Posted by SLS on November 13, 2002, at 23:08:42
In reply to Re: Lamictal + Lithium » SLS, posted by Maximus on November 12, 2002, at 9:38:12
> > What prevents you from taking more Lamictal?
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> Essentially i can't take a higher dose of Lamictal because i would become hypomanic with mixed states. I experienced it. It's quite ugly.
Hi Max.
If Lamictal causes you to become hypomanic at 300mg, the remedy for this situation might be simply to treat the hypomania when it appears. Hypomania can often be treated quite easily using either Depakote (valproate) or one of the atypical neuroleptic antipsychotics. My personal preference is Zyprexa (olanzapine). There are other alternatives among mood stabilizers. Perhaps Neurontin (gabapentin) would help. I have read of its use in combination with Neurontin. However, I should think that this would help with the depressive component of your mixed state. Again, I think Zyprexa would be a better choice.
If you choose use Depakote to augment Lamictal, it is critically important to reduce the dosage of Lamictal by half (50%). Depakote reduces the rate at which the body metabolizes Lamictal.
Let me know what you decide.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:126189
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127546.html