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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 catmint on October 10, 2002, at 1:30:28
Hello,
I began taking 12.5 mg of Lamictal two days ago. I do not presently take any other meds.I have been so used to my moods, that I don't know how to explain what I am feeling. I feel kind-of mellow, no depression, but somehow I feel like I am watching a movie. Nature is so beautiful when your mood is expansive, and for the past two days, I guess I feel kind-of flat. I know it's too soon to tell quite yet how I will do on this med.
It is definately better than Depakote.
I have been continuing to run.My energy level is good. The endorphins have not been as intense.
Last night, and I am assuming it's because I was coming off, I became extremely irritable and almost fell into a crying spell. This morning, I awoke a little depressed, and lashed out slightly at my son for dawdling. As soon as I took the 12.5 mg , within half an hour my mood was considerably improved.
Even thought it has only been 2 days since I began Lamictal, I am hopeful that this is the best drug for me. Other side effects include headache, a little flu-like symptoms and drowsiness.
Any response is appreciated. Thank you all,
Amy
Posted by kaweah on October 11, 2002, at 19:32:37
In reply to Started Lamictal, posted by catmint on October 10, 2002, at 1:30:28
Amy,
I've been on Lamictal for about a month now. I started at the same dose that you're at now, 12.5mg. According to Dr. Phelps guidelines I stayed at that dose for 2 weeks, then increased it to 18.5mg for a week and I'm now at 25 mg after a month. I've been getting increasing irritability as I increase my dose. I've had to fall back to 12.5 since I went up to 25 a few days ago because of the irritability and anger. My psych doc doens't understand what's going on so I'm on my own to try to figure this out.
I really like Lamictal but this irritablity thing is hard to deal with. The other side effect that I find annoying is the diplopia or double vision that I get along with blurry vision. It makes driving challenging if not dangerous.
I find that it really works well for my depression even at these tiny doses. I also take 600mg of Lithium anf the combination is quite complementary. As I've been increasing my dosage I'm finding a problem with insomnia which is more getting to sleep than anything else. I find the sleep to be interesting, supposedly it increase your REM sleep and I get some very interesting dreams on Lamictal.
A good web site for additional info is;
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/lamotrigine.htm
Read his handout on dosage
Good luck and take the increases slow.John
Posted by catmint on October 12, 2002, at 14:45:54
In reply to Started Lamictal, posted by catmint on October 10, 2002, at 1:30:28
John,
I am so bummed out. Yesterday I developed a rash on my chest that began as heat surges, followed by tiny pin prick sensations. It is by no means a serious rash but enough to make me stop the Lamictal. I also have blurred vision, and I know what you mean about driving.
Lamictal has made me feel like a kid again, like the world is a big, mysterious place and there is so much to learn. When I'm depressed, it feels like the world is caving in on me, and nothing interest me.
I'm amazed that I have such a difficult time tolerating medications. One guy posted that he takes 600 mg!
Now I'm back to treating myself.THe only med left I haven't tried is Lithium and I'm not too psyched about that.
Oh, one other side effect from the Lamictal-I seem to be having some uncomfortable manic sypmtoms (delusions, and that "I'm dangling on the edge of losing my mind" feeing), so I am stopping altogether. I was previosly taking no meds for 4 months and never had any of the mentioned manic sypmtoms.
Thanks,
Amy
Posted by colin wallace on October 13, 2002, at 5:50:49
In reply to Re: Started Lamictal-got a rash already » catmint, posted by catmint on October 12, 2002, at 14:45:54
Amy,
That's such a disappointment, especially as you felt some positives at a very early stage.
Those initial feelings of a new wonderment at the world are well worth pursuing.I also felt a slight sense of unreality in tandem with this feeling- they both seem to settle down after three weeks or so.
I agree that you should stop immediately and let the rash fully subside.As you seem to be just as sensitive to this med as I am, you could always restart on a 5mg dose for a few weeks, to safely gauge your response.
I stared at around 4mg for a few weeks, and took seven weeks to reach 25mg.Well worth it in my case.
Whatever you decide though, don't give up, and good luck.Col.
Posted by catmint on October 13, 2002, at 14:34:02
In reply to Re: Started Lamictal-got a rash already » catmint, posted by colin wallace on October 13, 2002, at 5:50:49
Hi Colin,
Thanks for your response. It is so helpful to have all of the support I get from this board.I am seeing my doctor tomorrow and will discuss what you suggested about the 5 mg. Two days after discontinuing, I am still getting those uncomfortable prickly heat surges (no sign of a rash though anymore).
Thanks again. I hope you are doing well!
Amy
Posted by colin wallace on October 13, 2002, at 15:36:59
In reply to Re: Started Lamictal-got a rash already » colin wallace, posted by catmint on October 13, 2002, at 14:34:02
Amy,
I forgot to mention that Lamictal also comes in a 2mg dose- I think it's for kiddies, and either chewable or dispersible. A week at this tiny dose, then 5mg etc. might be worth a shot.I'd wait a few days at least though, for those prickly heat surges to go away.
Col.
> I am seeing my doctor tomorrow and will discuss what you suggested about the 5 mg. Two days after discontinuing, I am still getting those uncomfortable prickly heat surges (no sign of a rash though anymore).
>
>
Posted by polarbear206 on October 14, 2002, at 9:22:27
In reply to Re: Started Lamictal-got a rash already » catmint, posted by catmint on October 12, 2002, at 14:45:54
> John,
>
> I am so bummed out. Yesterday I developed a rash on my chest that began as heat surges, followed by tiny pin prick sensations. It is by no means a serious rash but enough to make me stop the Lamictal. I also have blurred vision, and I know what you mean about driving.
>
> Lamictal has made me feel like a kid again, like the world is a big, mysterious place and there is so much to learn. When I'm depressed, it feels like the world is caving in on me, and nothing interest me.
>
> I'm amazed that I have such a difficult time tolerating medications. One guy posted that he takes 600 mg!
>
> Now I'm back to treating myself.THe only med left I haven't tried is Lithium and I'm not too psyched about that.
>
> Oh, one other side effect from the Lamictal-I seem to be having some uncomfortable manic sypmtoms (delusions, and that "I'm dangling on the edge of losing my mind" feeing), so I am stopping altogether. I was previosly taking no meds for 4 months and never had any of the mentioned manic sypmtoms.
>
> Thanks,
> AmyCatmint
Please don't give up already on this drug. It has worked WONDERS for many of us. If you read any of my post, I did get a rash on initial start of this drug. It did go away. Chances are very slim to develop the severe form of SJ syndrome. You have to be very very patient titrating the dose. I would consider the advice you got and start lower and tirtate slower with a lower dose. The side effects you experienced (manic symptoms) this also will subside. I hope you can give it another try. Good Luck!!!
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