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Re: Lamictal versus Depakote

Posted by ceres on January 28, 2009, at 3:59:42

In reply to Lamictal versus Depakote, posted by Betsy122 on January 22, 2009, at 11:13:22

Hi, Betsy
I took Depakote for a couple years, and later Lamictal which I still take for bipolar disorder.

On Depakote, I was often hypomanic & had more frequent mild depressions. It did work quickly in bringing me down from mixed mania. That was wonderful.

I got hair loss while on it. Eventually, I found out about taking selenium (& zinc?) to counter it, but w/ so many meds, it was hard to space the minerals that bind? to some meds. Of course, I have easily triggered hairloss, from periodic drops in my weight, etc, so it might not be so typical in most.
I also craved salty food on Depakote & had to work hard to keep my weight steady.

I've had fewer depressions on Lamictal & they haven't been as intense. I feel overall, more stable mood than on Depakote.
However, I have more cognitive issues, short-term memory & word finding problems on Lamictal, especially if I change the dose.
I often get fuzzy headed a few hours before my next dose.

I got a small rash early on with Lamictal. I saw a dermatologist who said it probably was a reaction to the drug, but not the dangerous SJ rash that they look for.

If I remember correctly, Lamictal is a lot more expensive than Depakote? The cost of Lamictal was a huge issue for me when I didn't have insurance & had months where my income disqualified me from the PHARMA drug programs.

I have tried to come off of Lamictal a number of times to see if I could improve my cognitive issues. However, my brain is so used to it. I don't understand the reasons, but any change in the dose, especially reducing it, radically impairs my thinking ability. (been on it many years)

I often ask myself, do I prefer a sharp mind & more dimensional experience interspersed with entrenchment in suicidal depressions (can control mania w/ other drugs), or do I prefer a gentler ride with a bit of fuzz & poor concentration with periodic greater cognitive disability (to the extent where job is threatened).
When I remember what the depressions were like, I prefer the Lamictal. -I wish there was something better.

At first, I thought it was a plus not to have to do labs w/ Lamictal, such as are needed w/ Depakote. Now I wish I could monitor my Lamictal levels (test exists, but not so useful?)to aim for the most benefit w/ least cognitive deficit.

Also, Depakote is harder on kidneys? liver? --don't recall.

Hope you find a medication that works well for you. -Ceres


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poster:ceres thread:875433
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/876705.html