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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 1:50:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » katia, posted by Flipsactown on December 14, 2003, at 19:19:12
ARe you bipolar?
Posted by Flipsactown on December 15, 2003, at 5:28:47
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » Flipsactown, posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 1:50:21
Posted by zenhussy on December 15, 2003, at 14:39:33
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » zenhussy, posted by poop'd-out on December 9, 2003, at 0:09:01
> Hi zenhussy,
> Yes, it was the first week in Oct that I started. I have had to go slow because of minor skin issues. I was doing 12.5 mg increases to begin with then after 50mg, 25mg increases every two weeks(Docs order) or 12.5 every week if I wanted.
> As you read, I was feeling the exact same way as you were not that long ago, I didn't reach 75 til almost at a month and a half. So you are getting there quicker than I did! I did feel extremely spacey almost verging on dopiness, also just wanting to sleep all the time, not fun at all. I just read what alot of other people were doing and decided to just hang in there.
> It is very discouraging to wait while you feel like crap. I wouldn't quit yet unless you are having severe reactions. I really did have to force myself to hang in there. From what I read alot of people did not get relief til they reached 200mg(so far away).
> Believe me I felt the same way. I just keep telling myself, it's just another few months out of my life, and I don't feel that sparkling anyways, and and... what if it does work and I didn't give it a chance.
> Thanks, I did see him and we have decided to hang with 100mg for now. I don't feel bad today, but not great either. That could be a pms thing though. Haven't found a cure for that. I would definitely say I am MUCH better than I was a month ago. I am about 2 months into this thing now. I hope this helps, another poster was one of the reasons I decided to stay on the Lam just a little bit longer.
> Hang in there,
> BethBeth,
Thank you so much for the encouragement. Spoke with my pdoc this a.m. and was told to switch taking the lamotrigine at night to avoid this daytime sleepiness. "I did feel extremely spacey almost verging on dopiness, also just wanting to sleep all the time, not fun at all." That is exactly how I've been feeling since being at the 25 mg mark. Sheesh!! Dopey and spacey...what fun!
Since I do not appear to be having major se's from this med. I will continue this tiny titration in hopes that it kicks in and lifts some of this confounded darkness.
Your feedback is invaluable. It has been a long time since I've been on the med board because my cocktail was the same for so long. Now I've been going through adjusting every dang med since October. I'm glad that better living through chemisty exists. Now if I could just have some of that 'better living'!!
Take care. Glad you had good visit with pdoc. Let us know how the 100 mg treats you.
zenhussy
Posted by linnette on December 17, 2003, at 0:33:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression?, posted by poop'd-out on December 12, 2003, at 14:45:51
Hi Beth,
Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. I have found that this board has been the best thing for me, and I am happy to have found such supportive people out there that share similar experiences.
I am doing somewhat better, although I am back at "what the hell is doing what.?" I think you are right that the lamictal is hard to tolerate without the other meds on board, and that is probably what has back-fired on me here. And the trying to figure out when to take what.. Boy the lamictal can be so activating, but also can give make me very tired sometimes. I am holding a 200 mg now, and have added 30 mg nortriptyline at night mainly for sleep.
I relapsed after only 3 or so weeks off of my AD's. Yes, it was my decision to stop the AD's, (a bad decision I think). My pdoc didn't think it such a bad idea, just to see how I would do with a MS alone. My appetite and energy was better before I went off of my AD's. And now both are in the toilet. I should have left well enough alone. At least I am sleeping now, but wake up a little anxious still..
Your symptoms sound much like my own.. I can totally relate to the wanting to sleep, just sleep, and not caring about anything else. Although right now I am at the tail end of an agitated depression, or maybe a mixed state, I do know what you are feeling. And like yours, my depression is also very very physical. Since I have gone off of my AD's my back and my joints have been killing me, and I even think part of my flu was due to the other meds washing out of my system. Then I resumed my AD and miraculously my back feels so much better.
Your comments about the irritability or rage, yes, I can totally relate. And that is the main reason I have hoped that a mood stabilizer would help me.
Beth, you are on tegretol too? And zoloft, right? Did you have trouble getting adjusted to the tegretol? I tried 2 times to take it with no success, but maybe I should have stuck it out. Do you think it makes you less irritable, and what benefit does it have over the lamictal for you? Also do you ever find that the lamictal reacts with the zoloft in any way, such as puts you in a very confused anxious state. Probably not, if you are on 100 mg. I think the effect I had a year ago with the 2 of them was somewhat rare.
So now I am taking 200 mg lamictal, 30 mg nortriptyline, xanax 1.5 mg day. I guess that isn't so bad. Oh and a little dexedrine that I take for ADD. Right now it just helps me get my butt into work in the morning and that is about it, although I have missed days and have been late on several occasions.
Anyway, bring me up to date, and hoping you are sleeping less, and feeling a little more energetic. The holidays can sure aggravate things. I will keep you posted.
Linnette
Posted by poop'd-out on December 17, 2003, at 15:07:37
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » poop'd-out, posted by zenhussy on December 15, 2003, at 14:39:33
> Beth,
>
> Thank you so much for the encouragement. Spoke with my pdoc this a.m. and was told to switch taking the lamotrigine at night to avoid this daytime sleepiness. "I did feel extremely spacey almost verging on dopiness, also just wanting to sleep all the time, not fun at all." That is exactly how I've been feeling since being at the 25 mg mark. Sheesh!! Dopey and spacey...what fun!
>
> Since I do not appear to be having major se's from this med. I will continue this tiny titration in hopes that it kicks in and lifts some of this confounded darkness.
>
> Your feedback is invaluable. It has been a long time since I've been on the med board because my cocktail was the same for so long. Now I've been going through adjusting every dang med since October. I'm glad that better living through chemisty exists. Now if I could just have some of that 'better living'!!
>
> Take care. Glad you had good visit with pdoc. Let us know how the 100 mg treats you.
>
> zenhussy
>
>
>
Zenhussy,Well, the 100mg didn't last that long. Into the second week I began to have the extreme somnolence that I had had previously. It was a little discouraging. I decided to go ahead and increase the dose again by 25mg. That was 3 days ago, and it has helped alot. I have already decided that I am going to stay on the lamictal til I at least reach the 200mg point.
This is a strange drug. It can be very motivating and helpful or the complete opposite depending on what dose you are at.
Have you had any positive experience with it or has it just made you feel mopey? I know with me I had to wait til at least after the 50mg mark before I saw any benefit, and when it does help it really makes a big difference. If only a little consistency, please!
I'll keep you posted, so far so good!
Beth
Posted by poop'd-out on December 17, 2003, at 16:49:05
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression?, posted by linnette on December 17, 2003, at 0:33:31
>
> I relapsed after only 3 or so weeks off of my AD's. Yes, it was my decision to stop the AD's, (a bad decision I think). My pdoc didn't think it such a bad idea, just to see how I would do with a MS alone. My appetite and energy was better before I went off of my AD's. And now both are in the toilet. I should have left well enough alone. At least I am sleeping now, but wake up a little anxious still..
>I understand about not having an appetite. When I'm depressed I would prefer not to eat anything. Everything tastes like cardboard. But, I learned a long time ago that I feel even worse when I don't eat, so I force myself to. I hope you are eating, it is really important to your physical and mental health. I find protein to be very important. I have to have my carbs though, or I get very cranky. The protein really tempers the carbs so you don't get that sugar crash. I like a nice juicy steak, makes me happy, truly. Sorry if you are a vegetarian. =)
> Your symptoms sound much like my own.. I can totally relate to the wanting to sleep, just sleep, and not caring about anything else. Although right now I am at the tail end of an agitated depression, or maybe a mixed state, I do know what you are feeling. And like yours, my depression is also very very physical. Since I have gone off of my AD's my back and my joints have been killing me, and I even think part of my flu was due to the other meds washing out of my system. Then I resumed my AD and miraculously my back feels so much better.
>You were still probably experiencing some of the w/d's from you AD's. I think alot of the agitation you are experiencing might be from the lamictal.
> Your comments about the irritability or rage, yes, I can totally relate. And that is the main reason I have hoped that a mood stabilizer would help me.
>
I don't think the lamictal is enough of a mood stabilizer on its own. From what I have read most people have ended up having to take it with either an AD or another MS. You could throw that idea out to your Doc?> Beth, you are on tegretol too? And zoloft, right? Did you have trouble getting adjusted to the tegretol? I tried 2 times to take it with no success, but maybe I should have stuck it out. Do you think it makes you less irritable, and what benefit does it have over the lamictal for you?
Yes, I had a rough time of it. I don't know why I actually ended up staying on it except that I had tried everything else and didn't know where else to turn. Also, my Doc had said that it may take 6mos-yr to work(yikes). The initial SE's that I had made the lamictal SE's like a walk in the park. It was so long ago I will try to remember what happened.
I was also on the neurontin then(and now). Initially, I ended up taking 4 tabs(800mg) all at night. That did not work at all. Tegretol is supposed to be long acting, but I knew that my body processes meds very quickly. So, since that wasn't working I decided to take it throughout the day instead. When I finally started combining it with my neurontin that is when it finally started working for me.
It wasn't always the best cocktail but I was alot less angry and my anxiety was all but nil. Eventually, we added the zoloft and that is another story!
This has been my staple cocktail for several years. Not the best but much much better than I was prior, alot of sweat and tears to get here!
>Also do you ever find that the lamictal reacts with the zoloft in any way, such as puts you in a very confused anxious state. Probably not, if you are on 100 mg. I think the effect I had a year ago with the 2 of them was somewhat rare.
>I don't think that I had that. Maybe at the very beginning. I also did some switching around with my meds(again). I used to take 50mg zoloft in the day and 50mg at night, I have switched it to 100mg at night taken with 300mg of neurontin. I don't take it concurrently with the lam so maybe that was your problem(if you did that).
> So now I am taking 200 mg lamictal, 30 mg nortriptyline, xanax 1.5 mg day. I guess that isn't so bad. Oh and a little dexedrine that I take for ADD. Right now it just helps me get my butt into work in the morning and that is about it, although I have missed days and have been late on several occasions.
>The dex and lam could probably interact to cause some of your agitation also. How long have you been on the nortriptyline? You might just want to chill until it kicks back in and see how you are from there? (In regards to adding any other meds at this time).
> Anyway, bring me up to date, and hoping you are sleeping less, and feeling a little more energetic. The holidays can sure aggravate things. I will keep you posted.
>I have just increased to 125mg of lam and feel much better! For how long, I don't know.
Just for your info this is how my complicated med schedule goes:(I don't eat 1 hour before of after taking tegretol or I just get tired and depressed)
Morning: 1-1/2 teg 200mg tabs
with 1 neurontin 300mg
Mid morn: 75mg lam with 1 neurontin
Lunch: 50mg lam with 1 neurontin
hour or
so after: 1-1/2 teg with 1 neurontin
2 or 2-1/2
hours later
or after
small snack: 1 teg with 1 neurontin
Dinner: sometime after and before bedtime
zoloft 100mg with 1 neurontinI like the neurontin as sort of a buffer to the other drugs. I'm not exactly sure how it helps, it just seems to compliment the other meds. It has a very short half-life so I take it all day long. My tummy also gets upset by most meds and I have found it to really helpful in that department.
Take care of yourself. I hope I helped and didn't make things more confusing for you.
Beth
Posted by zenhussy on December 18, 2003, at 19:58:12
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » zenhussy, posted by poop'd-out on December 17, 2003, at 15:07:37
>Zenhussy,
>Well, the 100mg didn't last that long. Into the second week I began to have the extreme somnolence that I had had previously. It was a little discouraging. I decided to go ahead and increase the dose again by 25mg. That was 3 days ago, and it has helped alot. I have already decided that I am going to stay on the lamictal til I at least reach the 200mg point.Beth,
This kind of firsthand experience is so valuable. Thank you. Sorry you had that draggy feeling for a few days but encouraging to hear that bumping up the dose has an almost immediate effect.
>This is a strange drug. It can be very motivating and helpful or the complete opposite depending on what dose you are at.Yeah it seems to go up and down with the doses I'm at as I titrate up.
>Have you had any positive experience with it or has it just made you feel mopey? I know with me I had to wait til at least after the 50mg mark before I saw any benefit, and when it does help it really makes a big difference. If only a little consistency, please!Feedback from my family is that I already sound different. My brother commented I sounded like I used to when he was talking to my mum. I guess that is a good thing. We all refer to things as predepression. Acupuncture makes me more 'me' i.e. more like I was before major depression tackled me a decade ago.
I'm going so slowly doing only 12.5 increases every two weeks so I'm still at 37.5 for another little bit. I feel spacey. Like out of it spacey. The sudden sleepiness thing was taken care of almost instantly with switching the dose to nighttime. Haven't had to take sleeping pills in a while either. Bonus!
>I'll keep you posted, so far so good!
>BethI'm very happy to hear that this is having a positive effect in your life. We should all be so lucky with finding that right combo!!
Please do keep checking in. Most other meds I've run through over the years I just dealt with and didn't really have an outlet like this or need to ask questions. Lamotrigine is one funky mood stabilizer. I'm hoping that there are no major bumps between where I'm at now and whatever level my pdoc deems therapeutic.
Take care and pave that way with the Lamictal advice!!
zenhussy
Posted by katia on December 19, 2003, at 20:27:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » poop'd-out, posted by zenhussy on December 18, 2003, at 19:58:12
Hi Beth,
I too, like you, titrated up SLOWLY! and I'm at 200mg now and don't feel much. I was on Depakote while I was at the lower titration levels and every small increase, I'd go into a nice hypomanic state for a couple of days. It was great. Once the Depakote finished, I lost those buzzy feelings, but at each increase felt "normalish" for a few days then it would drop off - wouldn't stick. I went into a horrible mixed state on Monday, so I"m still cycling. I just saw my pdoc today and I'm starting Lithium with the Lam. today.
hope 200mg works for you.
katia
Posted by poop'd-out on December 20, 2003, at 22:54:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression?, posted by katia on December 19, 2003, at 20:27:58
> Hi Beth,
> I too, like you, titrated up SLOWLY! and I'm at 200mg now and don't feel much. I was on Depakote while I was at the lower titration levels and every small increase, I'd go into a nice hypomanic state for a couple of days. It was great. Once the Depakote finished, I lost those buzzy feelings, but at each increase felt "normalish" for a few days then it would drop off - wouldn't stick. I went into a horrible mixed state on Monday, so I"m still cycling. I just saw my pdoc today and I'm starting Lithium with the Lam. today.
> hope 200mg works for you.
> katia
I know that is what I am worried about. I will feel good for a few days, then I'm back to blah, yucky again. I don't know, I am also on other meds so I was hoping that might give me the edge I need. Please let me know how the Lithium does for you, that seems to be a nice combo from what I've read. Oh, and yes I am starting to notice an increase in my weight as well as thinning of my hair. It totally sucks!Take care,
Beth
Posted by poop'd-out on December 20, 2003, at 23:08:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » poop'd-out, posted by zenhussy on December 18, 2003, at 19:58:12
> Beth,
> This kind of firsthand experience is so valuable. Thank you. Sorry you had that draggy feeling for a few days but encouraging to hear that bumping up the dose has an almost immediate effect.
>Hi Zen,
I don't know things are somewhat blecky again. But, please don't get discouraged by my experiences, as you well know everyone reacts differently to meds.Things are actually not horrible just not as good as they were when I bumped the dose. I currently am holding at 125mg, but plan on going up another 25mg here pretty soon. I still intend on sticking in out to 200mg, dammit!! We'll see, it just might be great.
I honestly don't think I am quite as tired or as often as I was prior. I will keep you posted on that situation.
How many mgs. are you at now?
Take care,
Beth
Posted by katia on December 21, 2003, at 2:44:05
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » katia, posted by poop'd-out on December 20, 2003, at 22:54:29
>> I know that is what I am worried about. I will feel good for a few days, then I'm back to blah, yucky again. I don't know, I am also on other meds so I was hoping that might give me the edge I need. Please let me know how the Lithium does for you, that seems to be a nice combo from what I've read. Oh, and yes I am starting to notice an increase in my weight as well as thinning of my hair. It totally sucks!
>
> Take care,
> BethHiya Beth,
I didn't notice so much the blahs when I was on Depakote (with Lam). It added a synergistic effect. Why are you gaining weight? Which meds are you on?
katia
Posted by poop'd-out on December 22, 2003, at 20:39:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » poop'd-out, posted by katia on December 21, 2003, at 2:44:05
> Hiya Beth,
> I didn't notice so much the blahs when I was on Depakote (with Lam). It added a synergistic effect. Why are you gaining weight? Which meds are you on?
> katiaHey Katia,
I think the weight gain is from the Lamictal. It is minor but noticeable. I don't think my other meds are causing this, I have been on them for years. Of course, it could be because I have added the Lam to the mix.
I currently take Neurontin, Tegretol, Zoloft, and Lamictal. I believe these meds have kept me at a heavier weight than I would be normally, but nothing intolerable.
Why did you quit the dep, was it because of hair loss and weight gain? Otherwise, it sounded like it worked well for you.
Just increased the Lam 25mg, once again much better. We'll see how long this one lasts!
Ciao,
Beth
Posted by katia on December 23, 2003, at 13:38:14
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression? » katia, posted by poop'd-out on December 22, 2003, at 20:39:28
Hi Beth,
It is wierd the whole weight gain thing. Since going OFF of Dep., I've gained about 4-5 pounds! while just being on Lamictal...I didn't gain weight on Depakote. I was worried about getting PolyCysticOvarianSyndrome(PCOS), which can lead to infertility. It's a possible s/e of Depakote.
I love the upping of Lam. But I lost that buzzy feeling once I passed the 100/125 mark. :-( bummer - who doesn't love hypomania when it's the euphoric kind?!
ciao ciao-
katia
Posted by sac on January 2, 2004, at 21:12:38
In reply to Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day?, posted by Peter S. on November 20, 2003, at 20:40:52
I know this thread is a few weeks old but I am curious about the comment made here in regard to Lamictal and decrease in mood. From my experience with Lamictal 150 mgs. several years. A strange thing happens, I feel good in the morning but in the evening I am depressed with a general " who cares" feeling. I take my Lamictal just before bed. I was wondering whether the depressed feeling was some kind of rebound effect or something.
> I take it once a day and sometimes notice a decrease in mood later.
>
> Peter
Posted by Flipsactown on January 3, 2004, at 9:51:28
In reply to Re: Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day?, posted by sac on January 2, 2004, at 21:12:38
I have been taking lamictal going on 4 months, currently taking 300mg, and I take it twice daily, 6am and noon. I do notice my depression returning around 5 or 6PM. However, I take it along with prozac and remeron. I have an appointment to see my pdoc this Monday and I will be discussing this with him. I will keep you posted.
Flipsactown
> I know this thread is a few weeks old but I am curious about the comment made here in regard to Lamictal and decrease in mood. From my experience with Lamictal 150 mgs. several years. A strange thing happens, I feel good in the morning but in the evening I am depressed with a general " who cares" feeling. I take my Lamictal just before bed. I was wondering whether the depressed feeling was some kind of rebound effect or something.
>
>
>
> > I take it once a day and sometimes notice a decrease in mood later.
> >
> > Peter
>
>
Posted by sac on January 3, 2004, at 14:32:39
In reply to Re: Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day? » sac, posted by Flipsactown on January 3, 2004, at 9:51:28
Thanks. I would appreciate hearing what your doc has to say. I am currently in the process of titrating up and only at 100mgs. now. I also take Prozac 20 mgs. daily.
Posted by SLS on January 3, 2004, at 15:08:42
In reply to Re: Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day?, posted by sac on January 2, 2004, at 21:12:38
> I take it once a day and sometimes notice a decrease in mood later.
I've been taking Lamictal twice a day. That is the recommendation found on the package insert. The elimination half-life is variable. It can range from 11-60 hours. The average is 25 hours. For someone who metabolizes Lamictal more rapidly (11 hrs), twice a day is probably better.
- Scott
Posted by Flipsactown on January 5, 2004, at 15:24:38
In reply to Re: Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day? » Flipsactown, posted by sac on January 3, 2004, at 14:32:39
Saw my pdoc today. He suggested taking the lamictal in 3 doses spread out equally morning, noon and bedtime. If that doesn't make a difference, increase lamictal to 400mg and spread out over 2 or 3 doses. If it still does not relieve my depression adequately during the waking hours that I try lithium. He has already given me a script for 300mg of lithium. Hopefully, the increase or spreading the dose of lamictal will give me the desired relief. Hope that helps you.
Flipsactown
> Thanks. I would appreciate hearing what your doc has to say. I am currently in the process of titrating up and only at 100mgs. now. I also take Prozac 20 mgs. daily.
Posted by sac on January 6, 2004, at 21:19:09
In reply to Re: Are people taking Lamictal once or twice/day? » sac, posted by Flipsactown on January 5, 2004, at 15:24:38
Thanks for the info. I see my pdoc next week. I am currently taking the Lamictal morning and evening so I may try adding a midday dose and see what happens.
Posted by NG on January 28, 2004, at 19:08:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal----sudden sleepiness? » zenhussy, posted by Flipsactown on December 14, 2003, at 10:49:12
I had this when I was titrating up (I still am a bit, I'm at 175mg). It was wierd, definitely sudden...BOOM. I was trying some sleep meds at the same time, but dropped it quickly, but this sleepiness kept coming on. It has stopped now
> > Has anyone had any experience with sudden sleepiness on lamotrigine about 3-5 hours after taking it?
> >
> > Does this pass? What experiences do people have with taking this medication at nighttime?
> > Yawn,
> > zenhussy
Posted by whytippi on February 7, 2004, at 14:09:38
In reply to Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness?, posted by katia on December 14, 2003, at 15:22:52
I am on 150mg per day and I am feeling *very* dizzy and nauseous. Did your dizziness subside? What did your doctor say? But--do note: I have also tried eating less carbs and this can make your blood sugar drop which can cause dizziness. I would suggest eating low glycemic carbs (rye, barley, oats rather than processed wheat or white flour products).
> anyone out there on Lamictal get very dizzy and nauseous at 200mg?
> I'm so dizzy like an inner ear thing is going on - also my stomach is not feeling well. Everything going right through me in the liquid form...
> A queazy nervousness in my stomach...
> I'm also on 11ish g. of fish oil.
> I also started the ATkins Diet four days ago - however I was feeling this before then. It's awful. I constantly feel as if I could throw up. AND NO I'M NOT PREGNANT. A sex life - what's that?
> So it could be from one of the above or something else. But it's awful. And I don't think it's a cold or the flu b/c it's been going on for a week now, esp.in the last three days...Atkin's?
> How would eliminating carbs do this to me?
>
> As far as sleepiness on Lam. - it's the opposite for me.
>
> Anyone have insights, comments???
> thanks.
> Katia
>
Posted by katia on February 7, 2004, at 15:54:50
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » katia, posted by whytippi on February 7, 2004, at 14:09:38
Hi,
Wow! I read that post and thought "who wrote that?" and realized it had been me way back in December. I compeletly forgot about experiencing that. I either had just or was getting ready to start Lithium as an augment. And from there, Iwent into a disassociated/numbing/zombie like state that I didn't wake up to until a couple weeks later. I also developed a rash on lam. and stopped it early Jan. and then stopped Li. too due to the cognitive s/e. So I can't really say anymore about the nauseousness. I realize now that I've been overly medicated and need 1/2 of what others need. I'm only on Seroquel and fish oil now. Not sure if it'll stay like this. I feel on the verge of a crash.
anyhoo-
Good luck-
Katia
Posted by lauram on February 8, 2004, at 19:27:00
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » katia, posted by whytippi on February 7, 2004, at 14:09:38
I titrated up to 150 mg of Lamictal. I am also on Depakote at 1250 mg. My Pdoc says that Depakote can cause the Lamictal level to increase so he has had me going to have labs done every two weeks while I am slowly decreasing the Depakote.
With that said, I have noticed not so much as dizziness but instead a clumsiness. I turn too quickly and hit the corner of a wall. Or, I go to pick up items and drop them. I am hoping this goes away over time when the Depakote has been stopped. Don't know if this helps.
Posted by Maxime on February 8, 2004, at 19:51:45
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » katia, posted by whytippi on February 7, 2004, at 14:09:38
Hi. Someone posted about this before and I responded with what I am going to respond now and I am sure you will think I am "nuts". But anyway, when I posted the very same question someone told me to make sure that I had enough salt in my diet while taking Lamictal. Since I am anorexic I do not eat ANY salt. So I used to take a lick of salt before my lamictal and the nauseousness went away. I don't know if it was a placebo effect or what, but it really did work.
Worth a try.
MAxime
> I am on 150mg per day and I am feeling *very* dizzy and nauseous. Did your dizziness subside? What did your doctor say? But--do note: I have also tried eating less carbs and this can make your blood sugar drop which can cause dizziness. I would suggest eating low glycemic carbs (rye, barley, oats rather than processed wheat or white flour products).
>
> > anyone out there on Lamictal get very dizzy and nauseous at 200mg?
> > I'm so dizzy like an inner ear thing is going on - also my stomach is not feeling well. Everything going right through me in the liquid form...
> > A queazy nervousness in my stomach...
> > I'm also on 11ish g. of fish oil.
> > I also started the ATkins Diet four days ago - however I was feeling this before then. It's awful. I constantly feel as if I could throw up. AND NO I'M NOT PREGNANT. A sex life - what's that?
> > So it could be from one of the above or something else. But it's awful. And I don't think it's a cold or the flu b/c it's been going on for a week now, esp.in the last three days...Atkin's?
> > How would eliminating carbs do this to me?
> >
> > As far as sleepiness on Lam. - it's the opposite for me.
> >
> > Anyone have insights, comments???
> > thanks.
> > Katia
> >
>
>
Posted by Parisss on February 10, 2004, at 2:18:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal dizziness or nauseousness? » katia, posted by whytippi on February 7, 2004, at 14:09:38
I am on Lamictal and Welbutrin (along with Xanax XR, and Trileptal) I just had my Welbutrin and Lamictal doubled all at the same time I thought it would be good to stop smoking and started wearing the transdermal "patch". Vertigo set in on me one day in an instant and I was totally unable to stand, walk or see any less than three of everything. That feeling of when we were kids and would spin around for fun and then see how well we could walk for fun? Well this was not FUN. It lasted most of the day and I slept it off. Next day was pretty normal. Day 3 I walked into a grocery store and it hit me in a instant again and I had to have assitance. I grabbed sweets (was cutting down on sugar too that week), grabbed cigarettes (as I had taken the patch off of me for about 3 days at this time), grabbed caffeine (which was less because of the sugar taper) and made it to my car and just smoked, ate sweets and still no results. Day 4, all day headaches and the vertigo and went for blood testing for med levels and glucose (maybe hypoglycemia) and those checked out. Day 5, same thing.
Doctor called me telling me he done some research and found that Lamictal and Wellbutrin together can cause these problems (strong vertigo) and told me to stop the Lamictal for a week and see. The episodes have stopped.
I have done some research and found that the "patch" with wellbutrin can also cause the same problem as can hypertension (and my blood pressure at odd times runs to 160/170, but most of the time stays around 120)
I don't know what to advise you, but check out some of these combinations if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and if anyone is new reading this post, be alert.If anyone has any new info on what I am experiencing, please post. I now don't know whether to try the lamictal w/o the patch, then the patch w/o the lamictal and see if I can pinpoint the villian. I really don't have the time to waste a week nor the inclination to live that over!
Also, I have been very irritable lately and it is getting worse. I notice that was a common complaint in some of the previous posts.
This is the end of the thread.
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