Posted by Racer on December 14, 2005, at 0:37:20
In reply to Re: Lamictal: A disappointing drug for depression., posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2005, at 23:00:17
Well, after two experiences with it, a year and a half apart, I can safely say that I'm not one that it's helped.
The first time was miserable -- I don't think I got beyond 50mg. The 25mg was OK, didn't seem to do much of anything, but within days of starting the 50mg, I couldn't sleep, racing thoughts, anxiety through the roof (including the sort of emotional anxiety that I don't usually get) -- basically, I was on the very edge of hysteria. And, of course, couldn't get through to Dr EyeCandy to get any help. The clerk called back, after several hours and at least two telephone calls, to say that "doctor says the drugs have been working, so keep taking them." ?? That was when I stopped all drugs last year, cold turkey, and went through benzo withdrawal complete with technicolor effects.
At that time, I was taking Lamictal, 100mg Zoloft, and 4mg Xanax each night, in one dose, for sleep.
Then I tried it again this year, with slightly better results. At that time, I was taking Cymbalta, Wellbutrin XL, and the Lamictal, and got up to 200mg. There was nothing good happening with it, until I got to 150mg -- which good lasted three days. Then, again, at 200mg, I had about two good days before it faded.
Side effects were basically feeling as though I might as well be dead. I could hardly move, no motivation, no energy, didn't want to talk -- GG can tell you that we went into withdrawal from our chats during that time -- just generally lay on the sofa and didn't even bother to change the TV channels. I could have been watching the test patterns for all I was aware. It was really terrible for me. And it was terribly constipating.
Once I got back to the bad days, after that little good blip at 200mg, I called and told the doctor I was stopping it, that I was stopping it RIGHTAWAY, that I was not willing to discuss continuing to a higher dosage because I was so miserable. He wasn't awfully pleased about it. He kept telling me he had great results with it. Which is fine -- it still wasn't working for me.
Interesting thread, Scott. I look forward to reading what other people have to say.
poster:Racer
thread:588820
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051211/msgs/588892.html