Speeding up Lamictal

My DR wants me to take 2 months to get to a full 200 mg dose of lamictal. I have been on 50 mg for the last three days and I feel fine. I am wanting to try and cut that down to a month rather than two months. I haven't gotten the rash that I was warned about yet. Thoughts? I just want to feel better and my life is being staked on this medication working. I cant wait the full two months

I'm not sure if really understand what you are asking. How long have you been on Lamictal? If this is a new med, it's best to go up slowly. I have been on it for over a year, and I just went from 200 mg to 400 mg in one day. But, I have been on 400 mg before, and never got the rash, so it's relatively safe for me to do so.

I am thinking if I just add a Benadryl once a day, it will help prevent me from getting the rash

I'm not sure if that would work. This rash is life-threatening, so if you see ANY signs of a rash, contact your pdoc right away, please.

What should I look for as signs of a rash? I do feel a bit itchy, but there is no redness.

-- Mon Aug 28, 2017 12:08 pm --

After how long of being on the medicine will one notice a rash, if they are going to get one?

From what I have read of other people's experiences on this forum, itchiness seems relatively normal as a side-effect. I, myself, have never had this, but I don't think it is anything to worry about, and will most likely to go away over time.

As far as the rash, I believe it's just red spots on the skin. Almost like blemishes? If you notice any red blotches, please immediately let your doctor know. And they will take you off of it straight away. From my understanding, this rash is very rare in people who take Lamictal, but it could happen. Just pay close attention to any sign of a rash, no matter how small it may be.

EDIT: I'm not sure how soon you could get it, but that is why the dose is increased slightly over a long period of time. If you raise the dose too fast, that could cause the rash. So it is very important to do it slowly.

This will be my last Q: you say he rash is rare. How rare? And will Benadryl help stop it from happening in the first place?

I found this, with a quick Google search:

The rate of serious rash in this analysis is between 2 and 4 cases per 10,000 new users of lamotrigine (the manufacturer’s usual quoted rate is higher: 1 per 1,000).

And I highly doubt Benadryl will do anything. Because this isn't just an allergic reaction to the medication- it can cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and if not treated immediately, it can be fatal.

So please, if you notice any rash, seek help immediately. I also don't want to scare you, as Lamictal is a very good medication. I have had 0 side-effects from it, and it does help with my depression. So talk to your doctor about it, and raise the dose slowly. It took me a very long time to get to the 400 mg.

Bump for other opinions

This is not my "opinion" these are facts. You HAVE to raise the dose slowly. Anybody else here taking it would tell you the same thing.