Posted by Cam W. on September 12, 2000, at 16:37:28
In reply to What is Lamictal????, posted by CynthiaM. on September 12, 2000, at 10:57:44
Cynthia - Lamictal™ (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant currently used in epilepsy. Like other anticonvulsants (Tegretol™-carbamazepine, Depakene™-valproic acid, Epival™/Depakote™-divalproex, Neurontin™-gabapentin, Topamax™-topiramate) Lamictal has been found to have mood stabilizing properties. You are not going to find much information on Lamictal's mood stabilizing properties as it has not been approved for that use, yet.
Lamictal is usually used in combination with another mood stabilizer (eg lithium) and seldom by itself when used in bipolar disorder.
It is important to raise the dose of Lamictal very slowly, to avoid getting a rash, which can sometimes become very severe. If the dose is raised slowly, a rash seldom appears. Talk to your doctor about this.
When Lamictal works as an adjunct (add-on), it works very well. It doesn't work for everyone, but many people who have been partial responders to other mood stabilizers become full responders when Lamictal is added.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:44675
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/44706.html