Posted by polarbear206 on November 4, 2002, at 8:24:38
In reply to Lamictal, **Indications**..., posted by Maximus on November 3, 2002, at 21:20:24
> I just want to add my knowledge here, based on my experience, reading, studies, pdoc's chat and facts.
>
> FDA is going to approve soon Lamictal as "long-term management of ***DEPRESSIVE*** episodes in bipolar I/II disorder".
>
> - Lamictal is NOT more effective than placebo in the prevention of mania.
>
> - Lamictal is NOT a replacement for the classic mood stabilizers. It is an add-on. Period.
>
> - Lamictal CAN precipitate mania like any others antidepressants.
>
> - Lamictal is activating. You may have sometimes anxiety, insomnia, etc.
>
> - Lamictal appears to be the only effective and useful treatment in the bipolar depression.
>
> Moreover:
>
> - Lithium and Valproate are NOT more effective than placebo for the treatment of bipolar depression.
>
> - Valproate: great for ACUTE mania. It is fast and powerful. It often precipitates depression.
>
> - Neurontin is NOT more effective than placebo in the prevention of mania.
>
> - Lamictal and valproate have bad interactions together.
>
> - Lamictal and Tegretol have bad interactions together.
>
> - Topamax: inconclusive studies. Can precipitate mania.
>
> - Tegretol: often works when everything has failed in both mania and depression.
>
> Thus,
>
> The new modern treatment for the bipolar condition, i.e. the bleeding cutting edge (but proved, studied and well known) meds are Lithium (mania) + Lamictal (depression) together. They are the best match but not a miracle combo.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Best regards,
>
>
> Max
>
>Max,
I hope this holds true for others. Lamictal has given me my life back after 13 years of various mood stablizers and antidepressants. I have cyclothymia which is depression dominated.
Laura.
poster:polarbear206
thread:126035
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126385.html