Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 14:30:42
In reply to BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 10:58:21
Hi Mc,
Probably the best way to find out what others on this board have reported is to do a search here for Lamictal. That's how I got my info. There are a number of posts from people stating that it worked then it stopped, or they felt uncomfortable on it (I didn't notice a pattern on how people felt, different responses all around). I'm actually looking for some positive anecdotal reports as well before I feel totally gung-ho to try it. If we both go on it around the same time it would be great to keep each other and the rest of the folks here informed about our response.About the 'nerve pill' thing. Lithium simply has that kind of effect on some people. It does for me. There are stories about why some of the mineral spring spas make you feel so relaxed is because of the high lithium content in the waters. I stayed at a spa in Mexico where the spa as well as drinking waters were high in Li content and we were all limp as noodles (much more so than other spas I've stayed at) and joking about it.
I certainly don't know all the physiology of the drug, but I do know that it allows the calcium ion pump in cell membranes to work better, allowing better transmission of nerve impulses. It allows better uptake of GABA, an inhibitory, or relaxing neurotransmitter. GABA is what benzos are trying to affect, so lithium and a traditional 'nerve pill' are working with the same stuff, only going about it differently. BTW, other mood stabilizers have similar effects in that they increase the cellular response to GABA. I and others have a similar response to Neurontin (gabapentin) which is yet another mood stabilizer I'm taking for fibromyalgia pain. The thing is, taking a benzo generally delivers more of a chill effect in a quicker time and is the more traditional method for use as a tranquilizer. Also, not everyone has the 'nerve pill' response to lithium and other stabilizers. Some people absolutely hate Lithium - just depends on one's chemistry.
Lithium also has beneficial effects on the brain even in the absence of bipolar. It's recently been in scientific and anti-aging journals as increasing the 'plasticity' of the brain, meaning that new neurons are formed and new dendritic connections are seemingly made allowing for new growth of information and adaptability. Antiaging proponents with NO mood disorders are taking small amounts because of it's reported brain health attributes (alzheimer prevention, memory retention, etc.) There's even a Lithium product sold over the counter as a health food supplement called 'Serenity'-something or other.
I can only answer as much as I'm able with meds I've taken. I can't help much with drugs I'm not experienced with. Do as much online research on these questions of yours as you can. It will definitely empower you during your visits to the doctor. It helps to come with a list. Also, insist on answers from them even if they're trying to rush you. - Barbara
> BarbaraCat wrote "Some people also just don't like the way it feels, or it works for a while and then the good ol' poop out."
>
> >>>>>>>......just don't like the way it feels? Specifically, what do you mean..what way do these people say it makes them feel?
> As for the good ol' "feces out" comment, are you saying that it may lose it's anti-dep. effect? I wouldn't think that it would lose it's "mood stabilizer" effect? Finally, you seem so similar to me in many ways (your specific problems and symptoms), that's why I'm asking you so many questions. Still, the one thing that puzzles me is that I seem to need the lithium or lamictal to be more of a "nerve pill" than an anti-manic agent; in which case, why would I have bipolar/ mania part if I need more of a "nerve pill" type of effect and nothing for "mania"? This stuff gets to f***ing complicated, lol!!!Plus, I've got a dr. appt. on Monday (with a regular "family doctor; I detest shrinks and mental health dr's). BarbCat, I also jotted down yesterday from a site that Lamictal had "relatively benign side-effects" and "significantly more antidep. potency than Lithium" as well. That's why I'm seriously thinking of making the switch, perhaps like you are. Again, please, what specifically are others on Lamictal saying about "not liking the way it feels"? (<is it nervousness/anxiety?) THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:1924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020718/msgs/113062.html