Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 354588

Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

Hi! I've been diagnosed with BPII. I don't have any more hypomania episodes. I'm chronically depressed.

I'm currently on the following meds:

Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)

My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.

What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(

AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by memphisraines on June 7, 2004, at 16:11:12

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

i had the same problem, but my doc put me on concerta(stimulant) and it seemed to help

 

Please Read Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Angel Girl

Posted by watergirl on June 7, 2004, at 18:32:25

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

Dear AG,
Just my experience.........
Concerta makes me very sleepy.(suggested by the previous poster). I think we might have to try amphetamine. I see my pdoc on fri. Ill Let you know if I find something to help me.
Someone on the board suggested Klonopin made her too sleepy. I Take Klonopin. I dont think its a problem for zapping my energy.
While I was on Effexor I fell asleep everywhere(even on the bathroom floor at work). And I had anxiety like I never experienced before or since. It was awfull. Sleepy and Anxious all at the same time, but magnified. Yuck!

Wellbutrin was great for energy and motivation. I thought it was a my miricle drug. I was up to 450 mgs xl. Never felt better. Untill I landed in ICU for four days because of seizures. Strangley I was on Trileptal too, and it didnt protect me. I would take the risk of taking it again if my doctor would let me. Wellbutrin isnt supposed to cause mania in BiPolars(at least not as the SSRi's do)

Is the Hydroxyzine an antihistamine? They are nortoroius for causing drowsiness.

I Too have been diagnosed BP2 (along wit add and origanily,Major Depression). Sort of wish I had hypomania and not the chronic depression.
I'm currently on the following meds:
Lexapro 20mgs
Klonopin .5 at night
Gabatril 12mgs
Concerta 18mgs
Xanex .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)

I need help too.

Best Wishes,
Cindy


> Hi! I've been diagnosed with BPII. I don't have any more hypomania episodes. I'm chronically depressed.
>
> I'm currently on the following meds:
>
> Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
>
> What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
>
> AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr

Posted by Sebastian on June 9, 2004, at 12:00:36

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

That should work

 

Re: Please Read Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » watergirl

Posted by Angel Girl on June 10, 2004, at 4:15:43

In reply to Please Read Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Angel Girl, posted by watergirl on June 7, 2004, at 18:32:25

Hi Cindy

I copied below what I found on another site in regards to hydroxyzine. I hope it is ok to post it here. In my case I'm using it as an antihistamine to combat the itchiness that I get from the Effexor XR that I'm taking.

I'm also going to my pdoc on Friday and I'll see what she has to say.

I'd like to trade the depression for hypomania sometimes too. I'm so tired of feeling depressed all the time. I never minded my hypomania episodes, except I spent WAY too much money (grosss understatement). Maybe I should bring up the suggestion of a amphetamine with my pdoc. All I know is I have to do something.


What is hydroxyzine?
• Hydroxyzine depresses activity in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which causes relaxation and relief from anxiety. Therefore, hydroxyzine is used to treat anxiety disorders and tension in stressful situations--before surgery, for example.
• Hydroxyzine may also increase the effects of other medicines, such as pain relievers and sedatives, so it is useful after surgery also.
• Hydroxyzine is also an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. This makes hydroxyzine useful for treating allergic conditions, especially those that involve the skin, such as hives, itching, and rashes.
• Hydroxyzine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Anyway, let me know how you make out on Friday and I'll see what my pdoc suggests too. Unfortunately I think I'm now starting to have problems with my Lamictal and may have to abruptly come off it so she might not want to make any other changes. Gotta love all these med changes. NOT!!!

Good luck,
AG


> Dear AG,
> Just my experience.........
> Concerta makes me very sleepy.(suggested by the previous poster). I think we might have to try amphetamine. I see my pdoc on fri. Ill Let you know if I find something to help me.
> Someone on the board suggested Klonopin made her too sleepy. I Take Klonopin. I dont think its a problem for zapping my energy.
> While I was on Effexor I fell asleep everywhere(even on the bathroom floor at work). And I had anxiety like I never experienced before or since. It was awfull. Sleepy and Anxious all at the same time, but magnified. Yuck!
>
> Wellbutrin was great for energy and motivation. I thought it was a my miricle drug. I was up to 450 mgs xl. Never felt better. Untill I landed in ICU for four days because of seizures. Strangley I was on Trileptal too, and it didnt protect me. I would take the risk of taking it again if my doctor would let me. Wellbutrin isnt supposed to cause mania in BiPolars(at least not as the SSRi's do)
>
> Is the Hydroxyzine an antihistamine? They are nortoroius for causing drowsiness.
>
> I Too have been diagnosed BP2 (along wit add and origanily,Major Depression). Sort of wish I had hypomania and not the chronic depression.
> I'm currently on the following meds:
> Lexapro 20mgs
> Klonopin .5 at night
> Gabatril 12mgs
> Concerta 18mgs
> Xanex .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> I need help too.
>
> Best Wishes,
> Cindy
>
>
> > Hi! I've been diagnosed with BPII. I don't have any more hypomania episodes. I'm chronically depressed.
> >
> > I'm currently on the following meds:
> >
> > Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> > Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> > Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> > Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> > Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> > Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
> >
> > My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
> >
> > What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
> >
> > AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)
>
>

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr » Sebastian

Posted by Angel Girl on June 10, 2004, at 4:28:25

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr, posted by Sebastian on June 9, 2004, at 12:00:36

> That should work
>


Hi Sebastian

I'll put that on my list of questions.

Thanks,
AG

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr

Posted by pretty_paints on June 10, 2004, at 9:53:01

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr » Sebastian, posted by Angel Girl on June 10, 2004, at 4:28:25

Hi, can I just ask, what is restless leg syndrome??

I have this thing where sometimes I jerk about, my arms and legs. Its not automatic, I do it, but I just feel like I'm stuck in my skin or something!! Like, my skins too tight for my body.

Is this similar?? I used to just think I was a big weirdo!

xx

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr » pretty_paints

Posted by Angel Girl on June 13, 2004, at 8:25:24

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - Wellbutrin sr, posted by pretty_paints on June 10, 2004, at 9:53:01

> Hi, can I just ask, what is restless leg syndrome??
>
> I have this thing where sometimes I jerk about, my arms and legs. Its not automatic, I do it, but I just feel like I'm stuck in my skin or something!! Like, my skins too tight for my body.
>
> Is this similar?? I used to just think I was a big weirdo!
>
> xx


pp

Hi! It's really kinda hard to explain. There is no pain involved, just an extreme uncomfortableness (is that a word?)or compulsion to move your legs. You feel extremely aggitated and you feel that you must keep moving them. I've heard that some people get this same sensation in their arms but I don't think that is very common. It is extremely horrible and makes getting to sleep virtually impossible without taking something to relieve or inhibit the feeling. I've tried walking in the daytime to help it but nothing seems to work. I originally started taking Tylenol before I went to bed but after awhile that didn't work either so I went to my GP and he prescribed Klonopin. I take it at minimum 1/2 hr before I go to bed and I never have a problem. Funny thing is that for me, Klonopin does absolutely nothing for anxiety, which I think is why it is usually prescribed. I take Xanax for anxiety.

Does this help? Is this what you have? People describe it in different ways and I've often heard people think they're just weird and never knew there was a REAL existing condition with an actual name assigned to it.

Ask your dr for Klonopin and see if it helps you. As far as I've researched, it is the most common med prescribed for RLS.

Good luck,
AG

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by Harlock on June 21, 2004, at 13:22:33

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

I believe I'm a BPII as well. All I know is that if I stop taking Wellbutrin XL, I can't stay awake during the day. My depression is like an energy magnet. My body just wants to shut down.. It seems like a defense mechanism as I don't have any depression when I'm sleeping. Not sure if that makes any sense to anyone.

Sleeping for me is my only escape from how bad I'm feeling. I generally have good dreams that I remember for a short time, so sleeping gets me away from "myself".

Unfortunately we all need to make a living, so daytime sleepiness is not an option. WB alone wasn't doing it for me, so my pdoc put me on Adderal. I'm still tired, and sleep A LOT. 11-12 hours every night. I never get into work on time, and can barely work an 8 hour day.

Oh well, I'm just ranting now...

> Hi! I've been diagnosed with BPII. I don't have any more hypomania episodes. I'm chronically depressed.
>
> I'm currently on the following meds:
>
> Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
>
> What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
>
> AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by woolav on June 25, 2004, at 11:58:45

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Harlock on June 21, 2004, at 13:22:33

Harlock, I too feel exhausted all the time and I only take paxil and 1mg of zanax that I split up daily. And i think the exhaustion is making me feel depressed too. So, I dont know what to do either.
good luck

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Angel Girl

Posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:09:34

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

Well, personally, I'd get off the depakote. I had severe off and on fatigue for years, and it turned out that it was caused by the depakote. I still get fatigued, but only from my depression, and not severely like when I was on dep.

Also, ask your Doc about Wellbutrin. I'm on the XR (or XL?) and it definately gives me energy. Without it, I can barely get anything done. My doc recently gave me Adderal XR, to give me more energy. I don't think it's working.

Good luck!.

> Hi! I've been diagnosed with BPII. I don't have any more hypomania episodes. I'm chronically depressed.
>
> I'm currently on the following meds:
>
> Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
>
> What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
>
> AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by Laree on July 8, 2004, at 9:40:48

In reply to Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:00:41

Personally, I did not have a good experience with Effexor XR (@ 75 mg.); while on it, I was very anxious & it did not help me for depression. I've found Lexapro (or even Zoloft or Celexa for that matter) much better for me.
I've also been on Xanax, Klonopin, and Hydroxyzine (sp?) in the past. I remember that Xanax (.5 mg.) made me feel sleepy; same with the Klonopin. One good thing about immediate-release Xanax is that it doesn't tend to hang one over so much like Klonopin can--but then, I think Klonopin is usually used as more of an everyday 'maintenance' sort of med. but it could be making you feel groggy/tired during the day...
I was on hydroxyzine (sp?) for a while to help with sleep/anxiety and it's like benadryl--it tends to make you tired/sleepy; I took in in the P.M., but you said take it 3x/day--maybe that's the culprit, esp. combined with the other meds you're on? Have you tried anything else for the itching--an allergy med. that wouldn't cause you so much fatigue maybe? I'd ask your doctor about a possible alternative. I've heard that Depakote can really make you feel tired, but I've never been on it. Honestly, it sounds like your meds are stealing your energy. Just looking at your list, I cannot imagine anyone would be very active/lively on that combination. It sounds like something really needs to be adjusted/eliminated/switched with your med. regimen.
Best,
L.

>
> I'm currently on the following meds:
>
> Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
>
> My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
>
> What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
>
> AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Harlock

Posted by Angel Girl on July 8, 2004, at 22:21:39

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Angel Girl, posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:09:34

> Well, personally, I'd get off the depakote. I had severe off and on fatigue for years, and it turned out that it was caused by the depakote. I still get fatigued, but only from my depression, and not severely like when I was on dep.
>
> Also, ask your Doc about Wellbutrin. I'm on the XR (or XL?) and it definately gives me energy. Without it, I can barely get anything done. My doc recently gave me Adderal XR, to give me more energy. I don't think it's working.
>
> Good luck!.
>


Harlock

I'm already in the process of weaning off of Depakote but since posting this thread I had to abruptly come off of Lamictal due to a mild case of SJS. Unfortunately, that left me no choice but to continue with the Depakote longer than I wanted to. Today Topamax was added to replace the Lamictal. I haven't started taking it yet, getting the rx filled at the drug store tomorrow.

AG

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Laree

Posted by Angel Girl on July 8, 2004, at 22:29:44

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Laree on July 8, 2004, at 9:40:48

> Personally, I did not have a good experience with Effexor XR (@ 75 mg.); while on it, I was very anxious & it did not help me for depression. I've found Lexapro (or even Zoloft or Celexa for that matter) much better for me.
> I've also been on Xanax, Klonopin, and Hydroxyzine (sp?) in the past. I remember that Xanax (.5 mg.) made me feel sleepy; same with the Klonopin. One good thing about immediate-release Xanax is that it doesn't tend to hang one over so much like Klonopin can--but then, I think Klonopin is usually used as more of an everyday 'maintenance' sort of med. but it could be making you feel groggy/tired during the day...
> I was on hydroxyzine (sp?) for a while to help with sleep/anxiety and it's like benadryl--it tends to make you tired/sleepy; I took in in the P.M., but you said take it 3x/day--maybe that's the culprit, esp. combined with the other meds you're on? Have you tried anything else for the itching--an allergy med. that wouldn't cause you so much fatigue maybe? I'd ask your doctor about a possible alternative. I've heard that Depakote can really make you feel tired, but I've never been on it. Honestly, it sounds like your meds are stealing your energy. Just looking at your list, I cannot imagine anyone would be very active/lively on that combination. It sounds like something really needs to be adjusted/eliminated/switched with your med. regimen.
> Best,
> L.
>
>
>
> >
> > I'm currently on the following meds:
> >
> > Effexor XR - 75mg/AM, 112.5mg/PM (considering an increase due to worsing depression)
> > Depakote - 500mg/PM (currently weaning off)
> > Lamictal - 75mg/AM - 75mg/PM (currently increasing to replace the Depakote)
> > Klonopin - .5mg/3x daily (for restless leg syndrome)
> > Hydroxyzine - 25mg/3x daily (to eleviate itchiness from the Effexor XR)
> > Xanax - .5mg/2x daily (as required for anxiety - rarely required)
> >
> > My problem is that I am TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!! I could sleep all day. I never feel alert. I'm exhausted ALL the time, NO energy, NO stamina.
> >
> > What would you suggest? PLEASE, I need advice DESPERATELY. Is there a med I can take that will give me more energy and stamina but yet not inhibit my ability to sleep at night? :(
> >
> > AG (who needs to stay awake and be alert)
>
>


Laree

I agree, I think it is the combination of the Klonopin 3X daily, the hydroxyzine 3X daily and the Depakote 2X daily. I've tried other allergy meds and they didn't help. My itching is lessening so I'm taking the hydroxyzine as required now. Unfortunately, I'm still very tired. As far as the Depakote is concerned, the plan was to wean off of it. Not sure if we are still going that route since I've had to come off of Lamictal abruptly. I HATE Depakote and will be very happy when I don't have to take it anymore. BTW, it doesn't help matters any when one of my kitties decides it's playtime in the middle of the night and he wants me to participate so he wakes me up by jumping all over me.

AG

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by Harlock on July 9, 2004, at 10:07:21

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Harlock, posted by Angel Girl on July 8, 2004, at 22:21:39

Question for ya. How long were you on Lamictal before you noticed the negative side effects?
I'm only on day 3 and I haven't noticed any side effects, so far anyway.

Thanks.

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Harlock

Posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2004, at 11:39:28

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Harlock on July 9, 2004, at 10:07:21

> Question for ya. How long were you on Lamictal before you noticed the negative side effects?
> I'm only on day 3 and I haven't noticed any side effects, so far anyway.
>
> Thanks.
>

Harlock

The side effect usually happens in the first 6 months IF you are going to get it. You should start off on an extremely low dosage (I started off on 1/2 of recommended starting dosage) and tirate up VERY slowly. I did it FAR slower than what is instructed by the manufacturer. I had absolutely no side effects whatsoever until I started with the mouth sores followed by the rashes at approximately 9 months. Of course, when you've been on a med for that long with no side effects (a first for me) I was VERY discouraged for this to happen and to have to come off of it.

Good luck!!! Just go realllllllly slow!!!

BTW, I started at 12.5mg and tirated 12.5mg every 2 weeks. It took me a long time to get the the 150mg that I was at when I had the problem. :(

Hope your luck is better. A lot of people have success on this med but since you're already having problems you MUST call your pdoc immediately.

AG

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!

Posted by Harlock on July 9, 2004, at 11:56:54

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Harlock, posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2004, at 11:39:28

No no.. actually I'm not having problems... the skin falling off in my mouth has an unknown cause. It could be the wellbutrin, the symbiax, or just some odd "illness". I haven't had any side effects from Lamictal yet.

Wow, I can't believe the side effects can show up so late. I usually get side effects from meds very early, pretty much right away, then they taper off.

My pdoc also warned me to go up on this med very slowly. I'm following the manufacturers sample kit, it has 1 month's worth of pills with daily dosages and such. So, that's faster than what you did. What happens if you go up on this med too quickly? Bad side effects? I have no interest in doing that.. just curious.

Aside from the side effects, did Lamictal help you at all? I'm desperate for some med to work for me. I've had such bad luck so far.

I'm getting really tired of this 2 "ok" days, 1-2 super depressed days. I ping pong like crazy lately. The doc thought Lamictal would help alleviate this. I hope it does, and I really hope I don't get the rashes.

Take care,

-H-

 

Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!! » Harlock

Posted by Angel Girl on July 12, 2004, at 1:15:08

In reply to Re: Depressed and EXHAUSTED - HELP!!!, posted by Harlock on July 9, 2004, at 11:56:54


Harlock

Ok, I guess I was confused. Have you talked to your pdoc or GP about your problem? Somebody must be able to diagnose what's going on with your mouth.

Side effects usually do show up early on or at dosage changes but I did read that it was possible for it to happen with Lamictal after 6 months, although rare.

If you start at either a dosage that is too high and/or tirate too fast, then you run the risk of side effects, especially in this case, the rash. I'm not sure what all you're taking but I am also on Depakote. There is a drug interaction between Depakote and Lamictal. They *can* be taken together but it meant I had to tirate the Lamictal at 1/2 the dosage and speed as somebody who isn't on Depakote and that the highest dosage I could be on for Lamictal would be half the amount for those who are not on Depakote. The manufacturer gives several methods of tirating, so be sure to check them all out and do whichever one you would feel most comfortable using. I went far more conservative than even the manufacturer recommended. You can also find tirating methods on the net.

I had absolutely NO side effects whatsoever on Lamictal until I got the rash at approx 9 months. I couldn't believe that I had finally found a med with no side effects. I should've known it was too good to be true.

One more thing I should tell you, I'm *extremely* med sensitive.

As far as whether it worked for me, at the time I was taking it, I wasn't really sure if it was or not. I can't seem to get rid of the depression no matter what I take. I did notice however that after I stopped the Lamictal, my depression did get worse so I guess it was working. I can't really say that anything I take really works all that great for me. Of course, I'm light years better than I was a couple of years ago when I was *EXTREMELY* suicidal. I never thought in a million years that I would still be here today. I was determined I was going to kill myself. Depakote changed that. It literally saved my life.

I don't have the mood swings anymore like you do, I once was a URC and it was the worst thing that I ever went through. I thought I was going crazy. I almost checked myself into the hospital, which I swore I would never do. So, where you have the mood swings, I have constant depression, some days better than others, no day feeling better than *blah*.

Unfortunately, I haven't found any medication that has helped me in that regard. I think I need a *happy* drug now. :) Is there such a thing?

I hope Lamictal works for you and without any side effects, especially any rashes. Keep me posted on how your progress is going. Good luck!!!

Angel Girl


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