Posted by Cece on March 29, 2001, at 23:21:03
In reply to tell me more about the lamictal, please, posted by katrina on March 28, 2001, at 16:41:35
Hi-
I started the Lamictal, as I recall at 12.5mg, and increased by 6.25mg every one to two weeks. Even at those tiny increases I got flushing and flu-like symptoms the second day after increase- quite tolerable once I got used to it, but an indication of sensitivity (which can actually be a good sign, and it seems it was). Remember that I also take Depakote (low dose, 250mg/day) which substantially potentiates the Lamictal. My pdoc had seen some scary reactions from Lamictal, and had become cautious with dosing. I am sure that if I had proceeded at the dose increases that are "normal", I would have really reacted badly and been scared off of what has turned out to be a good med for me. But plenty of people can handle the normal increases.
My disorder...hum. Well, it's Bipolar II, of some sort. My biggest problem is depression, but I have some hypomania, substantial anxiety, and have had what may be some mixed-state episodes. My past pdoc once said that I might pass for a regular anxious depressive except for my constant "simmering" quality. I thought that that was interesting- I do experience a constant inner pressure. I pass for normal in the world (or at least as a normal neurotic- I've gotten very good over the years at disguising myself), and even many of my friends have a hard time understanding why I take all these meds. But the fact is, I regularly become dysfunctional to some degree (sometimes horribly so) and hide out.
Does this help? What's your story (if you feel like talking).
Cece
> Did you start at 25 mgs?
> What is your mood disorder like?
poster:Cece
thread:57665
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58014.html