Posted by nmk on September 24, 2003, at 12:34:08
In reply to Re: How does lamictal feel and how much does it he » HenryO, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2003, at 18:18:25
Hi Barbara,
I hope you don't mind me chiming in on this thread but I would appreciate your insight regarding my lamictal situation.
Ok...here it goes. After 1 1/2 years of trying every med under the sun (zoloft, lexapro, effexor, strattera, seroquel, remeron, and a zoloft/trileptal combo)I am finally responding well to 200mg of Lamictal and 50 mg of zoloft. I reached the 200 mg mark about two weeks ago.
Here is the kicker....I have been complaining to my pdoc for months about how lousy I feel in the morning; foggy headed, depressed, anxious, etc. but he never mentioned that my nightly seroquel could be the culprit. I was only on 25 mg for sleep, along with 7.5 mg of remeron and never thought about discontinuing because I slept so well and didn't feel that such a small dose would have such a profound effect. I just figured that it was the depression that was rearing its ugly head in the am.
Two weeks ago, I dropped the seroquel at night and substituted 1 mg of ativan. I awoke refreshed, clear-headed and basically, like a new woman. I have continued with this nightly regimen since that time and am still feeling well. I could kick myself for not trusting my hunch and going along with the pdoc's orders like a good girl. When I mentioned all of this to him last week he said, "yeah, seroquel can do that to you". Arghhh!!!!
Now I am so confused because at the same time I dumped the seroquel, I finally reached 200mg of Lamictal. I am convinced that my turn-around is due to the discontinuation of the seroquel but my pdoc seems to think it is a combination of that and the Lamictal kicking in. I don't know what to do at this point. He wants me to continue with my current cocktail but now I am wondering if I even need the lamictal or if I would do well on a lower dose. I still have some anxiety during the day and am not sure if this is due to the lamictal, the zoloft or just my mental state in general.
For the most part, I have trusted my pdoc's recommendations but now I am questioning everything. He is a psychopharmagolist and his typical way of treating patients is to pile meds on top of meds; treating side effects of one drug with another. After reading Michael Bartos book, I am convinced that my depression continued as a result of his polypharmacy approach. I have lost a year and a half of my life.
I should be rejoicing in the fact that I finally feel well but have these persitent thoughts that I could feel even better (no anxiety).
I apologize for the longwinded message but I need some direction here and I truly respect and appreciate your advice.
Always Grateful,Nicole
poster:nmk
thread:261445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030923/msgs/262953.html