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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Golf4 on December 13, 2002, at 8:02:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you? » Golf4, posted by Krysti on December 12, 2002, at 22:03:35
> Hi Golf,
>
> I would wait and see how it affects you. From all that I've read, Lamicatal seems to have an anti-depressant property. If needed, then add an AD (if you are not already taking one). I think it's good that you are asking other people's opinions, but keep in mind everyone reacts differently to medications and the less you have to be on is obviously better.
>
> I have never been on Lamicatal myself because, without meds, I tend to have more anxiety than depression so my pdoc didn't think it was a good choice for me.
>
> I hope it works for you and keep us posted : )
>
> Krysti
==================================
Hi,Krysti,thanks for your reaction and you are right:the fact that Lamictal is working already in MY case(as augmentation to a low dose of Effexor,it doesn't meen that the same combo will fit someone else
As far as your anxiety is concerned,my opinion is that nevermind the CAUSE for it(whether being a result of a masked Depr. etc.)I would suggest you to tackle this issue with Klonopin,which is a WONDER med.
Good luck,
Paul
Posted by Krysti on December 13, 2002, at 10:00:41
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you?, posted by Golf4 on December 13, 2002, at 8:02:51
Paul,
Thanks for the suggestion : ) Actually, I have been very lucky in that the mood stabilizers I've been on have completely taken away my anxiety.
Woohoo : )
Krysti
Posted by Peter S. on December 13, 2002, at 14:57:46
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work for you?, posted by Golf4 on December 13, 2002, at 7:57:48
Scott and Paul,
Your observations fit exactly with my experience. I was doing the greatest I've ever done consistantly when I started Lamictal. I had to continue to up the dose to 600mg and then I started cycling again. I just started trileptal in addition but cannot tolerate much because of sleepiness. Today I'm feeling great. 2 days ago I was suicidal. I'm tired of this roller coaster!
I'm also re-starting prozac in the hope that this in combination with everything else will work.I'm curious to hear about continued progress in combining these meds. Because Bipolar II or III are new and controversial as diagnoses, there is very little knowledge of what kinds of combinations might work. The state of psychopharmacology is such a drag!
Cheers,
Peter
> > > Lamictal is one of the newest Mood Stabilizers being used for BP2,either as a monotherapy,or as an augmentation to an AD(effexor etc.).
> >
> > > Is this way of treatment a promising one?
> >
> >
> > Hi.
> >
> > Lamictal seems to be particularly well suited to treat rapid-cycling bipolar disorder when used with other mood-stabilizers and bipolar depression. However, it has been my observation that Lamictal is not sufficient by itself to treat depression (bipolar or unipolar). Many people feel great during the first few weeks at very low dosages. But the antidepressant effect usually plateaus and fades. This does not mean that Lamictal is not useful. It can be a critically important component in a combination treatment regime.
> >
> > I think it would be more worthwhile adding Lamictal to the antidepressants you might already be taking than to use it as monotherapy. Try using it in combination with antidepressants from which you received some benefit in the past.
> >
> > I hope this helps.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
> > ======================
> I 100% agree with you,since I have tested it and the issue is exactly as you describe : I am on 75mg Effexor (not XR)and 400mg Lamictal ; the lamictal being added to the already taken Effexor,BUT I could reduce the Effexor dose(from 200 to 75).Thanks again for your reaction
> Paul
>
>
Posted by Golf4 on December 14, 2002, at 4:59:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work for you?, posted by Peter S. on December 13, 2002, at 14:57:46
Hi,Petter,
first of all I am pleased to read that you have had at least a SHORT time success with Lamictal(presuming that it hasn't been just a placebo effect?!) and then,let me ask you about the reason for which your doc.suggested to increase the dose up to 600mg?!Practically there is no too much literature &experience regarding the "correct" dose limits for Lamictal as a mood stabilizer(on the other hand,there is quite a lot of info.regarding it for epilepsy :the doses being even higher than 600mg)
From your rows it isn't clear(FOR ME) whether you are a recurrent Unipolar (suffering with major depr.reaching the deepest levels of suicidal),or a "genuine" BP2(probably you aren't a BP1,as you are not mentioning mania phases,too)
The importance of the told above is for deciding whether or not you MUST be administered a good(for you)AD and I presume that if you haven't tried,yet Effexor,you better think to(instead of Prozac).
And a last word :Lamictal (at a certain,lower dose)COULD be a logical approach,though there are other mood stabilizers which in YOUR case,YOUR specific structure,may work better ; as you know,it is somehow a "trial&error" process and therefore it is so difficult
I wish you and all of us suffering with these awful maladies :GOOD LUCK and sooner the better.======================
> Scott and Paul,
>
> Your observations fit exactly with my experience. I was doing the greatest I've ever done consistantly when I started Lamictal. I had to continue to up the dose to 600mg and then I started cycling again. I just started trileptal in addition but cannot tolerate much because of sleepiness. Today I'm feeling great. 2 days ago I was suicidal. I'm tired of this roller coaster!
> I'm also re-starting prozac in the hope that this in combination with everything else will work.
>
> I'm curious to hear about continued progress in combining these meds. Because Bipolar II or III are new and controversial as diagnoses, there is very little knowledge of what kinds of combinations might work. The state of psychopharmacology is such a drag!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Peter
Posted by Vince on December 16, 2002, at 10:20:03
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you? » Golf4, posted by Krysti on December 13, 2002, at 10:00:41
> Paul,
>
> Thanks for the suggestion : ) Actually, I have been very lucky in that the mood stabilizers I've been on have completely taken away my anxiety.
>
> Woohoo : )
>
> KrystiI have terrible anxiety and BP II. Do you have Bi-polar or Bi-polar II ?
What mood stabilizers do you use?
Vince
Posted by Peter S. on December 16, 2002, at 15:40:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work for you?, posted by Golf4 on December 14, 2002, at 4:59:40
Hi Golf,
I was taking 600mg because the effect kept wearing off and I kept raising the dose. 600 is the maximum dose recommended according to my pdoc. Now I'm taking 200mg and it works only slightly. To tell you the truth I'm not sure exactly what my diagnosis would be. I've had hypomanic responses to anti-depressants and throughout my childhood I was mostly depressed with spikes of feeling good (no hypomania). I've tried practically all the anti-depressants (except lexapro) and have had the best response from Prozac. But this pooped out. I've also tried Lithium and Depakote.
Anyway thanks for the good wishes! I think Lamictal is worth a try.
> Hi,Petter,
> first of all I am pleased to read that you have had at least a SHORT time success with Lamictal(presuming that it hasn't been just a placebo effect?!) and then,let me ask you about the reason for which your doc.suggested to increase the dose up to 600mg?!Practically there is no too much literature &experience regarding the "correct" dose limits for Lamictal as a mood stabilizer(on the other hand,there is quite a lot of info.regarding it for epilepsy :the doses being even higher than 600mg)
> From your rows it isn't clear(FOR ME) whether you are a recurrent Unipolar (suffering haven't tried,yet Effexor,you better think to(instead of Prozac).
> And a last word :Lamictal (at a certain,lower dose)COULD be a logical approach,though thewith major depr.reaching the deepest levels of suicidal),or a "genuine" BP2(probably you aren't a BP1,as you are not mentioning mania phases,too)
> The importance of the told above is for deciding whether or not you MUST be administered a good(for you)AD and I presume that if you re are other mood stabilizers which in YOUR case,YOUR specific structure,may work better ; as you know,it is somehow a "trial&error" process and therefore it is so difficult
> I wish you and all of us suffering with these awful maladies :GOOD LUCK and sooner the better.
>
> ======================
> > Scott and Paul,
> >
> > Your observations fit exactly with my experience. I was doing the greatest I've ever done consistantly when I started Lamictal. I had to continue to up the dose to 600mg and then I started cycling again. I just started trileptal in addition but cannot tolerate much because of sleepiness. Today I'm feeling great. 2 days ago I was suicidal. I'm tired of this roller coaster!
> > I'm also re-starting prozac in the hope that this in combination with everything else will work.
> >
> > I'm curious to hear about continued progress in combining these meds. Because Bipolar II or III are new and controversial as diagnoses, there is very little knowledge of what kinds of combinations might work. The state of psychopharmacology is such a drag!
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Peter
>
Posted by Krysti on December 16, 2002, at 16:51:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you? » Krysti, posted by Vince on December 16, 2002, at 10:20:03
Hi Vince,
It's hard for me to say for absolute sure whether I have BP I or BP II. I have had a manic episode, but it happened while I was on an AD alone. I'm not sure the exact diagnosis matters anyway because I believe they are pretty much treated the same.
Every mood stabilizer I have been on (Depakote, Gabitril & Trileptal) have taken away my anxiety. Unfortunately, the Depakote made me lethargic and gain weight and the Gabitril made me depressed. The Trileptal has worked really well so far for my anxiety and to keep me balanced. Currently, I'm on 300mg in the morning and 600mg at night. I've only been on it for about a month so we'll have to wait and see if it lasts, but so far so good.
What meds have you tried so far for your BP II and anxiety?
Krysti
Posted by pork chop on December 16, 2002, at 21:46:30
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you? » Vince, posted by Krysti on December 16, 2002, at 16:51:04
Hi all,
I'm on week 3 of Lamictal at 37.5 mg. It's been rough. I had a complete breakdown and couldn't work or for 3 days or make crucial presentations of final projects for school, but then I woke up this morning and have never felt better. I went shopping, had a tattoo removal session, then went to a tattoo shop and discussed getting more work done. I also went shopping, spent over $1k and haven't eaten since yesterday. In other words, I guess I'm still cycling. I had been taking Klonopin, but skipped that today.
Aside from spending money that I know I don't have, I'm feeling great. I hope this mood lasts forever...
Posted by Krysti on December 18, 2002, at 8:13:27
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you?, posted by pork chop on December 16, 2002, at 21:46:30
Hi pork chop,
Sounds like classic hypomania/mania. Yes, it would be great if the feeling would last and it wouldn't make us make bad choices (ie: spending 1K we don't have). Inevitably though, what goes up must come down : ( Not to mention, getting too up can end up having it's consequences also (even worse than spending too much money).
I hope you've contacted your pdoc (?)
Take care of yourself,
Krysti
Posted by colin wallace on December 18, 2002, at 9:51:04
In reply to Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you?, posted by Golf4 on December 12, 2002, at 16:30:04
Golf,
Lamictal has worked exceptionally well for me as monotherapy for around four months now.I would classify my depression as(previously)severe and bipolar type11- treatment resistant for quite some time.I found it difficult to tolerate until I reached 75mg, and from there onwards further increases have been painless.I'm now at 125mg and aiming for 200mg in a few months time.I have no need of an additional AD for the time being, although if I eventually need to take over 300mg Lamictal, I'll(grudgingly) consider adding one.
Col.
Posted by Golf4 on December 19, 2002, at 16:24:22
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you? » Golf4, posted by colin wallace on December 18, 2002, at 9:51:04
> Golf,
>
> Lamictal has worked exceptionally well for me as monotherapy for around four months now.I would classify my depression as(previously)severe and bipolar type11- treatment resistant for quite some time.I found it difficult to tolerate until I reached 75mg, and from there onwards further increases have been painless.I'm now at 125mg and aiming for 200mg in a few months time.I have no need of an additional AD for the time being, although if I eventually need to take over 300mg Lamictal, I'll(grudgingly) consider adding one.
>
> Col.Hi,COLIN,
let me share with you MY experience until now,with hope it may help you a little with your decisions :
a)as far as I am concerned,Lamictal as a monotherapy,HAS FAILED
b)normall(if we can permit ourselves the word "normally"),the actual dose of Lamictal has to be higher (approx.400mg)and I see no reason for not to up it quicker than a in
couple of monthsmy besr regs.
Posted by catmint on December 20, 2002, at 2:30:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you?, posted by Golf4 on December 19, 2002, at 16:24:22
Hello all,
I am on my second trial of Lamictal. The first time I started too high and ended up with a slight rash. I have been on only 2.5 mg. for a week now. I almost gave up on the third day because of awful irritability. Thank God that went away, now I feel good, no depressive symptoms for 4 days! I'm wondering if I'm am hypomanic, but my usual pattern is up for 3 days, down for many and this is different for sure. I have been feeling more normal than I have in years.
I'm amazed I am having a response at such a low dose. Is this a placebo effect?
Colin, it's great to hear that you are still having a good response! How did you know when to titrate up? So far I haven't felt the need to. Also, can I expect irritability for about 3 days right after I increase? What should I take to counteract this?
I am hopeful this is *THE* med for me.
For those of you who have not had a good response from Lamictal long term, are there other factors involved? I'm thinking that even though Lamictal is great for bipolar depression, I won't in any way stop exercising, or taking supplements.Amy
Posted by colin wallace on December 20, 2002, at 12:00:20
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 ; does it work fro you?, posted by Golf4 on December 19, 2002, at 16:24:22
Hi Golf,
I should have mentioned that I am extremely med. sensitive- to give you some idea of this, a mere 25mg of Zoloft was enough to catapult me into hypomania.I normally 'respond' (one way or another!)to a much lower dose than your average individual.So, in effect, 100mg of Lamictal to ME, could be said to equate to 300mg in someone who is not acutely med. sensitive.Hence the reason I climb the dose ladder much slower than usual.Sorry the monotherapy didn't work for you.Did you add anything, or switch meds entirely?
All the best,
Col.
Posted by colin wallace on December 20, 2002, at 12:24:50
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : Love it so far, posted by catmint on December 20, 2002, at 2:30:23
Hi Amy,
I was wondering how you were faring so far on Lamictal- seems as if you are getting the common early boost towards normality that I experienced within a few days.It's not a placebo effect, but you WILL need to raise the dose weekly to sustain the effect.I have to say that, for me at least, titrating was a tricky business at first.Expect some days where you feel irritable in the extreme- I literally felt like screaming on occasion!The best ways to counter this are 1) grit your teeth and ride it out for a few days- it will pass, believe me (remember, undoing years of screwy brain chemistry ain't gonna be smooth 'n easy!)2) take a low dose, long lasting benzo. for a short while- I used 2 to 4mg of diazepam which helped a lot. 3)lower the dose slightly for a few days, then nudge it back up slowly.4)Paradoxically,RAISE the dose! When I hit 25mg for a few weeks I suddenly lost all benefit and began to slide and get anger symptoms-felt like giving it up at this stage.Then, I took the plunge and hit 50mg, and felt great for ages.My mood became consistently smooth at this point, and further (12.5mg) raises were fairly easy.
This is all very subjective though- you may get away with very few adverse affects- some people, as you know, can whack up the dose by 25mg each week, and hit 400mg in no time.I'd go low and slow if I were you though, with your med. sensitivity.Good luck, and have a great Christmas!
PS.No probs exercising on Lamictal whatsoever-no interactions with supplements.> Hello all,
>
> I am on my second trial of Lamictal. The first time I started too high and ended up with a slight rash. I have been on only 2.5 mg. for a week now. I almost gave up on the third day because of awful irritability. Thank God that went away, now I feel good, no depressive symptoms for 4 days! I'm wondering if I'm am hypomanic, but my usual pattern is up for 3 days, down for many and this is different for sure. I have been feeling more normal than I have in years.
> I'm amazed I am having a response at such a low dose. Is this a placebo effect?
> Colin, it's great to hear that you are still having a good response! How did you know when to titrate up? So far I haven't felt the need to. Also, can I expect irritability for about 3 days right after I increase? What should I take to counteract this?
> I am hopeful this is *THE* med for me.
> For those of you who have not had a good response from Lamictal long term, are there other factors involved? I'm thinking that even though Lamictal is great for bipolar depression, I won't in any way stop exercising, or taking supplements.
>
> Amy
Posted by Golf4 on December 21, 2002, at 15:39:02
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : Love it so far, posted by colin wallace on December 20, 2002, at 12:24:50
> Hi Amy,
>
> I was wondering how you were faring so far on Lamictal- seems as if you are getting the common early boost towards normality that I experienced within a few days.It's not a placebo effect, but you WILL need to raise the dose weekly to sustain the effect.I have to say that, for me at least, titrating was a tricky business at first.Expect some days where you feel irritable in the extreme- I literally felt like screaming on occasion!The best ways to counter this are 1) grit your teeth and ride it out for a few days- it will pass, believe me (remember, undoing years of screwy brain chemistry ain't gonna be smooth 'n easy!)2) take a low dose, long lasting benzo. for a short while- I used 2 to 4mg of diazepam which helped a lot. 3)lower the dose slightly for a few days, then nudge it back up slowly.4)Paradoxically,RAISE the dose! When I hit 25mg for a few weeks I suddenly lost all benefit and began to slide and get anger symptoms-felt like giving it up at this stage.Then, I took the plunge and hit 50mg, and felt great for ages.My mood became consistently smooth at this point, and further (12.5mg) raises were fairly easy.
> This is all very subjective though- you may get away with very few adverse affects- some people, as you know, can whack up the dose by 25mg each week, and hit 400mg in no time.I'd go low and slow if I were you though, with your med. sensitivity.Good luck, and have a great Christmas!
>
> PS.No probs exercising on Lamictal whatsoever-no interactions with supplements.
=======================================
yes,Collin,I agree with you(due to my own experience)that the WAY&RITHM to reach the "therapeutic" dose is really very individual (due to that rash risk),BUT the main question would be :what is THE therapeutic dose?
Although,this should be an individual issue,too there should be already enough data on the min.(possibly (effective) and the max.aloud doses ;for instance,we do know that in the case of Celexa for instance,the usual range is between 10-40mg.I have read somewhere that the range of 200-600mg(for BP2) is a "normal"accepted range,but still no too many articles on this issue.Good luck to all of us being on this promising Mood Stabilizer
and lets hope that the next year will be indeed a Happier One !! Merry Christmas!!
Paul
Posted by catmint on December 22, 2002, at 16:45:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : Love it so far, posted by Golf4 on December 21, 2002, at 15:39:02
For the past two nights I have had mini breakdowns, crying spells, yelling, wanting to hit the wall. I guess this must be the irritability thing
Last night was awful. It just feels like I am cycling big time. After I take my morning dose, I feel good for quite a while, and then boom! sadness, despair, I'm a mean person. I can't use any cognitive tools, they don't help.
Should I divide the dose, so I don't crash like this or is this typical after increases? ( I am currently on only 5 mg!) I should state that I am very med sensitive.
Also, anyone combine alcohol with Lamictal? I had a glass of wine the day before yesterday. Would that make things worse? I guess I know myself enough that I can problably answer that on my own. and yes, I think it does make it worse.
I hope this cycling thing ends, it is almost as bad as an SSRI. (but the flip side of Lamictal is way better than any SSRI). I mean, this is far better for bipolar depression. I'm just worried about this recent breakdown. Please help. Will I get through this?
Thanks,
Amy
Posted by polarbear206 on December 23, 2002, at 7:51:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?!, posted by catmint on December 22, 2002, at 16:45:56
> For the past two nights I have had mini breakdowns, crying spells, yelling, wanting to hit the wall. I guess this must be the irritability thing
> Last night was awful. It just feels like I am cycling big time. After I take my morning dose, I feel good for quite a while, and then boom! sadness, despair, I'm a mean person. I can't use any cognitive tools, they don't help.
> Should I divide the dose, so I don't crash like this or is this typical after increases? ( I am currently on only 5 mg!) I should state that I am very med sensitive.
> Also, anyone combine alcohol with Lamictal? I had a glass of wine the day before yesterday. Would that make things worse? I guess I know myself enough that I can problably answer that on my own. and yes, I think it does make it worse.
> I hope this cycling thing ends, it is almost as bad as an SSRI. (but the flip side of Lamictal is way better than any SSRI). I mean, this is far better for bipolar depression. I'm just worried about this recent breakdown. Please help. Will I get through this?
> Thanks,
> AmyAmy,
This is a sign that ist's probably time to increase your dose. I was doing well for some time until eary december. The lack of sunlight this time of the year in the east coast sends me into a tailspin. Got relief after going up to 150mg. Pdoc wants me to go up to 200mg. Believe me, I had the exact same symptoms you are having. I divide my doses in am and pm. This works best and what the pdoc reccomends. You will get through this!!!!!!
Be well,Laura.
Posted by catmint on December 23, 2002, at 14:40:08
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?!, posted by polarbear206 on December 23, 2002, at 7:51:29
Hi Laura,
Thanks for responding. I will divide the dose and see how that goes. I don't see the pdoc until Jan 16. Last night I felt like I was slipping again, like this horrible despair lurking, waiting for any kind of trigger. Know what I mean? Luckily, I didn't have any triggers (for me relationship problems are the #1 trigger). Perhaps taking 1/2 the dose at night will help.
Laura, how long have you been on Lamictal? Do you ever get discouraged by the other people on this board who say they started cycling again after several months of a good response? I wonder if that is common. Hope to hear from you.
Amy
Posted by pork chop on December 23, 2002, at 16:42:27
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?! » polarbear206, posted by catmint on December 23, 2002, at 14:40:08
word to the rapid cyclers on lamictal.
the first three weeks for me were a nightmare. i almost quit my job, or would have probably been fired because i cried every five minutes for no reason. thanks to a suppliment of 5 mg klonopin per day, i'm making it through. now i'm at 50 mg of Lamictal and its been almost 4 weeks. this week has been great and even though my dose is low, i think i'm starting to feel the effects. hang in there.
Posted by pork chop on December 23, 2002, at 16:50:49
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?!, posted by pork chop on December 23, 2002, at 16:42:27
i forgot to address the alcohol question. on two occasions i had a few drinks since being on lamictal, one was my birthday. i had 3 drinks and as soon as i got done with the third, i was completely sick- instantly, not the next morning. it was awful. on one other occasion i had one glass of wine and got sleepy, but was fine.
i've since switched to club soda and i'm not missing the booze at all.
Posted by Gadu on December 25, 2002, at 10:03:09
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?!, posted by pork chop on December 23, 2002, at 16:42:27
I've been on Lamictal (25mg) for the last five days and I'm feeling better than ever. I've never had such consistency and evenness. From what I read, though, this may be only a temporary effect. I plan to increase the dose by 25mg every week and see what happens. Also, I'm taking 5mg Dexedrine every other day.
One thing to note: last night at xmas eve dinner, I had half a glass of red wine and almost immediately I slipped into a deep depression. The change in my mental state was almost instantaneous and it ruined the evening for me. I went to bed early and woke up this morning feeling much better. So I guess no more alcohol for me...
Posted by polarbear206 on December 28, 2002, at 9:14:19
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 : What is going on now?!, posted by polarbear206 on December 23, 2002, at 7:51:29
> > For the past two nights I have had mini breakdowns, crying spells, yelling, wanting to hit the wall. I guess this must be the irritability thing
> > Last night was awful. It just feels like I am cycling big time. After I take my morning dose, I feel good for quite a while, and then boom! sadness, despair, I'm a mean person. I can't use any cognitive tools, they don't help.
> > Should I divide the dose, so I don't crash like this or is this typical after increases? ( I am currently on only 5 mg!) I should state that I am very med sensitive.
> > Also, anyone combine alcohol with Lamictal? I had a glass of wine the day before yesterday. Would that make things worse? I guess I know myself enough that I can problably answer that on my own. and yes, I think it does make it worse.
> > I hope this cycling thing ends, it is almost as bad as an SSRI. (but the flip side of Lamictal is way better than any SSRI). I mean, this is far better for bipolar depression. I'm just worried about this recent breakdown. Please help. Will I get through this?
> > Thanks,
> > Amy
>
>
>
> Amy,
>
> This is a sign that ist's probably time to increase your dose. I was doing well for some time until eary december. The lack of sunlight this time of the year in the east coast sends me into a tailspin. Got relief after going up to 150mg. Pdoc wants me to go up to 200mg. Believe me, I had the exact same symptoms you are having. I divide my doses in am and pm. This works best and what the pdoc reccomends. You will get through this!!!!!!
>
>
> Be well,
>
> Laura.
Amy,How are you doing? I hope you are hanging in there. I'm doing very well. It seems that everytime I up the dose, I go through a short-lived mixed state, then it subsides. Up to 150mg now. Plan to go up to 200mg tomarrow. I am very optomistic that I've found the right drug for me. You have to be very patient with this drug. I think too many here give up too soon and don't wait it out.
Laura
Posted by catmint on December 29, 2002, at 1:10:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 Catmint, posted by polarbear206 on December 28, 2002, at 9:14:19
Laura,
I'm doing much better, thank you. I guess I need to give it more time and see how things go. Have you had any trouble sleeping on Lamictal? I don't really, just if I drink coffee late in the day.
I am sometimes anxious about being on Lamictal again b/c I am noticing a slight itchy feeling in the same place as I developed the rash the first time. But I'm not dwelling on it. Geez, I'm only taking 5 mg! I hope I'm not truly alllergic to it (the rash is really an allergic reaction, not a side effect I heard).
Anyway, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. Do you excersize regularly? I find that I have more energy now, and I also am worrying a lot less.
Please keep in touch, it's nice to know there is another woman on Lamictal like me!Amy
Posted by polarbear206 on December 30, 2002, at 20:18:55
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 Catmint » polarbear206, posted by catmint on December 29, 2002, at 1:10:23
> Laura,
> I'm doing much better, thank you. I guess I need to give it more time and see how things go. Have you had any trouble sleeping on Lamictal? I don't really, just if I drink coffee late in the day.
> I am sometimes anxious about being on Lamictal again b/c I am noticing a slight itchy feeling in the same place as I developed the rash the first time. But I'm not dwelling on it. Geez, I'm only taking 5 mg! I hope I'm not truly alllergic to it (the rash is really an allergic reaction, not a side effect I heard).
> Anyway, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. Do you excersize regularly? I find that I have more energy now, and I also am worrying a lot less.
> Please keep in touch, it's nice to know there is another woman on Lamictal like me!
>
> Amy
Amy,Don't get too paranoid about the rash thing. The chances of getting the severe form of SJS are very very slim. I am a fair skin blonde. I tend to get rashes easily. On initial start of lamictal last march, I developed a rash on my forearms and on my belly. It subsided over a weeks time. Everytime I increased my dose the rash came back. After I reached 75mg, the rash never appeared again. I hope this will ease your mind. I didn't get freaked out about it. Maybe that's because I'm a nurse.
I had some intermittent insomnia when I increased my doses. That was early in treatment. I feel so much more rested and full of good energy. It's great to feel that way when I wake up in the morning. I was never a morning person with this illness. Morning's were my worst!! I would feel better later in the day and get my energy back in the evening.
Exercise is a very important part of my life. I belong to the gym at work. I'm either there or taking my two big dogs "Polar" and "Bear" out for long power walks. They must have exercise daily or they get too high strung and restless.
Laura
Posted by antoinettee on November 30, 2003, at 17:08:01
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BP2 Catmint, posted by polarbear206 on December 30, 2002, at 20:18:55
i ahve a rash all over my body and its from the lamictal...ive only taken it from about 10 days and i was on 25mg. i notcied the rash on the 9th day it was bad at all so i took my 10th pill and woke up the nexted day covered in a rash and it itchys so bad on my arms. so i went to teh hostpital and they gave me an IV and meds and now im takein benadrill(sp?) and protazone(sp?) and im jus wondering will it EVER go away and scars? also im only 17 if that matters much. thanx to ANYONE who relpies back.
thanx
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