Posted by fluffy on June 14, 2003, at 11:44:58
In reply to Re: Reply to Ron Hill and Ritch--Colin Wallace?? » fluffy, posted by Ritch on June 13, 2003, at 23:07:13
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> Interesting info Katy. So, are you *only* on Lamictal-no other meds? I just wonder since you are in the study whether or not they would permit any other medications. You mentioned having problems with panic in the past-does the Lamictal seem to help with that in any way? Thanks for anymore info...Yes--Right now I'm on Lamictal only. The study lasts 16 weeks, so I'm almost finished. The study does not permit any other medications, as it is to test Lamictal's effectiveness *only*. Plus, the head of the clinic (she's one of the best in her field) strongly believes in as few medications as possible being used, rather than polypharmacy. She's really big on fish oil and zyprexa as well as the *gold standards*. Most people who are part of the program use more than one med. The program is in place to 'follow' the patterns of bipolar patients for 5 years in order to gain a better understanding of the course of the illness. (This is funny to me--it sounds like I'm part of a cult!) Sometimes I get tired of the Q&A process with every appointment, but it's cool to know that my participation is helping to better the science to treat BP disorder.
I think Lamictal has *definitely* helped the panic symptoms over time. At first, I had a hefty hypomania bout, and panic came with it. But it calmed down once I had been on the Lam. for a few weeks. If I indeed have more panic problems during my problem time (usually late summer) then I'll augment.
Take care--
And thanks for the sound advice!
Katy
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poster:fluffy
thread:99976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030614/msgs/233950.html