Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 125562

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From Nortriptyline to Lamictal and feeling bad

Posted by Zoy on October 28, 2002, at 15:21:21

Hello all...

I'm new to posting tho I've been reading some for about a year. I have some questions regarding meds...

I've been on an AD for a little over 2 months and my pdoc switched me last week from the Nortriptyline 75 mg./day to Lamictal 12.5 mg./day. I feel awful! Symptoms range from: fatigue and flu-like feeling, insomnia and weird dreams, itching (but no rash), hot flashes and increased teariness for no apparent reason.

Spoke to the pdoc today who thinks it may a combination of Nortrip withdrawal and starting the Lamictal. He wants me to start back in taking the Nortrip by taking 1/2 dose of it for about a week then 1/4 dose for another week while sticking with the 12.5 mg. of Lamictal.

I am fairly med sensitive - I've been on many AD's in the past and have had problems both going on them and coming off. (Also, they never fully treated my depression). I'd really like to give the Lamictal a good trial as I've read some good things about it.

Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Does it sound like I am moving in the right direction? Does it sound ok to add back in the Nortrip when I've been off of it for the last 4 days?

Thanks in advance for your responses,
Zoy

 

Re: From Nortriptyline to Lamictal and feeling bad

Posted by polarbear206 on October 28, 2002, at 15:58:22

In reply to From Nortriptyline to Lamictal and feeling bad, posted by Zoy on October 28, 2002, at 15:21:21

> Hello all...
>
> I'm new to posting tho I've been reading some for about a year. I have some questions regarding meds...
>
> I've been on an AD for a little over 2 months and my pdoc switched me last week from the Nortriptyline 75 mg./day to Lamictal 12.5 mg./day. I feel awful! Symptoms range from: fatigue and flu-like feeling, insomnia and weird dreams, itching (but no rash), hot flashes and increased teariness for no apparent reason.
>
> Spoke to the pdoc today who thinks it may a combination of Nortrip withdrawal and starting the Lamictal. He wants me to start back in taking the Nortrip by taking 1/2 dose of it for about a week then 1/4 dose for another week while sticking with the 12.5 mg. of Lamictal.
>
> I am fairly med sensitive - I've been on many AD's in the past and have had problems both going on them and coming off. (Also, they never fully treated my depression). I'd really like to give the Lamictal a good trial as I've read some good things about it.
>
> Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Does it sound like I am moving in the right direction? Does it sound ok to add back in the Nortrip when I've been off of it for the last 4 days?
>
> Thanks in advance for your responses,
> Zoy

Zoy,

I can't believe you pdoc had you stop the nortriptyline cold turkey. You were going through withdrawal. Same happen to me years ago. I had nightmares. It was horrible. I even went through withdrawal swithching from one ssri to the other. Lamictal is an excellent drug!! I've been on it for 7 months now. You might not need as high a dose on the nortrip now that your adding Lamictal. Go slow titrating with the lamictal. It has a narrow therapeutic window. I found mine at 100mg. I now take half the dose of my tricyclic (imipramine) and a tiny dose of paxil. The lamictal has antidepressant/mood stablizing effects. Withdrawal can be worse then the depression itself. I thought it was my depression coming back, but it was only withdrawal. It was pure hell!! If I were you I'd go more slower backing off the nortrip. You have to be patient for a good response to lamictal.

Laura.

 

Re: From Nortriptyline to Lamictal and feeling bad ยป Zoy

Posted by jay on October 28, 2002, at 16:42:53

In reply to From Nortriptyline to Lamictal and feeling bad, posted by Zoy on October 28, 2002, at 15:21:21

Well...I find it odd your doc switched, instead of combining. And, it seems the symptoms are more with the Lamactil, as that is what I experienced, and I read many others did, with it. All's I think it will do is make you go from feeling wired from the Nortiptyline to depressed and tired on the Lamactil.

I'd say either stay with the Nortiptyline, add another mood stablizer like Depakote, or maybe even Lithium, and use a good dose of a benzo to wean you onto the meds until the side effects subside.

Best wishes,
Jay


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