Posted by amy_oz on September 3, 2003, at 19:50:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by HenryO on September 3, 2003, at 18:19:34
Hi,
Side effects with Lamictal should disappear within a couple of weeks of increasing dosage. If they don't go see your pdoc again. If you get a rash or start itching see your doctor immediately.There are now a number of different moodstabiliser medications for bipolar.
Lithium
works best with classical bipolar 1Anticonvulsants (traditionally anti-epileptic)
These style of drugs include valproate (epilim, depakote etc), lamitrogine (Lamictal), Topiramate (Topomax) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Also Antipsychotics are now being used. these include:
olanzapine (Zyprexa)and quietipine (Seroquel)
and some others (ie Solian)Most BPs will generally use a combination of drugs.
eg Lithium+ Lamictal
is a good combo esp for BP 2 cause Lamictal is a good antidepressant as well and BP 2 is characterised by more depression than maniaQuite an number of people take a combo of a moodstabiliser and an antidepressant (eg) effexor
I take a combo of valproate and Lamictal as my moods have been deep depresssion and mixed states.
YOu have to be careful with this combo as valproate increases the amount of time Lamictal stays in the body.
The antipsychotics are excellent for quickly bringing down a manic episode. They are also very sedating and I think they work better for anxiety than the traditional benzodiazipines (Valium etc)
Valproate is considered to be the best for mixed episodes.
Remember that the knowledge on BP and medications is rapidly increasing and and theres better and better medication options available. Make sure you are seeing a pdoc who's open to new ideas...although it sounds like you are if you are on Lamictal. I know of some pdocs who will only prescribe lithium or valproate
If you have any other questions just ask.
Amy
poster:amy_oz
thread:256535
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030902/msgs/256730.html