Can You Stop Taking Lamotrigine Cold Turkey? What You Need To Know

Watching a loved one struggle with addiction or self-destructive behaviors can be heartbreaking. You may feel helpless and unsure of how to help. But there is a powerful tool that can break through the denial and resistance: an intervention. If you’re wondering how to plan an intervention this guide is for you.

Whether you’re just beginning to consider intervention or are ready to take action, we’ll provide the guidance you need to navigate this challenging process.

Before diving into the logistics of how to begin an intervention, it’s crucial to understand what an intervention is and how it works.

At its core, an intervention is a carefully planned and structured conversation with a loved one struggling with addiction or other destructive behaviors. It’s not an ambush or a confrontation, but rather a carefully planned attempt to break through denial and encourage the individual to seek help.

The primary goal of any intervention is to break through the denial and resistance often associated with destructive behaviors and guide the individual toward accepting help.

By understanding the different types of interventions and their goals, you can begin to create a plan that works best for your loved one.

Lamotrigine, sold under the brand name Lamictal, is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder It helps stabilize mood by regulating certain chemicals in the brain While lamotrigine is effective when taken as prescribed, some people consider stopping it cold turkey. However, this carries significant risks.

Overview of Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing medication. It is commonly prescribed for

Epilepsy – Helps control seizures by blocking electrical signals in the brain that cause them.
Bipolar disorder – Prevents mood episodes like mania and depression.

Lamotrigine works by regulating levels of neurotransmitters like glutamate and serotonin in the brain. When taken regularly at the prescribed dosage, it is generally safe and effective

However, there are risks associated with suddenly stopping any prescription medication, including lamotrigine. Doing so without medical supervision can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms or worsening of the underlying condition.

Reasons People Stop Lamotrigine Cold Turkey

There are several reasons why someone might want to stop taking lamotrigine abruptly:

Bothersome side effects – Lamotrigine can cause side effects like dizziness, double vision, and rash. These may motivate someone to quit the drug.
Feeling better – When symptoms of epilepsy or bipolar disorder improve, some may assume they no longer need medication. However, quitting can lead to recurrence.
Access issues – Running out of medication or being unable to afford refills may lead some to stop lamotrigine suddenly.
Pregnancy concerns – Lamotrigine poses a risk to fetal development. Some may quit upon becoming pregnant without medical advice.
Addiction misconceptions – Lamotrigine is not addictive, but some may wrongly believe they need to detox from it.

While these reasons are understandable, stopping lamotrigine cold turkey carries high risks. Medical guidance is imperative.

Dangers of Stopping Lamotrigine Suddenly

Quitting lamotrigine abruptly can spark dangerous withdrawal symptoms and side effects, including:

For epilepsy:

Seizures – Quitting lamotrigine may greatly increase seizure risk. This can result in physical injury or even death without emergency care.
Visual disturbances – Blurred vision, double vision, and uncontrolled eye movements are possible.
Dizziness and vertigo – Loss of balance and coordination may occur. Falls or accidents can result.

For bipolar disorder:

Suicidal thoughts – Abruptly stopping lamotrigine may exacerbate mood swings and depression. This can increase suicide risk.
Manic episode – Some may experience a manic episode marked by reckless behavior upon quitting lamotrigine.
Mood instability – Irritability, anxiety, anger, and other mood symptoms are common withdrawal effects.
Psychosis – Disordered thinking and detachment from reality are possible risks.

Both epilepsy and bipolar disorder also tend to worsen when lamotrigine is stopped suddenly. The benefits of the medication are lost, and previous symptoms can return.

safer Ways To stop Taking Lamotrigine

While lamotrigine should never be quit cold turkey, there are safer ways to stop taking it under medical supervision:

Tapering – Gradually lowering the lamotrigine dose over weeks or months can prevent withdrawal effects. This allows the body to adapt slowly.
Adding new medication – Substituting or combining lamotrigine with another drug may enable stopping it safely.
Monitoring – Frequent medical check-ins allow providers to watch for issues and alter the discontinuation plan as needed.
Supportive care – Counseling and therapies help manage underlying disorder symptoms and emotional health during medication changes.
Lifestyle adjustments – Diet, exercise, sleep hygiene and stress reduction techniques support overall wellness.

The specific discontinuation process should be customized to the individual based on factors like their medical history, duration of lamotrigine use and current dosage. Patience is required, as tapering off safely can take months in some cases.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms from quitting lamotrigine cold turkey typically begin within a few days but can arise even sooner in some cases. The effects often peak within 1-2 weeks but may persist for a month or more.

Here is an overview of the usual lamotrigine withdrawal timeline:

Days 1-3: Early symptoms like headache, nausea, sleep difficulties, and increased seizure risk for those with epilepsy. Irritability, anxiety and emotional volatility also common.
Days 4-10: Symptoms increase in severity. Visual disturbances, dizziness, mood instability and suicidal thoughts may occur. Seizure risk is high if lamotrigine was prescribed for epilepsy.
Weeks 2-4: Most severe symptoms typically occur during this period. Seizures, mania episodes, psychotic symptoms, and suicidality are highest risks.
Weeks 5+: Gradual improvement in physical and psychological withdrawal effects. However, bipolar disorder and epilepsy can worsen due to loss of lamotrigine’s benefits.

Symptom duration and progression varies individually based on factors like dosage and duration of lamotrigine use. Some may experience a shorter, milder withdrawal, while others have a more severe, extended course.

Getting Medical Support for Withdrawal

The safest way to stop lamotrigine is under the ongoing care of a doctor familiar with your medical history and prescription regimen. They can provide or advise:

Customized tapering schedule to slowly wean off lamotrigine
Prescriptions to manage withdrawal side effects
Referrals for counseling to help cope with emotions and stress
Instructions for monitoring your health for problems
Emergency care if serious withdrawal effects like seizures occur
Hospitalization for severe, dangerous withdrawal reactions
Modified treatment plan if needed to safely manage your disorder after quitting lamotrigine

Don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know stops lamotrigine suddenly and experiences seizures, psychosis, mania or suicidal thoughts. Though it requires patience and close medical oversight, withdrawal can be navigated safely in most cases.

Other Considerations and Next Steps

Quitting lamotrigine abruptly should be avoided, but it can be stopped safely under medical supervision. There are also alternatives to explore if you are dissatisfied with lamotrigine treatment for epilepsy or bipolar disorder.

Adjusting dosage – Your doctor may modify your lamotrigine dose to improve results or reduce side effects.
Adding supplemental medication – A mood stabilizer, antidepressant or other drug may enhance lamotrigine’s efficacy and enable a lower dose.
Switching medications – Your doctor may recommend replacing lamotrigine with another mood stabilizing or anticonvulsant drug.
Considering surgery – For epilepsy, procedures like vagus nerve stimulation may provide an alternative to long-term medication use.
Exploring lifestyle approaches – Stress management, therapy, exercise, and a healthy diet can support healing.

Even if stopping lamotrigine is the best choice, never do so without close medical guidance and a controlled tapering process. Sudden cessation can spark dangerous effects, so work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure safety through every step of withdrawal and beyond. There are always healthier options than quitting any psychiatric medication cold turkey.

can you stop taking lamotrigine cold turkey

Gather the Intervention Team

Once you’ve decided to move forward, the first step in how to arrange an intervention is to assemble a supportive team. This team will be the backbone of your intervention. They’ll provide the love, support, and accountability your loved one needs.

Family: Close family members who have a strong relationship with the individual.
Close Friends: Friends who have witnessed the impact of the behavior and can offer valuable insights.
Professionals: Consider including a therapist, counselor, interventionist, or addiction specialist to guide the process and provide resources.

Assigning clear roles may be essential for a successful intervention, such as:

Team Leader: This person organizes the intervention, facilitates communication, and ensures everyone is prepared.
Speakers: These group members express their concerns, share personal experiences, and offer support to the loved one.
Note Taker: One person can record the details of the intervention, including responses and commitments.
Logistics Coordinator: This person handles practical aspects like securing a treatment center.

By carefully selecting your team and assigning clear roles, you create a solid foundation for a successful intervention.

Now that you have your support team, it’s time to plan the intervention.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Selecting the right time and location is crucial in how to make an intervention effective.

Time: Aim for a time when your loved one is most likely to be sober and receptive. Avoid holidays, special occasions, or stressful times.
Place: Choose a private, safe, and comfortable location where everyone can speak openly without distractions. A familiar setting like a home can be less intimidating.

Antidepressant Drug Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous — Psychiatrist Stuart Shipko, M.D.

FAQ

What happens if you stop taking lamotrigine suddenly?

Abruptly stopping Lamictal may also lead to a return of symptoms of the condition that is being treated. For people with bipolar disorder, this might mean experiencing a mood episode. For people with epilepsy, this might mean an increased risk of experiencing a seizure.

Does lamotrigine need to be weaned off?

If it is necessary to discontinue lamotrigine, it should be done in a step-wise fashion over two weeks, if possible. There is a possibility of withdrawal seizures when discontinuing lamotrigine, which lessens if the drug is tapered rather than stopped quickly.

How long does lamotrigine take to withdraw?

After your last dose of Lamictal, you typically have to spend about 14 days completely clean of the drug to finish detoxing. During those 14 days, you will experience most, if not all, withdrawal symptoms. The first days of the withdrawal are the hardest.

How long can you be off lamotrigine before restarting?

All patients should be given the instruction that if they stop lamotrigine for more than three to five days or more for any reason, they must not restart it at their usual dose.