![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 11:08:51
I am now up to 37.5mg daily of lamictal, about to go up to 50 daily for my BPII. I was just wondering at what dose did people begin to notice a change. I've read it usually won't be your final dosing point, you need to keep upping it a bit more, but I was just curious at what dose did you notice a difference, and also what did you top out at?
Thanks
Posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 11:53:40
In reply to Lamictal dosing, posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 11:08:51
I noticed a change at 50 mg.
Posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 13:22:43
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 11:53:40
for the better? or worse....
did you stay there, or keep increasing? What's your status on it now?
thanks
Posted by tryingtobewise on November 17, 2004, at 15:57:55
In reply to Lamictal dosing, posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 11:08:51
I started noticing an improvement of symptoms at 50 mgs. I currently take 100 mgs with no plan or need to change. (I also take 10 mgs Celexa.) Not that you asked, but the only 2 side effects I've noticed are 1) I'm very sensitive to the sun and 2) my hair falls out. Fortunately my hair is thick & hideously bushy so this has not been a problem for me...:)
Good luck,
Kim
Posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 22:43:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 13:22:43
Lamictal is excelent. Never been happier. I just went up to 75 mg, feels more like a useable dose. I had tried 100 mg last week, and decided I was moving to fast.
Posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 22:46:41
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by tryingtobewise on November 17, 2004, at 15:57:55
I noticed the sun thing too. Especialy at 100 mg. other than that no side-effects! Actualy does anyone find they are forgetfull and unfocused. Especialy in higher doses?
Posted by saw on November 18, 2004, at 1:24:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 22:46:41
I tapered from Effexor and started Lamictal a week ago. 1st week at 25mg and now at 50mg. Next week will be 75mg and last week 100mg before decision is taken to up or stay there.
I have had no side effects so far and am pleased the side effects that Effexor gave me are decreasing. (If only the weight would decrease too!)
I never know if it is medication or *me* that makes me feel better but if I had to think about it, I would have to give Lamictal some credit, even if I am only in my second week. My father died suddenly last week and I have a bunch of other stresses but seem to be coping. So it must be helping. (I have major depressive disorder, probable bipolar II and GAD).
Sabrina
Posted by becksA on November 18, 2004, at 10:26:08
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by saw on November 18, 2004, at 1:24:07
Thanks guys, that is something to look forward to hopefully. *knock on wood*
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 10:51:47
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Sebastian on November 17, 2004, at 22:46:41
> I noticed the sun thing too. Especialy at 100 mg. other than that no side-effects! Actualy does anyone find they are forgetfull and unfocused. Especialy in higher doses?
I definitely notice a forgetfulness and unfocus.
The increased motivation, however, offsets this. I just get a lot of things done at once and then forget that I've done them.
Posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 11:29:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing » Sebastian, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 10:51:47
your right about the increased motivation. I do a lot more with out thinking about it.
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 12:14:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 11:29:40
Are you definite BP/BPII?
I thought for sure it meant I was BPII when the lamictal wiped out my anxiety and made me feel empowered and stopped my Celexa-driven self destructive behavior.
Now that it's not working so well (at 250 mgs) I'm not quite so sure.
Posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 17:52:37
In reply to Lamictal dosing, posted by becksA on November 17, 2004, at 11:08:51
My doc wants me to possibly start using Lamictal for my problems with anxiety. Does this sound right?
**I currently refuse to use any benzo meds for my problems with anxiety as I recently went thru a nasty withdrawal from Xanax and never want to go there again!
Anyway, they put me on Depakote for anxiety and I don't want to take that any longer because of the side effects. Now they are talking Lamictal...i don't know!
I am on Lexapro as well but I still have lots of anxiety...
Any help much appreciated!
Posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 18:07:32
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 17:52:37
I think there is no harm in trying Lamictal. If you move up slowly, it's a very "clean" drug.
Be careful of the death rash, of course, but that's easy enough. Cognitively, I've been fine (improved, actually) with the exception of a little memory issues over 200 mgs.
C'mon. Everyone's doing it. It will make you cool.
Posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 19:12:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing » Sebastian, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 12:14:21
Celexa made me feel great when I first started it, and with every increase. That was 3 years ago. Now I just take it to feel good, rather than bad. I'm suspecting the same with lamictal. My diagnosis is schitzoaffective disorder. There is some bi-polar in my genes. Not sure if I was ever truly diagnosed as bi-polar.
Even though you say its not working that well anymore. Would you say that you have not returned back to the same old self destructive self? If not and you just don't notice anymore would be great. I take zyprexa and I think it sort of kills my moods. I think the lamictal is bringing them back. I feel more alive, human, living, in reality; than before. Almost in a way that I did when I was taking half doses of my previous meds; Celexa, zyprexa, wellbutrin SR. Like its undoing the side-effects of meds. I love this this stuff and want to take it forever. Its like no pills with the pills.
Sebastian
PS Yes I suspect that I might be Bi-polar. Just never been told by a doctor.
Posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 19:15:13
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 17:52:37
I think lamictal does wonders for my anxiety! The more I take, the less anxiety I have.
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 19:17:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 18:07:32
Realy! Psychotropics are in now? The new drugs?
Posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 19:25:13
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by CraigD on November 18, 2004, at 18:07:32
> C'mon. Everyone's doing it. It will make you cool.>
Hey, I'm all for the *coolness* factor!! LOL!!
My psych did warn me about "the rash" but he said to up it slowly...of course I have not yet decided if I should try Lamictal or not yet.
I have been on Lexapro for a year or so now and it does work for my depression as when I stop taking it, I become so very very dark. From what I am reading about Lamictal, it sounds like it can give an energy-boost (?) I so need that...my depression is lessened with Lexapro but I still terribly lack energy/motivation, feel fatigue most of the time and have to push myself to get out and do things with my kids and I really HATE that about myself.
My doc did mention to me that Lamictal is for bipolar and that is not my diagnosis but yet he likes Lamictal so well he wants me to try it for GAD...good idea? bad idea?
Posted by theo on November 18, 2004, at 19:25:33
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 17:52:37
My experience, Lexapro is not good for anxiety. Lamictal is activating and for BP depression, does nothing for mania (anxiety).
I have bad axiety with mild depression and Lexapro and Zoloft are horrible for people with anxiety.
Lamictal is good for depression, but is not calming in the least bit.
Posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 19:35:05
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing » Princess Pocahontas, posted by theo on November 18, 2004, at 19:25:33
> My experience, Lexapro is not good for anxiety. Lamictal is activating and for BP depression, does nothing for mania (anxiety).
>
Thanks for the info! Lexapro does work great for my depression but I still have problems with anxiety. I will not use benzo meds any longer for my anxiety even tho they worked well. The addiction is not worth it to me. I only wish I could have a little bit of the mania as I am just a person with no energy, no motivation, no spark under my ass whatsoever! I am currently taking Depakote for my anxiety issues but hate the side fx from it so my doc has me tapering off and is thinking Lamictal would be good for me. He was talking about chemical property of GABA in these meds working ... anyone know about this GABA stuff??
Posted by CraigD on November 19, 2004, at 13:21:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing » CraigD, posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 19:12:21
There is , definitely much less of a self destructive instinct, but I am sinking back into that obsessiveness about interacting with people, paranoia, self consciousness, etc.
The depression hasn't returned so much, but I was really hoping that the lamictal would prevent the anxiety/paranoia backslide as I tapered down to 20 mgs of Celexa.
Maybe there will be a magic dose where the effects won't fade.
I'm going to try it, as I can't return to the soul-less and sexless feeling of being on 40 mgs of Celexa.
I might even add Abilify or Zyprexa. My depression is likely psychotic. Grandma was schizo and dad is BP. Talk about peeing in my gene pool.
Sorry for the long email. It's the lamictal!
Posted by CraigD on November 19, 2004, at 13:22:53
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing-anxiety less » Princess Pocahontas, posted by Sebastian on November 18, 2004, at 19:15:13
S-
How much Lam do you take? Do you split the doses?
Posted by CraigD on November 19, 2004, at 13:25:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing » CraigD, posted by Princess Pocahontas on November 18, 2004, at 19:25:13
> > C'mon. Everyone's doing it. It will make you cool.>
>
> Hey, I'm all for the *coolness* factor!! LOL!!
>
> My psych did warn me about "the rash" but he said to up it slowly...of course I have not yet decided if I should try Lamictal or not yet.
>
> I have been on Lexapro for a year or so now and it does work for my depression as when I stop taking it, I become so very very dark. From what I am reading about Lamictal, it sounds like it can give an energy-boost (?) I so need that...my depression is lessened with Lexapro but I still terribly lack energy/motivation, feel fatigue most of the time and have to push myself to get out and do things with my kids and I really HATE that about myself.
>
> My doc did mention to me that Lamictal is for bipolar and that is not my diagnosis but yet he likes Lamictal so well he wants me to try it for GAD...good idea? bad idea?
>
>Lamictal has done WONDERS for my motivation. On just Celexa nothing would get me out of bed in the morning....my job included.
Posted by Soulnik on November 23, 2004, at 0:28:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal dosing, posted by CraigD on November 19, 2004, at 13:25:04
The jury is still out on me and the Lamictal. I am on 50 mgs as well as 10 mgs of Lexapro and 100 mgs of Topamax for the hypomanias (and the very fabulous help with binge eating). This IS the first week in weeks that I haven't been suicidal - still depressed but not wanting to die. I even have a job interview tomorrow so I guess something good is happening with my brain chemistry! I couldn't have even considered that a few week - even days - ago. (Though I am overwhelmed with racing negative thoughts and feelings about it. Go figure!)
So, I would say, I guess you can see SOME kind of change at a lower dosage but I guess it's different for everyone. I don't know if the change I feel is the combination of drugs or the Lamictal or what. The Lexapro and Lamictal are still relatively new to my system. I go up to 100 mgs of Lamictal in 2 days. I did the Lamictal starter pack which does the increase to 100 mgs over the course of 4 weeks so it's hard to say what my response to it has been and I've only been on Lexapro for about 2 weeks. I'm just hopefully optimistic that the increase to 100 mgs of Lamictal and the combination with the other drugs will buy me some stability that will last long enough for me to build some kind of life. We'll see!
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.