Posted by Barbara Cat on July 28, 2003, at 15:30:59
In reply to Re: Lamictal rash. No prob with care » Barbara Cat, posted by katia on July 28, 2003, at 14:28:08
Katia,
This is the first I've heard about a rash with Depakote. The only thing I can think of is that it's known to increase blood levels of lamictal, kinda acts synergistically with it. But if you go slow, I've also heard it's a great combo.If I were you, Katia, I'd definitely start with Depakote and add Lamictal as your pdoc suggests. The reason is that Lamictal can be activating, especially at first, and can bring on hypomania/mixed states without a more centering med (Depakote, lithium) to buffer it. We know how awful mixed states is! BTW, what is Bipolar NOS? Haven't heard of that dx, but it sounds like that's what I am too.
A while back I slowly cut back on lithium. I'm hypothyroid and was getting alarmed at how lithium was making it worse, as it's known to do. I was down to 300mg lithium every other day and taking 75mg lamictal, and began to feel wired and disjointed and frenzied. Added back the lithium and felt much, much better. For me, they seem to need each other. I've never taken Depakote, but heard that it can make you feel calm and centered. It's worth a try to see if it's enough and if not you can add Lamictal once you've got a good stable base. But promise yourself that you'll get good exercise every day because turning into a blimp is pretty depressing. I get loads of exercise when I'm not laid up with a fibro flare and can barely lose a pound. It's frustrating. But if I don't work out it takes only a week to add on 5 pounds. Don't let this stop you but look at it as a great excuse to use exercise as the best antidepressant around.
poster:Barbara Cat
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/246214.html