When should the medicines kick in?

[Ami]

Ive been on lamotrgine 150mg and aripiprazole 15mg for 7 weeks now. Im not sure they should have started working by now, or whether they just aren't working at all?

What are other people's experiences?
x

[stumpy davies]

My Partner is on Aripiprazole 15mg & they seemed to work for him after about 3 weeks, I'd ask your doctor maybe they might have a better idea of the general amount of time it takes, or be able to advie you. Sorry I can't help with the lamotrgine 150 as havn't heard of them, will try & find out if I can ok.

[stumpy davies]

Aripiprazole "Many people notice an improvement in their psychotic symptoms within a few days of starting aripiprazole, but it may take several months of regular medication to reach full effect".http://www.nwmhp.nhs.uk/pharmacy/aripiprazole.htm

lamotrgine "Cons: Takes forever to get up to a therapeutic dosage for mania or seizure control". http://crazymeds.us/lamictal.html

Hope this helps you Love Ceri x

[dark_light]

When i started quetiapine (which is an antipsychotic like aripiprazole) it took about 3 weeks to start working, but i think they are all probably different. Can you talk to your doctor about it? 7 weeks does sound like quite a long time, has there been any imrovement at all?

[The Midnight Crazies]

If there hasn't been any significant improvement in 6 weeks then usually this medication isn't the right one for you. That's the guideline most dr's go by, I think.

Marte

[Sarika]

6-7weeks is typically the cut-off. I don't remember when my lamotrigine kicked in, but both my antipsychotics worked with 2-3weeks. My psych says that within 2 weeks that someone should feel a little change in their symptoms - positive or negative.

It's helpful to chart your moods daily, it'll be easier to see change.

[Ami]

thanks for everyones help.

well. the aripiprazole seems to work a little because its less "noisy" and i dont see the man who stalked me anymore, but im still fairly paranoid. i keep feeling like im being watched and spied on.

mood wise - i might actually feel about 2% better, but still pretty rubbish.

my doctor is not happy to change them because hes only a gp and not a psych. and psych's wont see me unless my mam is involved, so im hoping these meds work
x

[bitzy]

hey girl, ya it took about 3 weeks b4 my meds kicked in and i still feel like s*** too
sometimes i think wats the point.... its good that ur feelin a bit better tho xxx

[Ami]

do you think if you take drugs it will take abit longer than normal...?

[bitzy]

like street drugs is it?
well i was still on charlie nd smokin hash when i was put on my meds... im not sure how they affect it but prob does when u think about it.....
oh well drugs are drugs lol xxx

[Ami]

yeah like E
taken Cocaine and speed a few times as well...
x

[bitzy]

E ruined my life, u really shuldnt take it lol i dont knw why im sayin that tho cos i didnt listen to any1 that told me that wen i was takin um.
they do kinda mess wit ur head so keep that in mind girl!!!!
ya i hate to say it but i loooooove charlie nd speed is good too.... be careful tho ya hear xxxxx

[Ami]

^^ sorry to hear that. I am pretty careful. My doc said i shouldnt take my meds the days i take em, so i take 6 out of 7 tablets a week. Maybe that has some effect too

[bitzy]

lol ya i always take sat nyte off from the meds if im going out......

[Ami]

aye yeah :/
maybe thats why they arent working

[bitzy]

ya maybe
anyway i hope evrything works out for you x x x