Posted by JohnX2 on February 12, 2002, at 0:46:14
In reply to Questions about Lamictal/Lamotrigine, posted by Bekka H. on February 11, 2002, at 23:12:45
Lamictal can definately hold its own as a standalone antidepressant.
So I do think it is possible that you would not require an AD
add on. Lamictal itself has been known to make people hypomanic.
But you do need to push it to a decent dose (probably 100 mg+).
This takes a long while in order to avoid getting
a rash (not necessarily the Stevens-Johnson rash).The key is to dose it really slowly. You may or may not get
a little itching on your skin or scalp. This doesn't mean
exacly imply you are getting Stevens-Johnson syndrome. But it does probably
mean you may want to hold the dosage (stop increasing) or lower it
for a few days until the itching,redness subdues. I don't know the exact details of the
signs of the Stevens-Johnson rash, someone else can probably
comment on that, but from what I was told you really need to
see a monster rash on your whole body. Anyways someone should
correct me if I am wrong.Good luck. Lamictal is a nice medicine once you get
to a therapeutic dose.-John
> Is there any way to know whether someone is more likely to develop that dangerous rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)than someone else? I tend to get rashes from almost everything, and so I am particularly concerned about Lamictal. How will I know whether it's one of my usual rashes or the deadly rash?
>
> Is anyone on Lamictal plus a low dose stimulant (like Dexedrine) for unipolar depression? If so, does it help your depression? I've had terrible luck with antidepressants over many years, so now my doctor is talking about the above combo, but as I said, I'm scared about that dangerous rash and I'm also doubtful that Lamictal would be useful with just a stimulant and NOT an antidepressant.
poster:JohnX2
thread:93840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93844.html