Posted by Cindylou on November 20, 2001, at 12:42:38
In reply to Re: Lamictal and cognition - Hattree and others, posted by Hattree on November 16, 2001, at 20:32:45
Interesting ... Lamictal alone actually seemed to make me worse once I got to 50 mg -- MORE irritable and MORE tired ... I kept thinking I just had to keep increasing it to get the real benefits ... but at 62.5 the anxiety was so severe I could barely function. Even Klonapin couldn't help.
So I added Serzone. I just started a week ago at 100 mg. a day. The anxiety practically vanished after the first day. I just increased Lamictal to 75 mg. and the anxiety is (so far) under control. I'm not sure whether to keep increasing the Serzone or stay where I'm at ... think I'll start another thread on that one.
> Seems like I saw a post here (Cam?) about why Lamictal monotherapy wouldn't work as well as L and SSRI...didn't see it until after I tried to drop my Zoloft and crashed.
>
> > > > >Yes Jane, in fact 150mgs Effexor. Effexor alone had seemingly limited effect, but the addition of the Lamictal resulted in a very noticeable difference. Thinking about going off effexor to attempt monotherapy but I'm a little apprhensive. I had an incredible experience prior to the Effexor - hospitalization where I had to be carried out, deep desire to die. I have not had that feeling at all since adding the lamictal but I'm suspecting that the combo is what is working. Anyway, give it a shot - I don't see any downsides if you increase slowly. Take Care.
> >
> > >Hi Jane,
> > > >
> > > > Lamictal has been a tremendous find for me after years of different ADs. "Cognitive" can be a rather broad term but it definitely has helped bring me out of the up and down cycle. My moods are MUCH more consistent which in turn allows me to concentrate etc. without fearing the next down turn - so I guess you could say that my cognition has improved, certainly the depression has lifted. I've been on 400mgs for nearly 6 months and there was not a noticeable difference for me until around 300mgs. Also,no noticeable side effects. Good Luck
> > > >
> > > > I can't say that Lamictal has particularly helped me focus. (I also take stimulants and that has its pros and cons--they do help me focus on tasks like crazy, but they don't keep me from losing my keys.) It helped my mood quickly, though, possibly at as little as 25mg.
> > >
> > > Hi VMBW -
> > >
> > > Thanks for replying. Do you take any ssri's with the lamictal? A study I read suggests that ssri's potentiate lamictal to the extent of doubling the blood levels. Maybe that's why Hattree and others taking an ssri feel the effect at a lower dose? Just a possibility.
> > >
> > > - Jane
poster:Cindylou
thread:84074
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84766.html