to hold during times of additional stress so holding until after you have moved and waiting until you have settled in to your new surroundings would be a good idea.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Please read Post #1 of this topic, which includes information about how to get non standard doses:

 

Tips for tapering off lamotrigine (Lamictal)

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

It is important to listen to your body/symptoms and hold for longer if you are not stable.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

 

Please create your drug signature following these instructions:

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

This is your own Introduction which is the best place to ask questions about your own situation and where you can journal your progress.  This will keep your history in one place and mean you do not have to repeat your story.

 

Please remember to update your drug signature with the date and the new dose whenever you make a change.

 

 

[Greatful]

@Winnerwinner Hi how are you doing?  Do you make the move?