![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 33. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 19:52:01
I've been on 200mg Lamictal for about 8 months. My insurance changed and now I'm allowed to get brand name meds for $30.00 so I switched to brand name Lamictal as I've read it's superior to the generic version. Somehow, I forgot that the brand name Lamictal comes in 200mg versus the generic 100mg. During the last 6 days I have been taking 400mg of Lamictal instead of 200mg(I counted the pills in the bottle). I've had a massive headache and my mood went from functional to severely depressed and angry. Will my mood stabilize now that I've corrected the dose or have I screwed it up and the Lamictal will not work at the lower dose? I know I will know in a few days but has this happen to anyone? If so what was the outcome. I'm so afraid this will bring me back to the darkness.
Thanks,
Lamictal 200mg
Xanax 3 x a day (I belive 1 mg each)
Wellbutrin 300mg
Vyvanse 60mg
Cerefolin
Adderall as neededDiag. MDD (treatment resistant) GAD & PMDD
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on September 13, 2012, at 22:02:35
In reply to Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 19:52:01
Give it 2 or 3 days for your blood levels to stabalise back to the old level and you should be fine
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 22:12:03
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by jono_in_adelaide on September 13, 2012, at 22:02:35
> Give it 2 or 3 days for your blood levels to stabalise back to the old level and you should be fine
Thanks. I hope to get back to normal soon and for the anxiety to level off.
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2012, at 23:15:50
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » jono_in_adelaide, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 22:12:03
Remember brand could be a bit different in strength than generic. Phillipa
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 23:30:18
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2012, at 23:15:50
> Remember brand could be a bit different in strength than generic. Phillipa
That's exactly what I was thinking when I began to have headaches and feel weird. It wasn't until today that I decided to check the bottle to read if the directions had perhaps changed in terms of dividing the dose (100mg morning 100 evening) and that's when I realized what I was doing. That was divine intervention because I only read the directions once. From now on I'm putting all my pills in my weekly pill box. Can't rely on my faulty stupefied brain anymore.
How are you feeling?
Posted by Phillipa on September 14, 2012, at 0:05:49
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » Phillipa, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 23:30:18
I know the feeling well. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on September 14, 2012, at 0:18:55
In reply to Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 19:52:01
> I've been on 200mg Lamictal for about 8 months. My insurance changed and now I'm allowed to get brand name meds for $30.00 so I switched to brand name Lamictal as I've read it's superior to the generic version. Somehow, I forgot that the brand name Lamictal comes in 200mg versus the generic 100mg. During the last 6 days I have been taking 400mg of Lamictal instead of 200mg(I counted the pills in the bottle). I've had a massive headache and my mood went from functional to severely depressed and angry. Will my mood stabilize now that I've corrected the dose or have I screwed it up and the Lamictal will not work at the lower dose? I know I will know in a few days but has this happen to anyone? If so what was the outcome. I'm so afraid this will bring me back to the darkness.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Lamictal 200mg
> Xanax 3 x a day (I belive 1 mg each)
> Wellbutrin 300mg
> Vyvanse 60mg
> Cerefolin
> Adderall as needed
>
> Diag. MDD (treatment resistant) GAD & PMDD
I wouldn't worry about the Lamictal dosing mistake. Lots of people with epilepsy take 500 mg/day. I don't think you somehow "ruined" your ability to respond to it.I'm surprised that you don't have a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in there. How about Nardil? Do you react badly to these drugs? Have you ever tried adding vitamin B6 (or P-5-P)?
- Scott
Posted by brynb on September 14, 2012, at 9:47:01
In reply to Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 19:52:01
> I've been on 200mg Lamictal for about 8 months. My insurance changed and now I'm allowed to get brand name meds for $30.00 so I switched to brand name Lamictal as I've read it's superior to the generic version. Somehow, I forgot that the brand name Lamictal comes in 200mg versus the generic 100mg. During the last 6 days I have been taking 400mg of Lamictal instead of 200mg(I counted the pills in the bottle). I've had a massive headache and my mood went from functional to severely depressed and angry. Will my mood stabilize now that I've corrected the dose or have I screwed it up and the Lamictal will not work at the lower dose? I know I will know in a few days but has this happen to anyone? If so what was the outcome. I'm so afraid this will bring me back to the darkness.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Lamictal 200mg
> Xanax 3 x a day (I belive 1 mg each)
> Wellbutrin 300mg
> Vyvanse 60mg
> Cerefolin
> Adderall as needed
>
> Diag. MDD (treatment resistant) GAD & PMDDHi ihd,
I hope you're feeling better. I'm actually responding because I saw in your dx that you have PMDD. I was never officially diagnosed with it, but I know I have it and my pdoc has been addressing the issue. He wants me to titrate up on my Lexapro for a week or so during my cycle when my PMS starts. How do you deal with it? Have you had any luck?
Thanks,
Bryn
Posted by phidippus on September 14, 2012, at 17:44:03
In reply to Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by ihatedrugs on September 13, 2012, at 19:52:01
Your mood should return to normal in a couple of days. Its weird you had that reaction.
Have you thought of adding another antidepressant?
Eric
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on September 14, 2012, at 18:26:24
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by phidippus on September 14, 2012, at 17:44:03
I have to agree about the second antidepressant, it seems a bit anti-intuitive to be on such a cocktail without having a drug that hits seretonin in the mix somwhere
Posted by SLS on September 15, 2012, at 15:40:23
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by jono_in_adelaide on September 14, 2012, at 18:26:24
> I have to agree about the second antidepressant, it seems a bit anti-intuitive to be on such a cocktail without having a drug that hits seretonin in the mix somwhere
I tend to agree.
Maybe Effexor or Lexapro added to the Wellbutrin?
I know Zoloft is a local favorite.
- Scott
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 15, 2012, at 19:50:13
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on September 14, 2012, at 0:18:55
> > I've been on 200mg Lamictal for about 8 months. My insurance changed and now I'm allowed to get brand name meds for $30.00 so I switched to brand name Lamictal as I've read it's superior to the generic version. Somehow, I forgot that the brand name Lamictal comes in 200mg versus the generic 100mg. During the last 6 days I have been taking 400mg of Lamictal instead of 200mg(I counted the pills in the bottle). I've had a massive headache and my mood went from functional to severely depressed and angry. Will my mood stabilize now that I've corrected the dose or have I screwed it up and the Lamictal will not work at the lower dose? I know I will know in a few days but has this happen to anyone? If so what was the outcome. I'm so afraid this will bring me back to the darkness.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Lamictal 200mg
> > Xanax 3 x a day (I belive 1 mg each)
> > Wellbutrin 300mg
> > Vyvanse 60mg
> > Cerefolin
> > Adderall as needed
> >
> > Diag. MDD (treatment resistant) GAD & PMDD
>
>
> I wouldn't worry about the Lamictal dosing mistake. Lots of people with epilepsy take 500 mg/day. I don't think you somehow "ruined" your ability to respond to it.
>
> I'm surprised that you don't have a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in there. How about Nardil? Do you react badly to these drugs? Have you ever tried adding vitamin B6 (or P-5-P)?
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott,
Just got back from the hospital. Last night I got very lightheaded and my hands became incredibly cold. The right hand got better but the left began tingling as it travel up my arm. I freaked out and told my husband to call 911 because I was afraid I was having a stroke. Anyways, after a million tests everything was normal so the doctors thought it may have been an anxiety attack (though it didn't feel like it).
I have messed my meds regimen and my body or rather brain is out of whack. My psych doctor seems to have given up and lets me have whatever I ask for. I decided to switch to Xanax because I thought Klonopin had lost its effectiveness. I use it for sleep more than for anxiety which hasn't been a big problem for me until now. I also stopped taking Wellbutrin and Lexapro. I went back on the Wellbutrin but not on the Lexapro. It's all a big mess.
Now I have been experiencing panic attacks for the last three nights where I freak out at the thought that I'm going to die or worse that if my husband or kids died, I wouldn't be able to handle it and would go mad. It's just such a terrifying feeling.
So now I'm going back on Klonopin, Wellbutrin and Lexapro, in addition to the ones I kept taking.
My problem is that despite all these meds (tried many excluding MAOIs and TCAs, though did try Emsam patch) I never feel quite right, resulting in me tinkering with the meds. This time however, I've really messed up.
The only med I feel near an 80% improvement is Adderall. Vyvanse I think the dose is to low but I does pick me up somewhat. I only take Adderall when I have to go to a gathering of friends. Without it, is very hard to get motivated.
Sorry if I sound all over the place, but as I type this response, I'm crying yet again.
I used to be someone who loved to go to parties, football games , shopping but now I feel like a shadow of what I used to be. I wasn't always like this, even though I have been battling depression since age 19 (now 49). I used to have very good days, but now it's a struggle. Getting out of bed seems an insurmountable task. I quit working as a teacher last Feb because I couldn't handle the exhaustion anymore.
So at this point, I'm going to try to go back to the meds I stopped, and see if things get better. I am also going to a new psychiatrist as my old one has served her purpose.
I truly apologize for the long post. I always read your replies and you seem very knowledgeable. Do you think this cocktail covers a wider spectrum? Is it too much dopamine? Could I take a Xanax and Clonazepan (in case I need something quicker acting and the other longer acting)?Lamictal 200mg
Vyvanse 60 mg
Lexapro 20 mg
Wellbutrin 300mg
Cerefolin Nac
Magnesium L-threonateI'm also adding B6, calcium and zinc.
Thanks for caring
ihatedrugs
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 15, 2012, at 20:50:16
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by jono_in_adelaide on September 14, 2012, at 18:26:24
> I have to agree about the second antidepressant, it seems a bit anti-intuitive to be on such a cocktail without having a drug that hits seretonin in the mix somwhere
Hi, it was my fault getting off the Lexapro. If your read my reply to Scott you can get a better idea of my situation. Thanks for replying
Greetings
ihatedrugs
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 15, 2012, at 21:20:06
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by brynb on September 14, 2012, at 9:47:01
> > I've been on 200mg Lamictal for about 8 months. My insurance changed and now I'm allowed to get brand name meds for $30.00 so I switched to brand name Lamictal as I've read it's superior to the generic version. Somehow, I forgot that the brand name Lamictal comes in 200mg versus the generic 100mg. During the last 6 days I have been taking 400mg of Lamictal instead of 200mg(I counted the pills in the bottle). I've had a massive headache and my mood went from functional to severely depressed and angry. Will my mood stabilize now that I've corrected the dose or have I screwed it up and the Lamictal will not work at the lower dose? I know I will know in a few days but has this happen to anyone? If so what was the outcome. I'm so afraid this will bring me back to the darkness.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Lamictal 200mg
> > Xanax 3 x a day (I belive 1 mg each)
> > Wellbutrin 300mg
> > Vyvanse 60mg
> > Cerefolin
> > Adderall as needed
> >
> > Diag. MDD (treatment resistant) GAD & PMDD
>
> Hi ihd,
>
> I hope you're feeling better. I'm actually responding because I saw in your dx that you have PMDD. I was never officially diagnosed with it, but I know I have it and my pdoc has been addressing the issue. He wants me to titrate up on my Lexapro for a week or so during my cycle when my PMS starts. How do you deal with it? Have you had any luck?
>
> Thanks,
> BrynHo Bryn,
My PMDD was diagnosed by my first psychiatrist who after being admitted to the psychward noticed how I went from going crazy and not wanting to live to a close 180 degree turn after 4 days of beginning Remeron. He noticed I looked chirper and more engaging and asked me what had changed in the last four days. I couldn't think of anything and told me that it must be the new medication. He replied that this med would not cause such a change in mood in such a short amount of time. So I began to think and told him that the only thing I could think of was that I had just gotten my period the night before. That's when he diagnosed me with MDD with concomitant PMDD. I took Prozac for a while and I guess it worked for the most part. The problem with ssris is that many of them caused me to gain weight and after my horrific experience from the 50 lbs gained from Remeron, I wanted to try something that didn't affect my weight too much. Lexapro and Prozac are the only ones not having this effect on my weight. Especially, when I use it along with Wellbutrin and Vyvanse. The only thing I have noticed is that since beginning Lamictal (8months ago)I have noticed an exacerbation of my PMDD. So I'm going to try going back to 20 mg of Lexapro and maintain a mood chart to see if it really makes a difference. I've read that the Maca root plant from Peru sold as a supplement is pretty effective for easing PMDD. I bought it but just don't keep a consistent plan. After I get back to my now measly normal, I'll attempt to give it a clean consistent try. I've also read about birth control pills since some of them will shorten your periods to just 3 periods a year or one a year. I'm going to speak with Gyn and explore my options. PMDD is horrific. I call it the curse. I even tell my daughters that as silly as the Adam and Eve story sounds there must be something to it. Us women who suffer from PMDD must have taken a bite of the apple.
I hope you feel better too. Keep me posted if you find anything out.
grettings,
ihatedrugs
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 15, 2012, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by phidippus on September 14, 2012, at 17:44:03
> Your mood should return to normal in a couple of days. Its weird you had that reaction.
>
> Have you thought of adding another antidepressant?
>
> EricThanks Eric. I am considering adding Lexapro back into he mix.
Grettings,
ihatedrugs
Posted by brynb on September 16, 2012, at 0:22:18
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » brynb, posted by ihatedrugs on September 15, 2012, at 21:20:06
> Ho Bryn,
>
> My PMDD was diagnosed by my first psychiatrist who after being admitted to the psychward noticed how I went from going crazy and not wanting to live to a close 180 degree turn after 4 days of beginning Remeron. He noticed I looked chirper and more engaging and asked me what had changed in the last four days. I couldn't think of anything and told me that it must be the new medication. He replied that this med would not cause such a change in mood in such a short amount of time. So I began to think and told him that the only thing I could think of was that I had just gotten my period the night before. That's when he diagnosed me with MDD with concomitant PMDD. I took Prozac for a while and I guess it worked for the most part. The problem with ssris is that many of them caused me to gain weight and after my horrific experience from the 50 lbs gained from Remeron, I wanted to try something that didn't affect my weight too much. Lexapro and Prozac are the only ones not having this effect on my weight. Especially, when I use it along with Wellbutrin and Vyvanse. The only thing I have noticed is that since beginning Lamictal (8months ago)I have noticed an exacerbation of my PMDD. So I'm going to try going back to 20 mg of Lexapro and maintain a mood chart to see if it really makes a difference. I've read that the Maca root plant from Peru sold as a supplement is pretty effective for easing PMDD. I bought it but just don't keep a consistent plan. After I get back to my now measly normal, I'll attempt to give it a clean consistent try. I've also read about birth control pills since some of them will shorten your periods to just 3 periods a year or one a year. I'm going to speak with Gyn and explore my options. PMDD is horrific. I call it the curse. I even tell my daughters that as silly as the Adam and Eve story sounds there must be something to it. Us women who suffer from PMDD must have taken a bite of the apple.
>
> I hope you feel better too. Keep me posted if you find anything out.
>
> grettings,
> ihatedrugs
We certainly suffer more! My mom calls me "hormonal". I can't really argue with that. (As if depression on its own isn't enough.)Lexapro has been my tried and true SRI (and, like you mentioned, no weight gain). My pdoc has me going up on my dose this week (from 20 to 30 mg) to deal with the PMDD, and then back down to 20 mg later in my cycle. He's smart and seems to get it, so I'm hoping this plan will pan out. Plus, I'm struggling right now with my mood and feeling like I'm going off the deep end, so perhaps raising my Lexapro will help all around.
Sounds as if Lexapro or Prozac would be a good addition to your current cocktail. Hang in there and feel better soon :).
-b
Posted by ihatedrugs on September 16, 2012, at 23:15:54
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by brynb on September 16, 2012, at 0:22:18
> > Ho Bryn,
> >
> > My PMDD was diagnosed by my first psychiatrist who after being admitted to the psychward noticed how I went from going crazy and not wanting to live to a close 180 degree turn after 4 days of beginning Remeron. He noticed I looked chirper and more engaging and asked me what had changed in the last four days. I couldn't think of anything and told me that it must be the new medication. He replied that this med would not cause such a change in mood in such a short amount of time. So I began to think and told him that the only thing I could think of was that I had just gotten my period the night before. That's when he diagnosed me with MDD with concomitant PMDD. I took Prozac for a while and I guess it worked for the most part. The problem with ssris is that many of them caused me to gain weight and after my horrific experience from the 50 lbs gained from Remeron, I wanted to try something that didn't affect my weight too much. Lexapro and Prozac are the only ones not having this effect on my weight. Especially, when I use it along with Wellbutrin and Vyvanse. The only thing I have noticed is that since beginning Lamictal (8months ago)I have noticed an exacerbation of my PMDD. So I'm going to try going back to 20 mg of Lexapro and maintain a mood chart to see if it really makes a difference. I've read that the Maca root plant from Peru sold as a supplement is pretty effective for easing PMDD. I bought it but just don't keep a consistent plan. After I get back to my now measly normal, I'll attempt to give it a clean consistent try. I've also read about birth control pills since some of them will shorten your periods to just 3 periods a year or one a year. I'm going to speak with Gyn and explore my options. PMDD is horrific. I call it the curse. I even tell my daughters that as silly as the Adam and Eve story sounds there must be something to it. Us women who suffer from PMDD must have taken a bite of the apple.
> >
> > I hope you feel better too. Keep me posted if you find anything out.
> >
> > grettings,
> > ihatedrugs
>
>
> We certainly suffer more! My mom calls me "hormonal". I can't really argue with that. (As if depression on its own isn't enough.)
>
> Lexapro has been my tried and true SRI (and, like you mentioned, no weight gain). My pdoc has me going up on my dose this week (from 20 to 30 mg) to deal with the PMDD, and then back down to 20 mg later in my cycle. He's smart and seems to get it, so I'm hoping this plan will pan out. Plus, I'm struggling right now with my mood and feeling like I'm going off the deep end, so perhaps raising my Lexapro will help all around.
>
> Sounds as if Lexapro or Prozac would be a good addition to your current cocktail. Hang in there and feel better soon :).
>
> -bHi brynb,
This week has been hell for me and today I woke up much better. Later in the afternoon, I got my period (two weeks early, again). So all these craziness may have not been completely the result of my med mix up but PMS. I believe I may be going through perimenopause and it's messing up my regular cycle. Two periods in one month with severe PMS symptoms...I can't believe it. I'm calling my gyn tomorrow to discuss my options and also stay with Lexapro and perhaps do what you do and raise the dose during hell week.
I'll keep you posted if I learn anything we don't already know. Take careihatedrugs
Posted by SLS on September 17, 2012, at 7:29:17
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » brynb, posted by ihatedrugs on September 16, 2012, at 23:15:54
> raise the dose during hell week.
> I'll keep you posted if I learn anything we don't already know. Take careHas anyone made a compelling argument that cycling doses of an SSRI is advantageous to keeping the dosage the same throughout the month? Perhaps using a constant dosage would prevent hell week from happening altogether. I don't know, but I would consider this to be a critical question to have answered by your doctors.
- Scott
Posted by brynb on September 17, 2012, at 9:21:31
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on September 17, 2012, at 7:29:17
> > raise the dose during hell week.
> > I'll keep you posted if I learn anything we don't already know. Take care
>
> Has anyone made a compelling argument that cycling doses of an SSRI is advantageous to keeping the dosage the same throughout the month? Perhaps using a constant dosage would prevent hell week from happening altogether. I don't know, but I would consider this to be a critical question to have answered by your doctors.
>
>
> - ScottMy pdoc wants to try this "experiment" with me this week. He thinks that raising my SRI dose at a certain point in my cycle (then going back to my usual dose) could be beneficial in controlling the symptoms. I believe "normal" (non-depressed) women who experience PMDD are put on a SRI only during a window in their cycle to help with it. He didn't seem certain that this would work, but wanted to give it a try.
-b
Posted by phidippus on September 17, 2012, at 15:36:10
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » SLS, posted by brynb on September 17, 2012, at 9:21:31
There's nothing in the literature to support this as a valid therapeutic technique.
The practice of dosing women with PMDD only during their cycle is also a practice with no basis of support in the way of studies.
Eric
Posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2012, at 20:25:37
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » SLS, posted by brynb on September 17, 2012, at 9:21:31
Many obgyns use prozac for this time. I'd also get hormone levels checked. Could be a bioidentical hormone addition would help emensly. Phillipa
Posted by brynb on September 18, 2012, at 8:56:01
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » brynb, posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2012, at 20:25:37
> Many obgyns use prozac for this time. I'd also get hormone levels checked. Could be a bioidentical hormone addition would help emensly. Phillipa
Thanks, Phillipa. Could be. I'm due for a visit, so I'll run things be her. Thanks!
Posted by 4WD on September 24, 2012, at 9:08:31
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help! » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on September 14, 2012, at 0:18:55
What exactly is Lamictal suppose to do? Is there any chance it could swing someone into hypomania? If not, what is most likely to?
Marsha
Posted by phidippus on September 24, 2012, at 13:53:51
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by 4WD on September 24, 2012, at 9:08:31
Lamictal is a mood stabilizer.
>Is there any chance it could swing someone into hypomania? If not, what is most likely to?
It made me hypomanic.
Antidepressants are more likely to cause hypomania.
Eric
Posted by Jeroen on September 27, 2012, at 13:18:52
In reply to Re: Took double dose of Lamictal for 6 days. Help!, posted by 4WD on September 24, 2012, at 9:08:31
lamictal caused hypomanic psychosis in me!!!
been on 2 anti psychotics for years now, doesnt go away, be carefull!!
Go forward in 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.