Increased medication myself

[Cacoethes]

Yesterday I decided I would increase my Lamotrigine without consulting my GP.
I knew she wouldn't agree it because my neurologist only gave her permission to increase it to my current prescribed dose and we are still waiting to hear back from the neurologist, I need an earlier appointment because the seizures have got worse on medication.

I increased it myself from 100mg twice a day to 200mg twice a day.
I did it for various reasons.
1) I know it will take a while to get a neurology appointment
2) I am so sick of being scared to go out in case of seizures in public
3) My mood has been very low for the last week and I am hoping that an increased dose will help, seeing as I have a mood disorder now.

Anyway, enough rambling.
I'm worried that if I tell my GP on Monday that I've increased it myself that she will disagree and tell me to go back to the prescribed dose, I couldn't just continue because I only get fortnightly prescriptions and I would run out.
But I am convinced that the increased dose is already helping my mood.
My GP commented on how low I was presenting so surely she won't disagree?
I mean, would she be able to increase it with the mental health reasons rather than epilepsy reasons so the neurologist doesn't have to get involved?

I'm also worried that my GP will think I'm getting 'ill' or something because I'm taking things into my own hands. It's only because I know neurologists are incredibly busy so it could take quite a while to get an appointment and I'm going to Norway soon and the seizures have to be controlled for that.

I've rambled on quite a bit now. Sorry!
I know that you're not doctors so can't advise me to stay on the increased dose or to go back to the prescribed dose, but I'm mainly worried about what my GP is going to say about it.

Thanks in advance!

[sherlock holmes]

I think it's good you want to be well, but it's not brilliant you've done this by yourself.

Lamotrigine is one of those meds you need to be really careful with- when I took it my psych had to make me start on a TINY dose and increase VERY slowly because there is a risk of a serious illness. If you get a rash you need to see a doctor ASAP.

To be honest I doubt it's already had an effect on your mood as meds that are taken for moods typically take 4-6 weeks to have an effect.

I think that it doesn't matter the reason you are taking the lamotrigine, your GP still cant change the dose without the say so from your neurologist because you also have epilepsy. If you just had the mood disorder then yes your GP could change the dose.

I think you need to tell your GP what you've done- don't change the dose again and wait for advice from your GP.

[LionCondemned]

Hey Beckie,

I agree with sarah, it isnt that great that you increased it yourself, but if you feel that it is the best thing it would be best to consult your GP again, the worst thing they can say is no.
take care x

[Laura2.0]

Definitely talk about this with your GP and maybe you could call the neurologist and ask for a sooner appointment because of the fits?

[MissAnonymous]

F has just had her lamotrigine increased and he wanted it increased in 25mg increments.

I would say you'd be best to increase it slower and put your GP in the picture. Your reasoning is valid, but a doctor needs to make the final decision and she may have information that you hadn't thought of.

Make an appointment asap.

[Cacoethes]

Thanks everyone!

Yeah, it's not the smartest idea but I feel great! I don't know if it's the meds or I'm just awesome! :tongue2:

I'm gonna keep an eye out for the 'rash of death!'

GP has been trying to get through to the neurologist for aaagggeess! (well, a few weeks!) and he's probably seriously busy seeing as my next appointment was in August and that was the earliest he could do!

Got an appointment with GP on Monday anywaay sO i'll probably mention it! Well, I will mention it because she does the prescription and I want to stay on this dose now! I just don't want to go back to having to see her every day! once every 2 weeks is fine! she is a lovely GP and I'm lucky to have her though!

[LionCondemned]

Hey Beckie,

thats great that you have such an understanding GP :) #welljel

[Cacoethes]

I'm very lucky to have her!
ALthough I doubt she'll be very happy with me tomorrow.

I took my normal dose this morning though because the increased dose was making me feel very ill.
I keep forgetting to take it though :/

[Laura2.0]

You said that your appointment with your GP was today, so if you have already been there I wold be curious to know what she said about the medication increase and decrease.

[bitomato]

Hope you still told the doctor about the medication self- adjusting.
It is a bit frustrating, but there is a reason for the increments to be slow and observation to be meticulous. Each person has a unique body chemistry, and now that space of time where your body should have adjusted to the new dosage- your doctor will have to assess for your experimentation. Please be honest and let them know what exactly you did and why.

Regarding the forgetting, do you have a calendar or pill box?
I have to kind of have a routine or I forget too.
You can write something on your fridge to complete each time you take your meds, or in a diary or calendar.

[Cacoethes]

I told the doctor and she said it was a really stupid thing to do. (Fair enough!)
She heard back from the neurologist so she has permission to increase it by another 25mg just in the morning at first and then at night as well.
She's going to arrange a blood test to check the levels of lamotrigine in my blood and warned me about all the dangers of taking too much medication. Apparently it was technically overdosing even though I was still within the recommended dose, never really though of it like that.

I have a pill box and it's in an obvious place. I do think 'I need to take my medication' in the morning (only ever forget the morning dose) but I never actually do it. I'm not really sure why.
I think I might start setting alarms.
Writing something on the fridge is a really good idea, I'll do that :)

[EvanO]

I'm glad that you're doing ok. At least the doc allowed you to increase the dose, even minutely. Proves that you were on the right track. I really dont know much about anti seizure meds but I increased my Paxil (SSRI) From 40, to 60 and then to 80 mg respectivley . I did it because it just stopped working and actually never worked again, no matter how much I took. I thought my doc would have an issue
With the dosing but he kept me on 80mg / day even though the max is 60.

[bitomato]

I am glad that you told the doctor. I had to tweak the times I took my "anti-seizure" meds because it used to send me to sleep- I felt like a zombie during the day so I take the majority of the tablets at night. I actually tend to be the one saying- ummm aren't my blood tests due? I have not had a problem so far, but I have other health concerns that impact my kidneys. I am glad that your doctor was so frank with you. You need to have open and honest communication in both directions. You know your body, but let her deal with the pharmacology. Also keep a diary of how you feel so that they tell if side effects are being too much like what you described as "ill". It may be something you can "ride" out until your next visit or something that is concerning. You should call rather than decrease or increase medication next time.

[Cacoethes]

My GP just had to wait for my neurologist to ok it.
Apparently increasing it that drastically can cause all sorts of physical health issues like messing with your bone marrow and stuff, which I didn't know.
She basically told me to stop pretending to be a doctor because I increased my own meds and did my own stitches i'm the same weekend. I can see her point! :p

I find the lamotrigine to be really good side effects wise because I don't get any side effects apart from when I increased it.
My doctor is really good and she always tells me I can call her if I'm having any issues so I'll try to do that if I get all weird about it again! :)

[not_so_insig]

Re: forgetting taking medication, do you have a smart phone? Just on Android that there is quite a few apps that remind you to take medication. Many are free. I wouldnt be surprised if there is something in the Apple Store or on Windows store.

[Cacoethes]

Thanks :) I'll give that a go