Posted by Ritch on February 20, 2003, at 23:24:31
In reply to Question about starting Lamictal w/ Depakote?, posted by wcfrench on February 20, 2003, at 16:25:16
> Hi
>
> How is everyone? I am getting ready to start Lamictal and am currently on 2x500mg Depakote nightly, and my pdoc suggested that I stop Depakote and wait a week before starting the Lamictal. What do you think about that? Couldn't I start it sooner, I don't want to be without anything for a solid week (plus the weeks it takes for Lamictal to be effective)... ? Life is dealing me so many events and changes and I don't want to be five different people during these times!! I'm sure you all know what I mean.
>
> I am stopping the Depakote because I have been craving all junk foods, chocolate, sweets, and have been pigging out and not getting full at all, a drastic change from before starting it, plus I am more on the "depressed" side of Bipolar II and I think Lamictal has a better reputation as a mood stabilizer/antidepressant. If anyone has thoughts on this I would love to hear them!
>
> Any advice very welcomed.
>
> Take care all,
> Charlie
I echo what Ron said about avoiding taking Depakote and Lamictal simultaneously. The risk of the rash is increased a lot and also the addition of the Lamictal will shoot your blood levels of Depakote up dramatically as well and you might get pretty loopy. I've gotten a fairly significant withdrawal syndrome from stopping Depakote previously. It is kind of like stopping a benzo suddenly. Racing thoughts, restlessness, insomnia, etc. I would talk to your doc about a GABA-ergic "cover" drug to use such as Klonopin or Ativan (fairly high dose) while you are withdrawing from the Dep. and titrating on the Lamictal.
poster:Ritch
thread:202227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/202333.html