Posted by Joe Bloe on March 15, 2007, at 1:26:00
In reply to what about lamictal?, posted by Jeroen on March 13, 2007, at 18:10:56
I've said this a lot of times recently on this board, but so far, I just can't say enough good things about Lamctal at 25 mgs a day.
Firstly, I've been off Prozac now for almost a week after a 1 month taper from 20 mgs and feel zero SSRI withdrawal. I tried to withdraw twice before and failed, both times never making it below 5 mgs in 4 weeks. I have my fingers crossed that this could be the time to get off of the P. I think it will be because in comparison to my other 2 attempts, I feel no craving, no desire whatsoever to start taking it. After more than 4 years on Prozac, I am feeling so much better off of it. I am even finding interest in sex once more.
Secondly, I even think I would be able to withdraw from Adderall with no problems. I usually take 20 mgs XR but today, I took only 5 mgs IR and felt fine all day. No fatigue. No bounce back.
Thirdly, my earlier side effects of feeling braindead and fatigued have almost totally disappeared. One possibility is that because it seemed to increase the efficacy of the prozac by 2 times plus, it increased the unbearable Prozac side effects of increased fatigue, loss of memory, etc. Since starting my withdrawal from Prozac, logically, the sensation of an increased Prozac dose is gone as the med is washed out of my system. Another more commonplace explanation would be that the side effects were just at initial startup. I think it may be some combo of the two.
A few negatives: Lamictal switched from totally sedating to stimulating sometime in the past week or so. This reached a point where I was unable to sleep 2 or 3 nights ago. I had to take a benadryl to finally fall asleep by 4 am. I had to switch from taking it in the morning to taking it at night. Let's see how this works. Also, I have not had a rash but have felt kinda itchy a couple of times. I also have had some headaches, one day when I first started was really bad. I also crave cigarettes and have been smoking a few a day for the past 3 weeks or so.
I am very hopeful (but wary) that this will continue to go so successfully, at least long enough for the SSRI to be out of my system so that I can attempt to start a life without it.
I have read about a lot of bad experiences by people on Lamictal. But naturally, given my experience so far, I would say to give it a shot for a month if it may help you.
poster:Joe Bloe
thread:740795
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070314/msgs/741158.html