Posted by phidippus on February 15, 2014, at 18:43:27
In reply to Lamictal Higher dose causing anger and depression, posted by Quietly_Existing on February 15, 2014, at 13:55:47
>I kept titrating up to where I currently am - 137.5mgs.
Your just shy of 200 mg, which is considered the minimum effective dose for Lamictal.
> The problem is around 100mgs I began to feel more depressed, tired and lethargic to the point of just laying in bed most of the day.
at 100 mg, you were probably reaping more side effects than benefit from the drug-your depression may have just been sedation from the drug.
>And now anger seems to making it's way outward as well.
This is a sign that your mood is not quiet stable and that you may need a higher dose of the lamictal.
>I am confused as what to do next. I am concerned I may be in a bit of a mixed state..?
Concentrate on moving to a higher dose of the lamictal. From others accounts, 400 mg seems to be the optimum dose.
If you're having a lot of anger or irritability, consider adding an atypical antipsychotic that will help with the depression-something like Latuda.
>I am not quite certain what my next step would be.
1. Increase dose of Lamictal until you feel stable.
2. Add on an atypical antipsychotic.
>She immediately and very quickly said "Well I can give you zoloft."
Bad idea - this would destabilize your mood.
>Lamictal doesn't offer much in terms of antimanic either.
LAmictal's strengtth is its ability to treat bipolar depression
>For example Lithium made me an angry rage filled person, which immediately went away upon removal of it.
Was your blood level 1.0?
>I've tried the no medication route as well, but the depression is just too overpowering and is consuming my entire well-being.
Bipolar people need to be on meds, period.
Keep increasing that Lamictal and take a serious look at adding an AAP, they caan help with depression.Eric
poster:phidippus
thread:1060718
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140214/msgs/1060734.html