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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by starlight on May 27, 2003, at 13:57:43
Has anyone here tried just Lamictal as a mood stabilizer? I'm currently on a combo of Trileptal and Lamictal and am wondering if it might be wise to back off the Trileptal and just go with the Lamictal. I could probably handle an increase in the Lamictal, but think the side effects of Trileptal are getting to me.
Starlight
Posted by nmk on May 27, 2003, at 14:47:06
In reply to Lamictal , posted by starlight on May 27, 2003, at 13:57:43
Can I ask what dosage of Trileptal you are taking and what the negative side effects are? I have lost my appetite on it and at times, I feel dizzy (although this could be my anxiety). I have worked up to 1200 mg of trileptal and although it has helped with the depression, it hasn't knocked it out completely. I also take zoloft and strattera, both in low doses. At what point do you say, "is this as good as it's gonna' get?" or do you continue to seek out that perfect med combo. I am starting to lose hope.
Posted by dddiane on May 27, 2003, at 15:08:47
In reply to Lamictal , posted by starlight on May 27, 2003, at 13:57:43
> Has anyone here tried just Lamictal as a mood stabilizer? I'm currently on a combo of Trileptal and Lamictal and am wondering if it might be wise to back off the Trileptal and just go with the Lamictal. I could probably handle an increase in the Lamictal, but think the side effects of Trileptal are getting to me.
> StarlightHi Starlight,
I am currently slowly switching over from Topamax to Lamictal, and so far I am very impressed. Here's a link with some Q&A about it:
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html
My pdocs plan is to see if Lamictal will work as a monotherapy, so I'll let you know as I go along if this suceeds or fails.
I you do decide to try it go very slowly. I am increasing at the rate of 12.5mg a week, because it can cause a rash, and if this happens you have to discontinue. At this point I've tried everything else, so I'm highly motivated to a slow and patient approach! But so far it seems energizing and stabilizing to me.
Diane
Posted by Jack Smith on May 27, 2003, at 15:59:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal , posted by dddiane on May 27, 2003, at 15:08:47
> My pdocs plan is to see if Lamictal will work as a monotherapy, so I'll let you know as I go along if this suceeds or fails.
What are you using it for? Bipolar I, II? Depression? Do you take any antidepressants? Does it have a mood-elevating effect?
Posted by starlight on May 27, 2003, at 16:30:30
In reply to Re: Lamictal » starlight, posted by nmk on May 27, 2003, at 14:47:06
I take 75mgs 50 in the am and 25 at night, but I'm also on 1200 of Trileptal. I'm wanting to come off of the Trileptal and just fly solo with the Lamictal and see if that works, or maybe if he would be willing, try a small dose of antidepressant. I was doing really well, but with these recurrant sinus and health problems (I feel like my immune system is shot and that I catch everything) I'm much more depressed again - and personally, I just hate it. I am not enjoying the things I normally do, and would love to just go hole up somewhere and not come out.
One thing of note. After having been a daily mj smoker for about 7 years, I have finally quit (1 month), which I'm glad about, since being a singer, it has improved my vocal continuity, but at the same time, maybe that's making me more depressed.
starlight - not feeling so starry.
Posted by dddiane on May 28, 2003, at 7:06:24
In reply to Re: Lamictal » dddiane, posted by Jack Smith on May 27, 2003, at 15:59:58
Jack,
I'm taking it for bipolar I. And I am working my way down on Topamax as I work my way up on the Lamictal. Also I use a little Klonipin (.115 - quarter of a tab) and 600mg of Neurontin to help me sleep. Every couple of months I go a little manic or mixed and I take an AP, but not on a regular basis. But that's all on meds. I try to keep it simple.
I can't tolerate AD's even though there are times I felt I really needed them. The make me feel really terrible, then they make me manic.
The Topamax *almost* worked for me. I found that very frustrating. And after the first two months it wasn't stupifying for me either. Tegretol really was! (My point of comparison was Tegretol because until 15 months ago I took that for *years*.) It was easier on my health than Tegretol, no infections. I had my memory back - Tegretol made me feel senile. But I kept having these "trap door" instabilities with Topamax. I'd go along fine then the bottom would fall out fast. And I was very apathetic on Topamax alone, just a little too laid back. I found it hard to accomplish anything.
Just having 50mg of Lamictal in the cocktail has made a difference. I'm getting more done, my attitude is more positive, and I'm moving faster but I feel stable. So far so good...but it is still a wait and see. I may end up taking both meds together, whatever works, you know?
Diane
Posted by starlight on May 28, 2003, at 12:49:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by dddiane on May 28, 2003, at 7:06:24
That's one thing I find so frustrating, is having to take multiple meds. I know it's common, but I'd much rather try to find one that's effective. Thanks for all of your all's input.
Cheers,
starlight.
This is the end of the thread.
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