Posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 9:44:44
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 8:26:43
> Mondeo,
>
> I haven't posted for awhile, but I must echo JohnX2's advice. I too am Bipolar II, and Lamictal (+ Parnate and fish oil) have only recently made a big difference, possibly the silver bullet, that I have been searching for countless years.
>
> The most substantial attribute for me that it has cleared up the brain fog, the mental lethargy, that has clouded by thinking. It also seems true that is gives a good, if not robust, antidepressant effect. Why not try it as a monotherapy, but add an AD later on if needed?
>
> Lithium worked OK as a mood to level out my infrequent ups and down, but did nothing to lift my confused thinking and depression.
>
> However, I don't know what did the job, because I started the Lamictal, Parnate, and fish oil at the same time. I would like to know, so perhaps starting Lamictal solely would be a good idea. Perhaps it's a moot point; I should be happy with my success.
>
> BTW, I'm not completely out of the dark, as I still experience some anhedonia. I've only been on this combination for a month, going up slowly.
>
> Good luck. Lamictal if definitely worth a try.
Jeff,
What were you taking prior to the MAOI? The only combo that keeps most of my syx at bay is tricyclic/ssri. I am a very "soft" cycling with atypical features and seasonal. Every year in Feb. my depression worsens. Start with hypersomnia, then cycle to high anxiety. I did fine the last 5 1/2 months on just the imipramine until Feb. when I went back on the Paxil due to anxiety. I'm considering switching psych. doc because mine won't put me on an MAOI. I know this drug would probably work very well for me. I'm going to give the Lamictal another try though. I think I need more of a theraputic dose. He just had me on 25mg in am and 25mg at night. I didn't notice any improvement with the dose this low. I need that silver bullet!! It's the darn physical syx's of confusion and being unable to concentrate. Like walking around in a fog. I can't stand this. I'm a psychiatric nurse of all things and I need to be mentally sharp in my line of work. I've never really been hypomanic. I would say I'm more of hyperthymic with my ups. Good energy too! High doses of antidepressants can send me into "soft" hypomania late spring. I'm depression dominated in with this illness. It's the confusion and concentration that break through that I'm serching for the right cocktail of meds!!!!
Laura.
poster:polarbear206
thread:102360
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/102379.html