Posted by Jedi on August 10, 2007, at 3:02:02
In reply to Lamictal way too expensive any alternatives?, posted by JSSFL1 on August 8, 2007, at 16:03:39
Hi,
I am assuming from your use of lithium that your depression is bipolar. There is some evidence that the augmentation of lithium with fluoxetine(Prozac) or bupropion(Wellbutrin) may be of benefit in bipolar depression. Both of these medications are available as generics. Fluoxetine is on Walmart's $4 generic list. I believe Lamictal, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline has patent protection in the US until January 2009.
Be Well,
JediReference:
Dev Psychopathol. 2006 Fall;18(4):1213-30.
Bipolar depression: diagnostic and treatment considerations.
Thase ME.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15123-2593, USA. thaseme@upmc.eduBipolar affective disorder is a recurrent, disabling, and potentially lethal illness that typically begins early in life. Although the disorder is defined by the manic and hypomanic episodes, for most people the depression episodes are the more virulent aspect of the illness. Specifically, the depressive episodes are more numerous, last longer, and are more difficult to treat than the manias, and depression is the principal cause of the illness's increased mortality due to suicide. For people with early-onset depression, predictors of subsequent bipolarity include a family history, psychotic features, and reverse neurovegetative features. Initial episodes of depression are commonly misdiagnosed, which often delays initiation of appropriate therapy and increases the likelihood of treatment with antidepressants alone. Unfortunately, the correct diagnosis is often not made until there has been a treatment-emergent affective switch. There are no treatments specifically approved for bipolar disorder in youth and, among antidepressants, only fluoxetine has been approved. When bipolarity is suspected, treatment with mood stabilizers, both conventional (i.e., lithium, valproate, and carbamazapine) and more recently classified (lamotrigine) and atypical antipsychotics should be prioritized. When antidepressants are indicated in combination with mood stabilizers, first choice options include bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Studies of adults indicate that several forms of focused psychotherapy may improve longer term outcomes.
PMID: 17064435 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
> I suffer from severe depression. I am no longer able to stay on Lamictal because of price. Its been great but has to go, does anyone know of alternatives that are similar? I am on 600-mg of Lithium which is the real lifesaver....Thanks!!
poster:Jedi
thread:774854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070808/msgs/775203.html