Posted by SLS on October 31, 2005, at 8:08:52
In reply to Re: Mental dullness, Lamictal? » SLS, posted by gardenergirl on October 31, 2005, at 7:41:30
> > Yes, in my experience, Lamictal, especially when combined with Nardil, can produce a mental dullness and numbness to one's surroundings.
> Is this sort of like an apathy?Not really. Sort of. I guess. I don't know. It doesn't take away from my motivation to initiate activities, but it does perhaps make me more apt to not act on things.
What would happen if you were to treat the edema with a diuretic? If Nardil yields the best antidepressant effect for you, then I think you may have no better choice than to aggressively treat the side effects, including the insomnia. Adding Klonopin might be helpful. I have difficulty believing that you are experiencing true akathisia. I think this word has been overused here. Can you explain what exactly happens at the higher dosages of Nardil? Anxiety? Irritability? Insomnia? Racing thoughts? Restlessness?
- Scott
> >100mg is a rather low, but therapeutic dosage of Lamictal. Still, you might be susceptible. I am surprised you didn't complain about memory problems.
>
> Well, I have been mis-placing things lately. And I have had a bit of forgetfulness, but nothing more than being overstressed causes.
> >
> > So, the question is, what do you do in this situation. I guess that depends on:
> >
> > 1. Are you bipolar?
>
> Nope. In fact, my pdoc went out of her way to reassure me that I was not when she recommended I try this. Wonder what my face must have looked like to lead her to do that.
> >
> > 2. How well do you do on Nardil alone?
>
> Not bad, actually, but I was trying to lower it to avoid the peripheral edema and urinary retention I get at higher doses. In fact, I'd love to get off of it totally at some point.
> >
> > 3. How high a dosage of Nardil have you tried?
>
> 75 mg is the highest I tried, and at that dose I had significant akathisia and insomnia, prompting a between visits call to my pdoc. Absolutely hated that feeling. 67.5 mg is okay, but then the edema is a factor.
> >
> > 4. Will you retain a positive effect if you reduce the dosage of Lamictal?
>
> Hard to say. I've been on higher doses of Nardil and only 50mg of Lamictal before. That was okay. Lower Nardil by itself leads me to go back to the excessive sleeping which is a hallmark of my own experience of atypical depression.
> >
> > 5. Which other mood stabilizers have you tried?
>
> Topomax, which made me more depressed.
> >
> > 6. What will you be for Halloween?
>
> Hmmm, a doorbell responder? A wife who's mourning the loss of celebrating an important anniversary because her husband is a turnip? A dissertation-avoider?
>
> I'm not a big Halloween fan. Although I do have a great Star Trek Next Generation uniform top. Or a musketeer outfit. But it works better with the other two ladies who have the matching outfits.
> >
> >
>
> Thanks for your thoughtful reply,
>
> gg
poster:SLS
thread:573599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051031/msgs/573708.html