Posted by Cam W. on February 19, 2000, at 10:56:27
In reply to Lamictal for BipolarII/Mixed Type Depressio, posted by Jesse on February 18, 2000, at 23:38:03
> I'm diagnosed with Bipolar II.(In the past I've also been diagnosed with ,OCD and ADHD. Finally I Curerntly I'm taking Effexor and have just began Lamictal. I also take Trazadone for sleep and Klonopin PRN-mostly at night. Hopeffully when lamictal kicks in I will not depend on klonopin and trazadone as much.
> How long does it usually take for lamictal to have a mood stabilizing effect? Do these meds seem like an effective regime for managing bipolar II? I am also a serious runner. Should I be concerned about side effects of Lamictal interfering with this and impair my performance?(I know my mental health is more importaant but running has helped more tha nany drug)
> Prior to my most recent depressive episode and then becoming hypomanic, I had success with Wellbutrin and Prozac. Wellbutrin helped my concentration which was severely impaired at times. Have you had or heard of success with wellbutrin and Lamictal combo for Bipolar II? I have serious Obsessive/Compulsive behaviors (which can be quite debilitating) as a result of coping mechanisms over long period os time to deal with bipolarIIsx's. Would Luvox instead of effexor make much of a difference to help with OCD stuff? My doctor is hesitant about using more than one antidepressant. Would the addition of wellbutrin at a low dose to my current regime help my concentration (which is a serious problem at times) It had helped in the past (although I was stabilized when I was taking it before).
> Any input would be extremely helpful.
> Thank YouJesse - The Lamictal dose must be raised slowly to minimized the side effects (like the cognitive one's you mention) which occur at the beginning of therapy. It can take up to 2 months to acheive full effect from the Lamictal. Hang in there, Lamictal has antidepressant activities, as well as mood stabilizing effects and seems to be a good trial candidate, with the Effexor, for your symptoms. Raising the dose of Lamictal too fast can result in a rash (10% incidence) that looks like a sunburn. If this happens, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Sometimes (0.1%) the rash can progress to a poison ivy-like rash if the drug is not stopped upon first signs of a rash. The doctor may restart you on a lower dose again, maybe not, but call him/her, as the rash (which happens very infrequently if the dose of Lamictal is raised slowly) can become very uncomfortable and may require medical treatment. Lamictal is a fairly safe and efficacious medication.
As for switching to Luvox from Effexor, don't bother. Even though it is not indicated on the label, all SSRI and SSRI-like drugs have some degree of anti-OCD activity. The manic switch rate (the incidence of AD-induced mania) is about 5 times higher with Luvox than with Effexor. Wellbutrin has been used with Lamictal but I haven't seen it personally, so really cannot comment. Give your drug regimen a shot and don't get impatient with the time it takes to work. Disney World wasn't built in a day. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:22367
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/22469.html