Posted by Karalyn on December 11, 2003, at 3:48:05
In reply to Trileptal vs. Lamictal or Both? , posted by Mr.Scott on December 11, 2003, at 1:21:50
> First let me thank everyone who posts a follow up. I am working with my doctor on all of this, but he is fumbling just as much as I am (that in his own words.)
>
> I know all the common lore regarding the usage of AD's in bipolar conditions, but I seem to have found some success (going on 3 weeks) using 2.5mg of Lexapro and 900mg Trileptal for bipolar type 2. I generally cannot tolerate enough AD's for my chronic depression because I will have hypomanic symptoms on top of an unresolved depression. The Trileptal has allowed me to comfortably take the 2.5mg of Lexapro and dramatically turn down all the brian noise, dysphoria and irritability generally associated for me with taking ANY Antidepressant compound.
>
> Okay so that sounds good right? Yes but I wonder if I should actually jump over to Lamictal because it has a better reputation, more studies confirming it's efficacy in BP, and an FDA approval for BP(that Novartis does not plan to seek for Trileptal.)
>
> My doc has suggested starting the Lamictal with the Trileptal, and eventually phasing out the Trileptal (as he believes it will no longer be needed). But my concern there is that I'll be taking 2 anticonvulsants 1 antidepressant and a benzodiazepine. Thats a lot of pills and it becomes difficult to know whats doing which and whose causing the side effects.
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> Anyone with an opinion, may ye please sound off!
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> Thank You Sincerely!
>
>hey at least you arent a female. my doc wanted me on trileptal and said that if he was a woman and got pregnant while on it he would have an abortion due to the affects it has on fetuses. ahhh. i think you are pretty safe there. I dont know much else about that drug. i would do some more research. you may have to be on a a few extra meds for a while just to phase out one. stopping cold turkey on one may not be good. im no expert, sorry.
poster:Karalyn
thread:288676
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031208/msgs/288685.html