Posted by Ritch on March 30, 2002, at 22:44:49
In reply to HELP! Switching from Lamictal to Depakote, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 2:21:29
> Well, ever since I began titrating up on the Lamictal (I'm VERY sensitive to meds, even tiny doses - argh!) I have become increasingly anxious and agitated to such an extreme point I've been scared I was going to *lose it*. Anyway, given no other changes in my meds, the pdoc thinks the Lamictal (perhaps in combo with the Effexor) may be setting me off.
>
> SOOOOOOOOO, I'm off the Lamictal and will start Depakote tomorrow.
>
> Could one/some of you brilliant people here explain the BASIC difference(s) between these two meds - how each one works, each one's side effects. I really need a comparison of the two please! Thanks very much.Hi Janelle,
I suppose I could give you something to start to think about. Depakote is involved generally with GABA, while Lamictal is involved generally with NMDA. John could set you straight on the specifics. I think Effexor (IMO), is a bad med to give to bipolars (mostly based on personal bad experiences). It could be that you would be better off with Depakote+Effexor, but you could be better off with Lamictal+ (absence of Effexor or something other than Effexor). AD's can create a real chemical earthquake in susceptibles.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:100950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/101034.html