Posted by fluffy on September 28, 2003, at 15:50:08
In reply to Hey Fluffy, posted by Dalilah on September 28, 2003, at 12:55:57
Hi Dalilah--
I hope I didn't unnecesarilly frighten you with my comments about Lamictal. I went back to read your post from earlier in the thread, and you said that you hadn't felt better in years. And hey--that is fantastic!! Don't you worry about my doses and experiences that much if your experience has been a good one! We all have different brain chemestry, symptoms and positive or negative reactions to different drugs. Psychiatry is such a stab in the dark right now--but it's getting better.
But to really answer your question: I started the Lamictal (monotherapy) at 25mg and titrated up every two weeks. I seemed to hit some stability at 150mg. But i was enrolled in a study at a mood disorders center (like NIMH) which required that I get up to a dose of 200mg. I had SOME change at that dose (200mg) but still have had problems with sleep, irritability and a very rhythmic, rapid soft cycling. Lately it's been bad due to the change in the seasons (summer to fall is BAAAAD for me!).
I think I really need to have another mood stabilizer on board to compliment and reinforce the positive effects of Lamictal. That's why I'm shopping for a "mania cap". If Trileptal (don't know what dose) and Lamictal (200mg) stop the cycling but leave me feeling flat, then I may up the Lamictal another notch.
When I last upped my Lam dose to 250mg, I had slurred speach, unsteady-ness, and some cognitive probs, so we kept the dose at 200mg. Compared to lithium, though, the 250mg Lam side effects seem like cake to me!
So--I'm getting comfortable with this tweaking process by now, and I'm confident it will all come out in the wash. But I can really identify with your fears of meds not working and having to go back to the hospital. It's a scary prospect, but not one to be ashamed of. You have a doctor now, (one who is hopefully empathetic and knowledgable) and a diagnosis that "fits" and you will be taken care of. Even if your current regimine doesn't keep you fully in check, you'll probably just need fine tuning. Or you'll be able to stick it out better than before. Don't fret!
Glad you are feeling good now, Dalilah!
Take care,
Katy
poster:fluffy
thread:238206
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/264003.html