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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dalilah on August 25, 2003, at 14:05:26
In reply to Lamictal side effects, posted by seamus o'noolan on June 30, 2003, at 17:37:40
I'm sorry I don't know about all the side effects and sleep was not one for me, though I'm quite sure it's possible.
I am up to 150mg of Lamictal now. It seemed like it may have been helping to curb some of the depression. My lithium has removed my hypomania (sadly I feel sometimes.) Anyhow, the last 3 days I have sunk back into the deep hell depression that I know so well. Cry Cry Cry death death death. When will this lamictal work? Will it send me back to the hospital? Is it all a cruel joke? Do I have to live like this forever? Do I just have to accept that I'm down most of the time?
Help. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom? Suicide plans? OK, I know that's not funny.
-Dalilah
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 25, 2003, at 17:46:25
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on August 25, 2003, at 14:05:26
Oh, Dalilah, I'm so sorry you're going through this! I know the cry cry cry, death death death thing so well and nothing seems to soothe it. You get so attuned to the suffering of the world in this state. Sounds like you added lithium - good. That will potentiate the lamictal. After my Mom's death in December I went through an awful downturn even though I was doing pretty well on lithium and lam. Nothing I did helped the panic and utter despair. My pdoc said that the TCA's helped with this particular kind of depression and put me on nortriptyline. It helped greatly. Although I didn't like the side effects, I was willing to live with them for the relief I got. Once I stabilized with an increase of lamictal to 150mg I slowly weaned myself off nortriptyline and my stable mood has remained and I am doing very well.
There's also another very heated thread on this board about ECT and it's effectiveness in stopping a depression like you are having dead in it's tracks. Apparently, the current Scientific American is devoted to the many treatments for depression/bipolar and ECT is reported in a very positive light. I'm going to definitely get it. I was pleading my pdoc for ECT when I was feeling so bad and he convinced me to try the nortrip first and if it didn't work, ECT was the next step. Hang in there, sweetie, and don't give up. Bummer chemicals are the pits but they're just confused molecules that time will make right. - Barbara
> I am up to 150mg of Lamictal now. It seemed like it may have been helping to curb some of the depression. My lithium has removed my hypomania (sadly I feel sometimes.) Anyhow, the last 3 days I have sunk back into the deep hell depression that I know so well. Cry Cry Cry death death death. When will this lamictal work? Will it send me back to the hospital? Is it all a cruel joke? Do I have to live like this forever? Do I just have to accept that I'm down most of the time?
>
> Help. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom? Suicide plans? OK, I know that's not funny.
>
> -Dalilah
Posted by Dalilah on August 25, 2003, at 20:21:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » Dalilah, posted by BarbaraCat on August 25, 2003, at 17:46:25
Thanks Barbara,
Big sigh. It is so difficult. Thanks for your response. I was very close to getting ECT but my doctor insists I try everything first, even trying somethings twice (like Lam. and Zoloft which doesn't work.) Seems I've tried it all. Maybe I think ECTs are the answer and they won't be and it'll make it hurt more. I don't know, but I'll check out the site. I've been on Lithium all along. This drug I like.
Thanks,
Dalilah
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 26, 2003, at 12:35:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on August 25, 2003, at 20:21:58
Dalilah,
Check out this thread. He's been talking about the wonders of Pindolol for a while as far as breaking up those hellish black holes. I'm going to ask my pdoc for some just to keep on hand.http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254235.html
> Thanks Barbara,
> Big sigh. It is so difficult. Thanks for your response. I was very close to getting ECT but my doctor insists I try everything first, even trying somethings twice (like Lam. and Zoloft which doesn't work.) Seems I've tried it all. Maybe I think ECTs are the answer and they won't be and it'll make it hurt more. I don't know, but I'll check out the site. I've been on Lithium all along. This drug I like.
> Thanks,
> Dalilah
Posted by HenryO on August 27, 2003, at 4:31:14
In reply to Pindolol, a thread » Dalilah, posted by BarbaraCat on August 26, 2003, at 12:35:23
I would love to hear how Pindolol works for other people. For me it takes the edge off, no wonder drug stuff just definitely better than horrible. I'd really like to hear from those who try it. Thanks.
Posted by Dalilah on August 27, 2003, at 11:57:52
In reply to Re: Pindolol, a thread, posted by HenryO on August 27, 2003, at 4:31:14
I will ask my pdoc about Pindolol next time I'm in. It seems like I use seroquel for the same effect. I do take a small dose of seroquel regularly and can't sleep without it. But when I am hysterically depressed and can't think of anything but dying and hurting myself, I've been instructed to pop a seroquel. I take varying doses depending on the severity of my situation. It usually works within a 1/2 hour to 1 hour, unless I'm so far gone that it takes 2-3. It calms me down and ultimately puts me to sleep which is a very welcome thing during these times.
By the way I'm back on the up-swing and still amazed how my mood can go like a pendulum. And everytime I'm convince whatever state I'm in will last forever.
-Dalilah
Posted by ChINA on August 28, 2003, at 18:38:42
In reply to Lamictal side effects, posted by seamus o'noolan on June 30, 2003, at 17:37:40
Hopefully someone can give me some valuable advise! I'm currently taking Moclobemide, 300mg. This antidepressant belongs to the group of reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs) which are a newer group of antidepressants that have had much less impact on clinical psychopharmacology than another contemporary class of medications, the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs). The RIMAs agents are distinguished from the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) by their selectivity and reversibility.
Anyhow, about 2 1/2 weeks ago I began taking Lamictal due to a recent hypermanic episode. I'm now taking 50mg lamictal which I've been on for the last 10 days (I began on 25mg). The first week was great. I still felt energetic without the usual manic-obsessive thoughts. Yet I became very sleepy in the afternoon and had to take a nap after returning home from work. However, since about a week ago (or less) I've had a sore throat and my eyes have been sort of dry. Last Sunday I discovered a "cyst" like thing on the left side of my neck. I became somewhat terrified. The next day I found out that it's (only) a swollen lymph node. My throat still felt sore and thick. It felt like I was coming down with a cold but at the same time not really. This week I've also had severe headaches. Lately I've also experienced vaginal problems (vaginitis?). Today the common rashes slowly began. Apparently, all of the above are symptoms of hyper sensitivity and uncommon side-effects (often not even listed). I've also been very sensitive to any BS (which is not necessarily a bad thing..) Should I discontinue or is there a possibility that these side-effects will disappear? I have no health insurance and am not able to see an MD unless I feel it's unbearable and need to go to the ER.I guess I'll decrease the dose to 25mg for the time being. I'm curious to know of any similar experiences or just your thoughts.
thanks !
Posted by Liligoth on August 28, 2003, at 21:29:35
In reply to Re: Pindolol, a thread, posted by HenryO on August 27, 2003, at 4:31:14
> I would love to hear how Pindolol works for other people. For me it takes the edge off, no wonder drug stuff just definitely better than horrible. I'd really like to hear from those who try it. Thanks.
hi, I take 2.5mg Pindolol 3 times per day as an augmentation to the rest of the AD's I take. The first couple of days it made me very nauseous but now I dont notice it at all. I am not sure it is doing anything but my current cocktail is working well so dont want to change it,
Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:17:37
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by ChINA on August 28, 2003, at 18:38:42
Hi, I have taken Lamictal and am currently on it. My thoughts are that you should get to the ER considering your circumstances, but more so, because the manufacturers of Lamictal state that if a patient any noticeable skin changes-seek medical attention at once.
Good luck and be safe:-)
>
> Hopefully someone can give me some valuable advise! I'm currently taking Moclobemide, 300mg. This antidepressant belongs to the group of reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs) which are a newer group of antidepressants that have had much less impact on clinical psychopharmacology than another contemporary class of medications, the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs). The RIMAs agents are distinguished from the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) by their selectivity and reversibility.
> Anyhow, about 2 1/2 weeks ago I began taking Lamictal due to a recent hypermanic episode. I'm now taking 50mg lamictal which I've been on for the last 10 days (I began on 25mg). The first week was great. I still felt energetic without the usual manic-obsessive thoughts. Yet I became very sleepy in the afternoon and had to take a nap after returning home from work. However, since about a week ago (or less) I've had a sore throat and my eyes have been sort of dry. Last Sunday I discovered a "cyst" like thing on the left side of my neck. I became somewhat terrified. The next day I found out that it's (only) a swollen lymph node. My throat still felt sore and thick. It felt like I was coming down with a cold but at the same time not really. This week I've also had severe headaches. Lately I've also experienced vaginal problems (vaginitis?). Today the common rashes slowly began. Apparently, all of the above are symptoms of hyper sensitivity and uncommon side-effects (often not even listed). I've also been very sensitive to any BS (which is not necessarily a bad thing..) Should I discontinue or is there a possibility that these side-effects will disappear? I have no health insurance and am not able to see an MD unless I feel it's unbearable and need to go to the ER.
>
> I guess I'll decrease the dose to 25mg for the time being. I'm curious to know of any similar experiences or just your thoughts.
>
> thanks !
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 31, 2003, at 12:45:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT » ChINA, posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 2:17:37
I have to second Gals post. It's not only your outer skin that can have the blister, bumps and rashes. It's also your organs, which is how people really in danger on it. My unbearable itchies (I was beginning to feel them in my ear canals and vagina) went away when I lessened my dose. I hadn't ascribed the itchies to lamictal, was only on the lookout for a 'rash'. It can come in different disguises and should be taken very seriously. Even with this potential, I love my Lamictal. - Barbara
> Hi, I have taken Lamictal and am currently on it. My thoughts are that you should get to the ER considering your circumstances, but more so, because the manufacturers of Lamictal state that if a patient any noticeable skin changes-seek medical attention at once.
> Good luck and be safe:-)
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Hopefully someone can give me some valuable advise! I'm currently taking Moclobemide, 300mg. This antidepressant belongs to the group of reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs) which are a newer group of antidepressants that have had much less impact on clinical psychopharmacology than another contemporary class of medications, the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs). The RIMAs agents are distinguished from the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) by their selectivity and reversibility.
> > Anyhow, about 2 1/2 weeks ago I began taking Lamictal due to a recent hypermanic episode. I'm now taking 50mg lamictal which I've been on for the last 10 days (I began on 25mg). The first week was great. I still felt energetic without the usual manic-obsessive thoughts. Yet I became very sleepy in the afternoon and had to take a nap after returning home from work. However, since about a week ago (or less) I've had a sore throat and my eyes have been sort of dry. Last Sunday I discovered a "cyst" like thing on the left side of my neck. I became somewhat terrified. The next day I found out that it's (only) a swollen lymph node. My throat still felt sore and thick. It felt like I was coming down with a cold but at the same time not really. This week I've also had severe headaches. Lately I've also experienced vaginal problems (vaginitis?). Today the common rashes slowly began. Apparently, all of the above are symptoms of hyper sensitivity and uncommon side-effects (often not even listed). I've also been very sensitive to any BS (which is not necessarily a bad thing..) Should I discontinue or is there a possibility that these side-effects will disappear? I have no health insurance and am not able to see an MD unless I feel it's unbearable and need to go to the ER.
> >
> > I guess I'll decrease the dose to 25mg for the time being. I'm curious to know of any similar experiences or just your thoughts.
> >
> > thanks !
>
>
Posted by Pamela Ann on September 2, 2003, at 17:59:44
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT » galkeepinon, posted by BarbaraCat on August 31, 2003, at 12:45:07
Hi,
I wanted to share this experience. I am concerned for the people with a rash who are on lamictal. last week when i saw my pdoc he prescibed lamictal for me. He gave me this caution and was sure to make me repeat what he had just said.
He told me that in a small percentage of cases lamictal causes a Stevenson-Johnson syndrome. This begins as a viral like rash (like a child would get with strept or a virus). It will also resemble bug bites. The rash and/or the bug bites will come together into one large painful rash. This rash (SJ SYNDROME) causes layers of your skin to slough off. Treatment requires hospitalization and treatment by a burn center. And, DEATH is a possibility if your skin can not recover.
My pdoc made me repeat this..... "If i get a rash i will stop my lamictal and call your message service immediately"
Please do the same!
Love,
Pamela Ann> I have to second Gals post. It's not only your outer skin that can have the blister, bumps and rashes. It's also your organs, which is how people really in danger on it. My unbearable itchies (I was beginning to feel them in my ear canals and vagina) went away when I lessened my dose. I hadn't ascribed the itchies to lamictal, was only on the lookout for a 'rash'. It can come in different disguises and should be taken very seriously. Even with this potential, I love my Lamictal. - Barbara
>
> > Hi, I have taken Lamictal and am currently on it. My thoughts are that you should get to the ER considering your circumstances, but more so, because the manufacturers of Lamictal state that if a patient any noticeable skin changes-seek medical attention at once.
> > Good luck and be safe:-)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Hopefully someone can give me some valuable advise! I'm currently taking Moclobemide, 300mg. This antidepressant belongs to the group of reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs) which are a newer group of antidepressants that have had much less impact on clinical psychopharmacology than another contemporary class of medications, the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs). The RIMAs agents are distinguished from the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) by their selectivity and reversibility.
> > > Anyhow, about 2 1/2 weeks ago I began taking Lamictal due to a recent hypermanic episode. I'm now taking 50mg lamictal which I've been on for the last 10 days (I began on 25mg). The first week was great. I still felt energetic without the usual manic-obsessive thoughts. Yet I became very sleepy in the afternoon and had to take a nap after returning home from work. However, since about a week ago (or less) I've had a sore throat and my eyes have been sort of dry. Last Sunday I discovered a "cyst" like thing on the left side of my neck. I became somewhat terrified. The next day I found out that it's (only) a swollen lymph node. My throat still felt sore and thick. It felt like I was coming down with a cold but at the same time not really. This week I've also had severe headaches. Lately I've also experienced vaginal problems (vaginitis?). Today the common rashes slowly began. Apparently, all of the above are symptoms of hyper sensitivity and uncommon side-effects (often not even listed). I've also been very sensitive to any BS (which is not necessarily a bad thing..) Should I discontinue or is there a possibility that these side-effects will disappear? I have no health insurance and am not able to see an MD unless I feel it's unbearable and need to go to the ER.
> > >
> > > I guess I'll decrease the dose to 25mg for the time being. I'm curious to know of any similar experiences or just your thoughts.
> > >
> > > thanks !
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by HenryO on September 3, 2003, at 2:14:59
In reply to Re: Pindolol, a thread » HenryO, posted by Liligoth on August 28, 2003, at 21:29:35
Thanks, it seems like such an unknown drug. Maybe it only helps a tiny percentage of people. I only take it when I'm in a bad spot. But I never see anyone else ever mention it here.
Posted by Houston on September 24, 2003, at 16:50:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT » BarbaraCat, posted by Pamela Ann on September 2, 2003, at 17:59:44
I just began taking lamictal four weeks ago and will increase the dose to 100mg tomorrow. Only side effect I have noticed is weight gain of about 5 pounds. I seem to be hungry all of the time. I used to take Wellbutrin SR which didn't do much of anything for me. Effexor was a complete nightmare with hellish withdrawal. Anyone else notice weight gain?
Posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 2:27:35
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by Houston on September 24, 2003, at 16:50:58
Hey, Lamictal is finally starting to work nicely for me, but I had to go up to 250mg and I'm still working on the dose/going up. No, I did not have any weight gain.
Wellbutrin seemed like the worst thing in the world to me. I must be very allergic. I've kicked dope and felt better. Effexor only helped for so long and made me sweat and feel speedy. If you're bipolar like me, it seems the mood stabilizers work far better than the antidepressants.
I take Lithium with the Lamictal and this appears to be a winning combination. Fingers crossed. I haven't felt better in years. Serious.
-Dalilah
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 25, 2003, at 10:58:39
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 2:27:35
Yay, Dahlila!! Lam and Lithium have saved my life for sure. You seem like a textbook case for 'why bipolars can't take ADs'. I went the Wellbutrin and Effexor route as well when we thought I was unipolar and I had similar reactions. I felt like my eyes were bugging out all the time from Wellbutrin and Effexor made me crazy (as did Paxil) and then crazier when I was getting off them. The other SSRI's were disasters, except Zoloft which made me apathetic - a welcome change from mixed states - but ultimately stopped working altogether.
I'm on 125mg of Lam and would like to go up higher 'just to see' since I still get some breakthrough depression (but thank God not the mixed states kind). It's been difficult getting past this dose since I get an unbearable itch when I go higher. This is probably a good warning, but I still wonder. What was your experience going up to the 250mg mark? Some meds seem to change character as one goes higher in dose, as if additional chemicals get activated. Does Lam do this at higher doses? Have you noticed any increased energy/focus?
I'm so glad you're feeling better. I know how rough it's been for you. BTW, I kicked alcohol and other stuff (for the most part) as well and am happily amazed at how much better I feel. - BarbaraCat
> Hey, Lamictal is finally starting to work nicely for me, but I had to go up to 250mg and I'm still working on the dose/going up. No, I did not have any weight gain.
>
> Wellbutrin seemed like the worst thing in the world to me. I must be very allergic. I've kicked dope and felt better. Effexor only helped for so long and made me sweat and feel speedy. If you're bipolar like me, it seems the mood stabilizers work far better than the antidepressants.
>
> I take Lithium with the Lamictal and this appears to be a winning combination. Fingers crossed. I haven't felt better in years. Serious.
> -Dalilah
Posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 11:24:14
In reply to Way to go! » Dalilah, posted by BarbaraCat on September 25, 2003, at 10:58:39
Hey Barbara,
Yes, me too! Tried a lot of antidepressants and they were horrible for the most part. I've been keeping a mood chart for the first time and it's been incredibly helpful. I just found one online and printed it out.
I'm only on 600mg of Lithium so my level's on the low side. Don't know if this makes a difference but anymore gets me shakey and thirsty. 125mg of Lamictal barely helped me. I had to get to 200mg before I had any steadiness in mood and still lots of break through depression. But more recently 225 and 250 have been incredible. More energy, more focused but most importantly - a normal to elevated mood. Oh, it's just so great after what I've been through.
I had some itchiness at the lower doses, but after my body became aclimated I guess, I've had no itch. I always go up 25mg at a time. And at these higher levels I've had no itchies.
-Dalilah
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 25, 2003, at 12:49:24
In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 11:24:14
I'm only on 600mg Lithiums as well with the same symptoms as you when I go up higher. I also have a long-standing low thyroid condition and since taking Lith it's gotten worse. Oh well, the things we do for mental health. But I've recently switched to natural thryoid and other supporting supplements so things should be improving.
You've inspired me to ramp up the Lam. I know I felt better when I was at a higher dose except for the dang itchies. I'll go with teensy steps and hope the side effects are short-lived. I felt like a dog with fleas. - Barbara
> Yes, me too! Tried a lot of antidepressants and they were horrible for the most part. I've been keeping a mood chart for the first time and it's been incredibly helpful. I just found one online and printed it out.
>
> I'm only on 600mg of Lithium so my level's on the low side. Don't know if this makes a difference but anymore gets me shakey and thirsty. 125mg of Lamictal barely helped me. I had to get to 200mg before I had any steadiness in mood and still lots of break through depression. But more recently 225 and 250 have been incredible. More energy, more focused but most importantly - a normal to elevated mood. Oh, it's just so great after what I've been through.
>
> I had some itchiness at the lower doses, but after my body became aclimated I guess, I've had no itch. I always go up 25mg at a time. And at these higher levels I've had no itchies.
>
> -Dalilah
Posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:14:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by Dalilah on September 25, 2003, at 2:27:35
Hi Dalilah--
I don't remember gaining much weight on Lamictal. Maybe i gained 5 pounds or so, but I NEEDED to, as I had been morbidly depressed for 6 months. I DO remember having the munchies late at night when I first started it...you know--cramming cheetos in my mouth at 11:00 at night. It seemed to go away after awhile, though.
Good luck with Lamictal! It's a good med for many (but not all) BP peeps,
Katy (200mg Lamictal)
Posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:18:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:14:40
Barb-cat (or anyone!)
I'm on 200mg Lamictal which seemed to be working for about 6 months.
I'm so perplexed about my current situation. I'm feeling depressed again--somewhere between dysthymic and moderately depressed. People are noticing now, asking me "hey--what's wrong?" when I thought I was doing such a good acting job. Low to no appetite, NO motivation, avoiding people, etc. The Lithium was a disaster. I had all of my symptoms, with the addition of bruxism and NO MEMORY!!!
So here I am, wondering if maybe I should jump up on the Lamictal again to see if it will do the trick w/o the weird side-effects. OR...just tough it out until the seasons change. OR...add another mood stabilizer (Depakote, Zyprexa or Trileptal). OR...try to add Wellbutrin and risk a mixed state.
Sorry to ramble. I'm confused and depressed. Take care all,
Katy
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 25, 2003, at 19:08:06
In reply to Re: Barb-cat...or anyone who can help me decide, posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:18:54
So sorry you're feeling crummy, Katy. These ups and downs are so crappy. I sure wish there was a definitive test that could tell us what will work instead of the human dart board method.
I also am feeling kinda down, little energy, lack of focus and direction. I know if I put a little effort into exercising it would help and take off on it's own steam, but I just don't wanna. I feel too clunky and poopy to navigate the neighborhood. But I know it'll pass eventually - they always do and I come out and think, well, that really wasn't so terrible, it was just the dirty lens I was looking through. But even so, I'd rather be feeling better NOW. I guess that's the allure of alcohol and drugs.
It sounds like you're not taking lithium any more? I personally think that Lam on it's own isn't enough to handle bipolar depression and you're going to need something else, whatever that may be. But who knows how it is at higher doses? I'm just at 125mg and I've talked with others on this board who say that it really took off at 250mg.
I have no experience with trileptal, but I just communicated with someone on this board, perhaps this thread even, who mentioned she was on 500mg lamictal and trileptal, and loved it, and needed that much Lam. I'm going to research trileptal and if it looks tolerable I'll talk to my pdoc about it. I'm concerned about lithium's effects on my thyroid and it sounds like you had other bad effects from it. Although it's been a good drug for me, I feel like I need a change of scenery in the med department.
I can't say one way or the other about Lam and Wellbutrin. I was taking Wellbutrin and Zoloft for a while and felt terribly speedy and unstable on it. I just felt wired and still depressed. This was before my bipolar dx so it wasn't a good combo for me without a mood stabilizer. But who knows how Wellbutrin would be with Lam? It's not an SSRI so it might be worth a try, especially if you're feeling like you're dragging.
Another thought: you're sure you're bipolar? When is the last time you had a manic/hypomanic swing? Could your manic episodes have been something else? I remember you were on Zoloft for awhile and had pretty good luck with it? If you're actually unipolar depressed, then perhaps an AD along with Lam or another mood-stabilizer would be the way to go.
Have you ever taken one of the antipsychotics like seroquel, zyprexa, risperdal? Sometimes these act like a mood stabilizer and help where other's don't, but have other side effects, mainly weight gain. I was on Zyprexa for awhile when I was going through the worst of my pre-bipolar dx depressions. This was along with Zoloft. It didn't do a thing for me, but others have good things to say about it.
I was greatly helped this past winter after my Mom died by adding Nortriptyline for 3 months. I didn't like the dry mouth and I developed tremors (these diminished somewhat eventually) which is why I quit but it pretty much saved my life. Sometimes TCA's will work when all else fails in a severe depression. I've read many posts here from people who recommend Nortrip very highly and I agree.
And finally - have you ever tried an opiate like hydrocodone(Vicodin) and felt better immediately? I've gotten on some threads here where there's an effort going on to convince the psychiatric folks that opiates are a potent and quick acting antidepressant and probably better than anything on the market currently. I've been helped alot by taking a Vicodin when I just couldn't stand it anymore but felt I was resorting to junkie-dom. It turns out there's very good reason why it relieves mental anguish - pain is pain, after all. There are new ways of dealing with the tolerance and addiction problems as well. The only major drawback I can see is the dang constipation thing. Ah, so many choices. Let me know what comes out of this - keep in touch, girlfriend. - Barbara
Posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 0:18:11
In reply to Re: Barb-cat...or anyone who can help me decide, posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:18:40
Katy,
Sorry to hear Lithium didn't work. If I were you and you really think you're BP, I'd definitely try Depakote or Trileptal. Depakote's working for me somewhat, but I'm just overly paranoid about the PCOS thing and I don't need to gain weight. I've already gained 10lbs this year due to ADs. I've gone up a size in pants. and altho' Dep. has not made me gain more than two or three pounds, I actually want to lose. But it's really more about the PCOS scare.
It sounds like if you gained a bit of weight it wouldn't be a problem.
You're already on the Lamictal, so to add another MS now might be a good thing. I'd talk to your doctor about it.
hugs,
Katia
Posted by ginger C on September 26, 2003, at 9:51:35
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects - URGENT, posted by fluffy on September 25, 2003, at 16:14:40
I have been on Lamictal along with Lithobid for about three years and have had no problem with it other than it has not done as well in controlling the mood swings as I had hoped
Posted by fluffy on September 26, 2003, at 10:51:20
In reply to Re: Barb-cat...or anyone who can help me decide » fluffy, posted by BarbaraCat on September 25, 2003, at 19:08:06
Hi Barb-cat!
***Here we are again! Sorry to the others who's thread we've descended upon...hopefully this is interesting info. How was your vacation? I'm going to answer your questions one by one to clarify to you and myself what my thoughts are....
> So sorry you're feeling crummy, Katy. These ups and downs are so crappy. I sure wish there was a definitive test that could tell us what will work instead of the human dart board method.
***Yes--it is crummy. I was lamenting to my bipolar friend last night about the med trial thing. I said that it feels like we're being offered 5 black pools to jump in, but one or both of them could save you--or they could swallow you whole!--but you won't know until you jump in.
>
> I also am feeling kinda down, little energy, lack of focus and direction. I know if I put a little effort into exercising it would help and take off on it's own steam, but I just don't wanna. I feel too clunky and poopy to navigate the neighborhood. But I know it'll pass eventually - they always do and I come out and think, well, that really wasn't so terrible, it was just the dirty lens I was looking through. But even so, I'd rather be feeling better NOW.***Oh--I know!! I've been dragging myself out of bed in the mornings...I can barely get myself through my yoga. But I always feel better after. Sorry you are feeling low, too. POO POO!!
>
> It sounds like you're not taking lithium any more? I personally think that Lam on it's own isn't enough to handle bipolar depression and you're going to need something else, whatever that may be. But who knows how it is at higher doses? I'm just at 125mg and I've talked with others on this board who say that it really took off at 250mg.
***Nope--no more Li. It just wasn't worth it. I felt like I was 80 yrs. old and confused as hell!! Yeah--actually it occurred to me that maybe just a little bump in the Lam dose would do the trick. So if an addition of a mood stabilizer doesn't work, then maybe another bump up on the Lam.> I have no experience with trileptal, but I just communicated with someone on this board, perhaps this thread even, who mentioned she was on 500mg lamictal and trileptal, and loved it, and needed that much Lam. I'm going to research trileptal and if it looks tolerable I'll talk to my pdoc about it. I'm concerned about lithium's effects on my thyroid and it sounds like you had other bad effects from it. Although it's been a good drug for me, I feel like I need a change of scenery in the med department.
***My decision tree is this: Try the trileptal with Lam. If it don't work, then try Depakote with Lam. If it don't work, but helps my sleep but makes me feel sluggish, then I'll kick the benzo and try an AD or up the Lam. Last resort is the AP's I think.
***It's tough, eh?? You'll never know unless you try...but I hate all that stuff about switching drugs and then coming back to them--"they won't work as well as they did before". As if we needed any more bad news!! But if you switch, I really hope it works better for you. Let us know what and if any changes happen.
> I can't say one way or the other about Lam and Wellbutrin. I was taking Wellbutrin and Zoloft for a while and felt terribly speedy and unstable on it. I just felt wired and still depressed. This was before my bipolar dx so it wasn't a good combo for me without a mood stabilizer. But who knows how Wellbutrin would be with Lam? It's not an SSRI so it might be worth a try, especially if you're feeling like you're dragging. Another thought: you're sure you're bipolar? When is the last time you had a manic/hypomanic swing? Could your manic episodes have been something else? I remember you were on Zoloft for awhile and had pretty good luck with it? If you're actually unipolar depressed, then perhaps an AD along with Lam or another mood-stabilizer would be the way to go.
***Actually, the Zoloft didn't do a damned thing. It was shortly after a mixed state on Lexapro that I was put on the zoloft instead. My doc was convinced that I was unipolar. When I stopped the Zoloft, I felt much better. Too many drugs tap-dancing on my serotonin receptors!! Not good! Then I just had about 4 more months of a bad, but not suicidal depression. THEN I got the bipolar diagnosis.
**I haven't had a CLEAR CUT, long lasting hypomanic episode in awhile. But I definitely had one before my last depressive episode last summer. Couldn't sleep a wink, in love with 3 guys at a time, arguing with people, etc.... Since the SSRI business, I seem to be rapid cycling, and I have a day or two days of hypomania..racing thoughts and irritability, no sleep. Then I have mini depressive episodes for a couple of days. If I'm lucky, then I'll have a normal day or two.
>
> Have you ever taken one of the antipsychotics like seroquel, zyprexa, risperdal? Sometimes these act like a mood stabilizer and help where other's don't, but have other side effects, mainly weight gain. I was on Zyprexa for awhile when I was going through the worst of my pre-bipolar dx depressions. This was along with Zoloft. It didn't do a thing for me, but others have good things to say about it.***Hmmm. No--haven't tried the AP's yet. I guess if I get into some deep doo-doo it would be worth a trial.
>
> I was greatly helped this past winter after my Mom died by adding Nortriptyline for 3 months. I didn't like the dry mouth and I developed tremors (these diminished somewhat eventually) which is why I quit but it pretty much saved my life. Sometimes TCA's will work when all else fails in a severe depression. I've read many posts here from people who recommend Nortrip very highly and I agree.***No TCA's yet either. Haven't had a major depressive episode since Lamictal...just rapid cycling, like cyclothymia stuff.
>
> And finally - have you ever tried an opiate like hydrocodone(Vicodin) and felt better immediately? I've gotten on some threads here where there's an effort going on to convince the psychiatric folks that opiates are a potent and quick acting antidepressant and probably better than anything on the market currently. I've been helped alot by taking a Vicodin when I just couldn't stand it anymore but felt I was resorting to junkie-dom. It turns out there's very good reason why it relieves mental anguish - pain is pain, after all. There are new ways of dealing with the tolerance and addiction problems as well. The only major drawback I can see is the dang constipation thing. Ah, so many choices.***I can't say I'm ready for the opiates yet. I do have some vicodin in my cubby from when I had a kidney stone. Nope, not yet.
Let me know what comes out of this - keep in touch, girlfriend. - Barbara
***But of course, Barb-cat!! You as well.
Lovins,
Katy
Posted by fluffy on September 26, 2003, at 11:04:17
In reply to Re: Barb-cat...or anyone who can help me decide » fluffy, posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 0:18:11
Hi Katia--
It's good to see you and Barb-cat's names again. I needed some time away from PB to try and just concentrate on how I was feeling.
Katia--I'm very, very glad that Depakote is working. Count yourself lucky--really!! I asked before, but maybe you didn't know yet. But is PCOS reversable? Because if it is, then you could just get tested (probed) every so often and rest your mind. If it does appear to be showing up, then you could try another mood stabilizer.
It really sucks, but all bipolar drugs carry some long term risks--liver damage, thyroid damage, weight gain. As to the weight gain thing...this may seem patronizing...but do you have an exercise regimine in place? It seems to help my mood. And for you, it may keep the extra few pounds off. From what I've heard, there's actually a weight gain "threshold" with Dep. For example, if you rapidly start to gain weight, then you could drop down a dose and see if it is still a problem. But for now, a few pounds may be worth some stability! I've developed some pretty nasty acne on Lamictal. I don't like it. Doesn't make me feel very attractive--can't wear my fave tops anymore. But for the sake of a better mood, I just live with it.
Again--so glad you are feeling better!! YAY KATIA!!!
Hugs to you too!
Katy
Posted by katia on September 26, 2003, at 14:49:02
In reply to Re: Barb-cat...or anyone who can help me decide, posted by fluffy on September 26, 2003, at 11:04:17
Hi Katy,
I think what best could describe my mood is what you said - cyclothymia (sp?). And it's a step up from where I was. So something is happening, but the sluggishness is not good.
I walk, hike, and do yoga. And I wait tables 2-3x per week (with stairs). So it's not that. I even went to a metabolic nutritionist a few weeks back and got on a diet for my "type" and most people lose a lot of weight, i've remained.And no, the PCOS is not reversible. And as I said before, I've been too wounded with pregnancies not working out in the past due to various reasons -mainly now in retrospect due to me being a basket case (remember the term). Now I realize what was fueling that - bipolar.
anyway, I really want kids, it's not something I want to play around with when there are other options. AND b/c of the other s/e I"m having AND b/c it's not totally doing the trick. I think the Lam. could help - I"m only at 10mg now.
The way my pdoc is doing things, I won't (hopefully) be w/o any m/s at any time; to hopefully transition easily. He's doing it slowly too.
But we'll see. What has dawned on me is that I'm much better than I was a year ago, even six months ago and that's good news.
I'm also reading "Bipolar Survival Guide", the one you were reading; and everything is so intertwined and multi-layered. There's so much about my lifestyle that I can do to improve the mood, i.e. less drinking, regular sleep. I either sleep too much or too little. And I'm going to join a support group in the area for BP. The other thing I've noticed is that when I feel good, I look around at all the voids and it feels lonely and so I get sad. Is that depression or is that me just naturally grieving? Stuff like this to be aware of. And then I start to fill the voids by ,i.e. joining a belly dance troupe! and so forth and then it gets tooooo full and then I crash b/c of the stress....etc. I need moderation.
anyway,
I'm working it from all angles.
I really recommend that you try either Tri. or Depakote. You sound BP; and you sound more like a rapid cycler, in which case I've heard the anti-convulsants are better instead of Lithium. And you haven't tried any of them yet (minus Lam). So don't give up! you still have a lot of options.
good to hear from you again too. I also needed a psychobabble break. I think we all did.
Katia
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