Posted by JohnL on February 5, 2001, at 18:59:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal restart dosage help: attn:JohnL all, posted by Sulpicia on February 5, 2001, at 12:06:33
Hello,
I'm really sorry how tough things are right now. I can definitely relate. I don't think there's anything I can say that would help. You seem to be doing everything right.
My pdoc told me that Lamictal has considerable action on the brain chemical dopamine. And since there was a decent response to Lamictal, that could be a hint that dopamine drugs should be explored.You've already looked at Wellbutrin. And Adderall. Another drug though that I personally think should be at the very top of the list is Zyprexa, preferably combined with Prozac. Zyprexa+Prozac. And if Zyprexa doesn't work out either (I bet it would though), then replace it with Risperdal.
With either of these, I would look for a hint of a decent response within a week, a stronger hint by week 2. In clinical trials Zyprexa or Risperdal have been shown to speed antidepressant response often within one week. Best with Prozac. One clinical trial in particular showed how Zyprexa+Prozac has profound antidepressant action in treatment resistent cases. Based on my own excellent response to these meds, I agree.
Zyprexa is not only very powerful for treating depression, but it is also officially approved now to treat mania in bipolar. It can be tried as a replacement for mood stabilizers.
Zyprexa usually causes sedation. It is good for sleep, though its onset is kind of slow but steady. I take it with dinner. After the first couple days or maybe a week, any daytime sedation goes away.
In the meantime, you are monitoring the Lamictal situation very closely and deserve a lot of credit for that. I would stop the Adderall. She doesn't like it. A superior match of drugs will allow her to function and feel better.
Hang in there! Please keep us informed.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:52762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010131/msgs/53381.html