Posted by fluffy on July 13, 2003, at 12:11:36
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by Jennifer N. on July 9, 2003, at 14:16:06
To Jennifer N--
I also was put on Tegretol for some reason when I first got diagnosed with BP II. I only got up to 200 mg as well, and noticed *nothing*. I just felt MORE depressed. For one thing, 200 mg is a *very* small dose. And for most cases, its effect is moot. Most BP folks respond to other meds first (usually Li or Depakote--and now Lamictal). As far as I know, Tegretol is only used if the other two don't work. But it doesn't have a good profile for helping depression. It helps rapid cycling and mania.
When I first started Lamictal, I was also dosing down on the Tegretol, which didn't take much time, since the dose was so low. I didn't notice agitation from the Tegretol and Lam together. But I did have a hefty bout of hypomania when I first started Lam. The anti-manic effects of Lamictal are not very robust, so if you are prone to somewhat significant mania/hypomania, you may have some episodes with Lamictal alone. (at least that's my experience).
I'm currently needing to augment Lamictal with something else, and am considering a bevy of choices. I'm also combating some agitated feelings of depression on Lamictal alone.
Let us know how you're doing. You could have a great experience with Lamictal. It might be rocky at first, but give it time to kick in. (the titration to therapeutic levels is SLOW)
Take care, and good luck with the Lam!!
Katy
poster:fluffy
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030708/msgs/241444.html