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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by judy1 on March 8, 2001, at 11:47:07
For bipolar patients out there- I met with the STEP-BD group at UCSD and they felt I wasn't on enough lamictal when I got manic (I was only on 125mg I think). They have had tremendous success with rapid cyclers in the 200-400mg/day range and expect it to be approved for treatment of bipolar very soon. So I am back on it. Basically they said if you don't develop a rash immediately (an allergic rx) then the chances are slim that a dangerous rash will develop- they sometimes see minor ones when there is a large dose increase. Anyway they are not messing with my klonopin, risperdal and xanax- just increasing lamictal right now. Take care all- judy
Posted by JahL on March 8, 2001, at 17:33:23
In reply to lamictal and rapid cyclers, posted by judy1 on March 8, 2001, at 11:47:07
> For bipolar patients out there- I met with the STEP-BD group at UCSD and they felt I wasn't on enough lamictal when I got manic (I was only on 125mg I think). They have had tremendous success with rapid cyclers in the 200-400mg/day range and expect it to be approved for treatment of bipolar very soon. So I am back on it. Basically they said if you don't develop a rash immediately (an allergic rx) then the chances are slim that a dangerous rash will develop- they sometimes see minor ones when there is a large dose increase. Anyway they are not messing with my klonopin, risperdal and xanax- just increasing lamictal right now. Take care all- judy
Hi.
Sounds like you're in good hands!
Just wondering...how do yr new pdocs intend staving off another manic attack? Is this the job of the Risperdal? I ask because Lamactil is making me hypomanic even @ 25mg. It feels like a v. activating drug.Thanx,
Jah.
Posted by judy1 on March 9, 2001, at 11:30:53
In reply to Re: lamictal and rapid cyclers » judy1, posted by JahL on March 8, 2001, at 17:33:23
I think that's a really good question. When I asked about that (because I felt lamictal caused a manic episode at 125mg last month) they claimed I was cycling and not stabilized on the lamictal yet. I tend to agree with you that it is really energizing and I bet I see some depakote soon. Risperdal is also very energizing for me, some pdocs even think it causes mania, but I take it for auditory hallucinations and it works well. What else are you on? I think I remember you have bp2 and rapid cycling? Are your problems mostly depression? If so, you must welcome the hypomania- is it damaging? Which is probably a really dumb question to ask, since I don't even recognize when I'm hypomanic, this board tells me and I go really? I never listen to my pdoc- zero insight. Take care, judy
Posted by JahL on March 9, 2001, at 14:04:14
In reply to Re: lamictal and rapid cyclers » JahL, posted by judy1 on March 9, 2001, at 11:30:53
Hi Judy.
> > I think that's a really good question. When I asked about that (because I felt lamictal caused a manic episode at 125mg last month) they claimed I was cycling and not stabilized on the lamictal yet. I tend to agree with you that it is really energizing and I bet I see some depakote soon. Risperdal is also very energizing for me, some pdocs even think it causes mania, but I take it for auditory hallucinations and it works well. What else are you on?
Just the Lamactil. See how far that takes me first. (250mg/Depakote if the hypomania gets out of hand)
> >I think I remember you have bp2 and rapid cycling?
My dx is a mess (dysthymia/doudle depres./social phobia/ADD so far). The fact that certain drugs cause rapid cycling/hypomania, and other things (see 'BIPOLAR EXPERT' thread above-I would actually appreciate yr opinion on this 1), makes me suspect a possible BPII dx.
> > Are your problems mostly depression? If so, you must welcome the hypomania- is it damaging?
Not at all. After 18yrs of unremitting depression-it is a v. welcome relief! Just have to watch my temper; repressed anger & all that.
> >Which is probably a really dumb question to ask, since I don't even recognize when I'm hypomanic, this board tells me and I go really?
Believe me, I-or anyone that knows me-have no problem telling when I'm 'up'!
> > I never listen to my pdoc- zero insight.
You too, huh?
Jah.
Posted by judy1 on March 9, 2001, at 18:16:09
In reply to Re: lamictal and rapid cyclers » judy1, posted by JahL on March 9, 2001, at 14:04:14
Hi,
Sorry I didn't read the whole thread, but technically with the family history and hypomanic rx to ADs you are bipolar 3 and in all probability bp2. Watch the hypomania (look at me giving advice) but enjoy!- Take care, judy
Posted by JahL on March 9, 2001, at 19:21:15
In reply to Re: lamictal and rapid cyclers » JahL, posted by judy1 on March 9, 2001, at 18:16:09
> Hi,
> Sorry I didn't read the whole thread, but technically with the family history and hypomanic rx to ADs you are bipolar 3 and in all probability bp2. Watch the hypomania (look at me giving advice) but enjoy!- Take care, judy
Posted by phillybob on March 9, 2001, at 20:01:33
In reply to Re: lamictal and rapid cyclers » judy1, posted by JahL on March 9, 2001, at 14:04:14
> > > I never listen to my pdoc- zero insight.
>
> You too, huh?
> Jah.Sometimes I think my pdoc should be paying me for my insight!
This is the end of the thread.
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