Posted by HappyGirl on January 8, 2004, at 0:34:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal as monotherapy for BPII? » HappyGirl, posted by Adam Donahue on January 7, 2004, at 15:01:26
Hi Adam D.:
I quite understand that those side-effects from Lithium .... not acceptable.
In my knowledge, Lamictal is good for the depressive side of Bp. However, I believe that Lithium is more for 'stabilization' on Bp. (BTW, Lithium has both effects, AD and manic sides.)In Bipolar, there are two poles, one for depression and other for manic. For this, I believe that your pdoc. rxed lithium that keeps you from aggrevating along with the purpose to stabilize Bp. In that regard, Lithium might be more effective than Lamictal. As you might know, Lamictal is originally designed for seizure-medication, ... not Bp. However, this med. is widely used among Bps, as well. On the oherhand, Lithium is exclusively made for Bipolar condition. It's one of the oldest Bp meds., but also one of the best meds on Bp, ... even some saying 'on the top list in regard to stabilize Bp.'
I know it's very sad that those meds. have side-effects for us to deal with, ... however if the effectiveness from Lithium is more than pain from the side-effect, then I would chose to take this med. that exactly happened to me at the beginning of taking Lithium.
In your case, ... however Lithium is NO way to take, then you may need to talk to your pdoc. before final decision made. Because, your pdoc. might have a good intention to rx this med., Lithium on your Bp. There are many other meds. to choose if Lithium is not acceptable, ... but one way or other, there are some annoying/bothersome side-effects to deal with. Then, you need to decide which med. is suitable/tolerable to your daily activities, such as work and study(if you're at College). That is my suggestion from the experience.
H.G.
poster:HappyGirl
thread:297690
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/297942.html