Posted by katia on July 28, 2003, at 17:54:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal rash. No prob with care » katia, posted by Barbara Cat on July 28, 2003, at 15:30:59
> Katia,
> This is the first I've heard about a rash with Depakote. The only thing I can think of is that it's known to increase blood levels of lamictal, kinda acts synergistically with it. But if you go slow, I've also heard it's a great combo.
>
> If I were you, Katia, I'd definitely start with Depakote and add Lamictal as your pdoc suggests. The reason is that Lamictal can be activating, especially at first, and can bring on hypomania/mixed states without a more centering med (Depakote, lithium) to buffer it. We know how awful mixed states is! BTW, what is Bipolar NOS? Haven't heard of that dx, but it sounds like that's what I am too.
>
> A while back I slowly cut back on lithium. I'm hypothyroid and was getting alarmed at how lithium was making it worse, as it's known to do. I was down to 300mg lithium every other day and taking 75mg lamictal, and began to feel wired and disjointed and frenzied. Added back the lithium and felt much, much better. For me, they seem to need each other. I've never taken Depakote, but heard that it can make you feel calm and centered. It's worth a try to see if it's enough and if not you can add Lamictal once you've got a good stable base. But promise yourself that you'll get good exercise every day because turning into a blimp is pretty depressing. I get loads of exercise when I'm not laid up with a fibro flare and can barely lose a pound. It's frustrating. But if I don't work out it takes only a week to add on 5 pounds. Don't let this stop you but look at it as a great excuse to use exercise as the best antidepressant around.Barbara, thanks so much for taking so much time with me!
BP NOS = not otherwise specified! yea, I know, great, that explains a lot. But we're unsure and what the heck do we need such specific labels for anyway? I'm definitely "resonating" with BP II and BP mixed. most definitely the mixed.
I will take your advice and my doctors and start with the Depakote. If I begin to gain weight, I"m outta there. I am trying to get back into my regular yoga practice which always helps keep the weight off. I also wait tables (2x per week) and that's quite a bit of exercise. I'm already at my fat max. of the range I like to be. gained 10 of it back this past six months due to the zoloft, I think. zombies don't have energy to exercise. I've also moved three times in the past year and that takes it out of me.
It's a shame I can't get the XR formula though.
take good care,
Katia
poster:katia
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/246259.html