![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DAVID GRAF on November 3, 1999, at 13:09:22
I am trying to get to Lacmictol (hope I spelled it right) as the side effects of traditional meds. I have been on Depakote, which did absolutely nothing for me. I have been on Lithium, but had continued problems with mixed episodes. Tegretol made me so groggy I couldn't find my way home from work. Eskalith did wonders for me and I loved what it did for me, but it gave me digestive problems with diarrhea so bad that I would get dehydrated. However, at this time I am out of work, and the VA hospital wants to keep putting me back on old meds and won't pay for Lamictol because of the cost. I need info on how to get free or low cost medication due to hardship.
I am a highly functional manic depressive, active in a good support group, a musician who is also a recording engineer preparing to do a cd of my own material in January. As of this moment, I am not quite sure if I'll make it that far and it means a lot to me. I am not suicidal in any way, but have not been on meds since March of this year. I need help. I am very prone to manias, and have little problem with depressions. Although when they come they are short, but very very intense. I want to stay productive and keep my mind sharp. And at 36 years old I have learned the value of extended stability, but have never truly had it, although I did so well on Eskalith that I know it's possible. I am also dealing with the past and issues arising from manias and depressions that I really need to talk to someone about. I have worked very hard over the last few months on personal issues and have done quite well under the circumstances. But, at 36 years old, I am really feeling the pain of prolonged manias to the point of self medicating with marijuana (formerly alcohol) every day. I have lost two jobs in seven months. I would put myself in the hospital, but I am a contractor and have no insurance and cannot afford it.
Whatever the case, in any area of my life, I know beyond all doubt that if I don't get this tiger by the tail, it just might get me.
Posted by JohnL on November 3, 1999, at 15:39:35
In reply to Lamictol questions and thoughts , posted by DAVID GRAF on November 3, 1999, at 13:09:22
Lamictal could be a great choice for you. It's side effects are very friendly. It has a dangerous rash sometimes, but is almost always a result of increasing dose too quickly. A general rule of thumb with Lamictal is to up the dose 25mg a week. It makes a good mood stabilizer and has antidepressant qualities as well.
To find out more, go to Depression Central. There is a whole page written by Dr Ivan Goldberg on Lamictal. Also, at the top of the main page here click on Tips. Then do a search on Lamictal, mood stabilizers, new generation mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, new generation anticonvulsants, etc. I think the most concise information is at Depression Central.
Posted by SCFields on January 10, 2001, at 7:29:19
In reply to Lamictol questions and thoughts , posted by DAVID GRAF on November 3, 1999, at 13:09:22
I think his point was that lamictol worked but he couldn't afford it? This has been the best med for me -- I am bipolar II, though like you the mania tends to be quite severe. I had similar experiences with all of hte meds you mentioned.
I remember one of them inparticular giving me tremor. This is not good, as I am a research scientist. The joke around work was my experimental procedures would read "two shakes of this and one shake of that ..." !I currently take 200mg per day -- and yes you are quite right it IS very expensive. I have great insurance (pays 80%) and I STILL pay $50/month out of pocket. Lamotrigine (spelling?) is another name for this drug. Perhaps that's the generic? I think it's been around awhile to treat convulsions and epilepsy at higher doses... it may be off patent so there might be generics?
I wish you well. I think you are on the right track to try to get this med, for the reasons DAVID GRAF states. I have had literally no side effects, but the rash thing is real and you have to ease onto it, which means you are not at therapeutic dose for a few months. I suffered a lot during that period.
One other note, if you are really manic depressive (or bipolar), for God's sake stay away from Prozac and drugs of the same MOA. They will induce mania and it's the only time I'v ever felt suicidal (I was misdiagnosed at first).
Good luck.
Posted by Craig on January 11, 2001, at 2:32:05
In reply to Re: Lamictol questions and thoughts , posted by SCFields on January 10, 2001, at 7:29:19
If you’re taking 200 mg of Lamictal a day and 20% of the cost of that prescription is $50, you’re being overcharged. Are you taking an actual 200 mg tablet or are you taking 100 mg x 2? The 200 mg tablet I buy at Walgreens costs $93.39 for 34 tabs; 20% of that is only $18.68.
I take 450 mg of Lamictal a day: a 200 mg pill and a 150 mg pill. Together, for a 34 day supply, I pay $182.78.
***********************************************
> I think his point was that lamictol worked but he couldn't afford it? This has been the best med for me -- I am bipolar II, though like you the mania tends to be quite severe. I had similar experiences with all of hte meds you mentioned.
> I remember one of them inparticular giving me tremor. This is not good, as I am a research scientist. The joke around work was my experimental procedures would read "two shakes of this and one shake of that ..." !
>
> I currently take 200mg per day -- and yes you are quite right it IS very expensive. I have great insurance (pays 80%) and I STILL pay $50/month out of pocket. Lamotrigine (spelling?) is another name for this drug. Perhaps that's the generic? I think it's been around awhile to treat convulsions and epilepsy at higher doses... it may be off patent so there might be generics?
>
> I wish you well. I think you are on the right track to try to get this med, for the reasons DAVID GRAF states. I have had literally no side effects, but the rash thing is real and you have to ease onto it, which means you are not at therapeutic dose for a few months. I suffered a lot during that period.
>
> One other note, if you are really manic depressive (or bipolar), for God's sake stay away from Prozac and drugs of the same MOA. They will induce mania and it's the only time I'v ever felt suicidal (I was misdiagnosed at first).
>
> Good luck.
Posted by SCFields on January 11, 2001, at 7:00:44
In reply to Re: Lamictal prices » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 11, 2001, at 2:32:05
> Craig,
Thanks for the heads up.
My psych has me on four 50 mg pills (probably
because we kept upping the doses. I saw on the web that basically a 25mg tablet costs the same as a 200 mg tablet. Is this true?
If so, I will certainly tell him to give me
the 100 mg tablets because I take 100 mg twice per day. What about splitting a 200 mg pill?And I was wrong about generics ... I thought this med was older than it is.
Posted by Craig on January 12, 2001, at 2:37:27
In reply to Re: Lamictal prices » Craig, posted by SCFields on January 11, 2001, at 7:00:44
I checked out Lamictal prices at http://www.walgreens.com and did some math. At least for the meds I'm on, there isn't much difference in price between the lower and higher dosages of drugs. Approximately, each 25 mg tab of Lamictal is $2.28, each 100 mg tab is $2.30, and each 200 mg tab is $2.53. The tablets are scored. If you want to maximize your savings, buy 30 of the 200 mg tabs for $76 and cut them in half. The following has been very helpful to me:
Find Drug Info & Prices
http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/default.jhtml;$sessionid$AJHGDVQAAAJGUCSJY2ZB3KQKJHDSQIV0*****************************************
> > Craig,
>
> Thanks for the heads up.
> My psych has me on four 50 mg pills (probably
> because we kept upping the doses. I saw on the web that basically a 25mg tablet costs the same as a 200 mg tablet. Is this true?
> If so, I will certainly tell him to give me
> the 100 mg tablets because I take 100 mg twice per day. What about splitting a 200 mg pill?
>
> And I was wrong about generics ... I thought this med was older than it is.
Posted by SCFields on January 12, 2001, at 8:10:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal prices » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 12, 2001, at 2:37:27
Thanks.
I just started the 200 mg dose.
Ever notice any drymouth?
My vision is fine but my short
term memory really sucks. I hadn't really thought about it until I read some of the posts, but I've been doing a lot of stupid, unusual things like forgetting important meetings, leaving my coat/credit card/keys places, etc.
This is highly atypical of me.
I'm only 37, so I doubt it's Alzeheimer's!
Has anyone ever reported any sexual dysfunction with this med? I think I'm noticing some changes, but of course that could be psychsomatic. My girlfriend is on Prozac and she definitely suffers from reduced libido, as is well advertised (at least, she says it isn't me!). I know that is a different MOA.
Posted by Ron Hill on January 12, 2001, at 12:38:54
In reply to Lamictol questions and thoughts , posted by DAVID GRAF on November 3, 1999, at 13:09:22
DAVID GRAF:
Were you able to track down information regarding free medication? If not, go to the website provided below and follow the instructions given there.http://www.mhsanctuary.com/borderline/freerx.htm
If you end up at a deadend using the above approach, e-mail me for some other possibilities.
-- Ron
------------------------------------------------
> I am trying to get to Lacmictol (hope I spelled it right) as the side effects of traditional meds. I have been on Depakote, which did absolutely nothing for me. I have been on Lithium, but had continued problems with mixed episodes. Tegretol made me so groggy I couldn't find my way home from work. Eskalith did wonders for me and I loved what it did for me, but it gave me digestive problems with diarrhea so bad that I would get dehydrated. However, at this time I am out of work, and the VA hospital wants to keep putting me back on old meds and won't pay for Lamictol because of the cost. I need info on how to get free or low cost medication due to hardship.
>
> I am a highly functional manic depressive, active in a good support group, a musician who is also a recording engineer preparing to do a cd of my own material in January. As of this moment, I am not quite sure if I'll make it that far and it means a lot to me. I am not suicidal in any way, but have not been on meds since March of this year. I need help. I am very prone to manias, and have little problem with depressions. Although when they come they are short, but very very intense. I want to stay productive and keep my mind sharp. And at 36 years old I have learned the value of extended stability, but have never truly had it, although I did so well on Eskalith that I know it's possible. I am also dealing with the past and issues arising from manias and depressions that I really need to talk to someone about. I have worked very hard over the last few months on personal issues and have done quite well under the circumstances. But, at 36 years old, I am really feeling the pain of prolonged manias to the point of self medicating with marijuana (formerly alcohol) every day. I have lost two jobs in seven months. I would put myself in the hospital, but I am a contractor and have no insurance and cannot afford it.
>
> Whatever the case, in any area of my life, I know beyond all doubt that if I don't get this tiger by the tail, it just might get me.
Posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
In reply to Re: Lamictal prices » Craig, posted by SCFields on January 12, 2001, at 8:10:21
I have a dry mouth too, but I think it's due more to the Topamax I take, rather than the Lamictal. You're probably going to think this is weird, but since I started taking Lamictal, I can't back down the driveway straight anymore. I can't stand on one foot to put on my pants without falling over. I mentioned this in passing to my doctor and he wasn't the least bit surprised - apparently it changes one's perception or something like that. Memory problems are an ongoing thing with me. My doc chalks it up to depression taking its toll. He's pretty blunt and says I won't get back my long-term memory. I've come to accept that, but I could use a memory of the here and now. It's very annoying to take a shower, forget how far I've washed and end up having to start over again. I spend a lot of time writing notes to myself because I can't trust myself to remember much. I will be brushing my teeth and think of something I need to write down. By the time I finish brushing and get a pen, I've forgotten what it was I wanted to write down. I feel like such an idiot.
*********************************
> Thanks.
>
> I just started the 200 mg dose.
> Ever notice any drymouth?
> My vision is fine but my short
> term memory really sucks. I hadn't really thought about it until I read some of the posts, but I've been doing a lot of stupid, unusual things like forgetting important meetings, leaving my coat/credit card/keys places, etc.
> This is highly atypical of me.
> I'm only 37, so I doubt it's Alzeheimer's!
> Has anyone ever reported any sexual dysfunction with this med? I think I'm noticing some changes, but of course that could be psychsomatic. My girlfriend is on Prozac and she definitely suffers from reduced libido, as is well advertised (at least, she says it isn't me!). I know that is a different MOA.
Posted by phillybob on January 13, 2001, at 9:51:57
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
Hi, Craig! I'm thinking of adding some Lamictal, for its AD effect, to the Topamax that I am taking (currrently moving up to 150 mg/day). Could you please share your Topamax/Lamictal experiences (i.e. dosages, effects, diagnosis)? If possible, could you do it in the following thread, to keep the topamax stuff (where a few of us like myself are sharing) in one place? Or, if you prefer to do it here, I'll just link it there later. Thanks! http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/50878.html
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 13, 2001, at 16:43:45
In reply to Re: Lamictal/Topamax Combo » Craig, posted by phillybob on January 13, 2001, at 9:51:57
> If possible, could you do it in the following thread, to keep the topamax stuff (where a few of us like myself are sharing) in one place?
Have you thought about starting a Psycho-Babble Tips folder on Topamax? That might be a more effective way to keep stuff in one place. :-)
http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips
Bob
Posted by SCFields on January 15, 2001, at 6:57:03
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
Craig,
I had always been a little absent-minded lately but had not ever thought it could be related to a medication. The past few weeks I was upped from 150mg to 200 mg to help with the holidays. Suddenly, I was misplacing/losing all kinds of things, and worse yet could never seem to remember if I had taken my med that day. I think I double dosed myself because one night all of a sudden I couldn't focus on anything outside of about 2 feet from me. This went on for several hours until I went to bed. By the next AM I was fine, but I think I need a pill case to ensure this doesn't happen again. That's the first vision problems I've ever had (or really noticed?)
Posted by Mnomad3 on November 18, 2003, at 23:07:05
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
I am on both Lamictol and Prozac and I have a few side effects that I wanted to see if anyone else experiences. The first is tremors (mild continuous shakes) while I am sleeping. It doesn't bother me and I think I get a fairly restful sleep. I don't even realize I am doing it but my boyfriend says it is constant. Also, I sweat quite a bit in the middle of the night. I don't feel hot in the night but I wake up as if I've ran 5 miles. I am 32 years old and I've been on Lamictol(400 mg) for 3 years and Prozac (40 mg) for 6 years. Has anyone else experienced either of these side effects? or does anyone know if these are 'normal' side effects? My doctor said she's never heard of either but she doesn't think they should alarm me. I just wanted to do my own research to make sure. Thanks :)
Posted by Flipsactown on November 19, 2003, at 2:38:33
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Mnomad3 on November 18, 2003, at 23:07:05
I take prozac, remeron and lamictal for my unipolar depression. I experience the same tremors you are talking about particularly when you are just about to fall asleep and I do sweat quite a bit in the middle of the night. Both are classic side effects of prozac and nothing to worry about. I have been on prozac for over 10 years and I have been prescribed 100mgs which is actually 20mgs over the recommended max dose, but since I have been on it so long, my pdoc okayed it. The body tremors you are talking about sometimes start in your legs or arms but then your entire body jerks. For me, that is an indication that the prozac is doing its thing. I hope this helps you. How long have you been on lamictal? I have been on it for 8weeks and it has really decreased my depression. I noticed it in my sixth week. I have been on A/D's so long that lamictal had to be added to enhance the effects of the prozac and remeron. Have you had side effects with the lamictal and how long did it take you to get to 400mgs? I am a 52 year old male and my lamictal dose is 300mgs. Also, is your pdoc going to increase your lamictal dose or is that the max dose?
Flipsactown
> I am on both Lamictol and Prozac and I have a few side effects that I wanted to see if anyone else experiences. The first is tremors (mild continuous shakes) while I am sleeping. It doesn't bother me and I think I get a fairly restful sleep. I don't even realize I am doing it but my boyfriend says it is constant. Also, I sweat quite a bit in the middle of the night. I don't feel hot in the night but I wake up as if I've ran 5 miles. I am 32 years old and I've been on Lamictol(400 mg) for 3 years and Prozac (40 mg) for 6 years. Has anyone else experienced either of these side effects? or does anyone know if these are 'normal' side effects? My doctor said she's never heard of either but she doesn't think they should alarm me. I just wanted to do my own research to make sure. Thanks :)
Posted by mnomad3 on November 19, 2003, at 15:37:22
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » Mnomad3, posted by Flipsactown on November 19, 2003, at 2:38:33
Thanks soo much for the feedback. It really helps that I'm not the only one experiencing these side effects. I feel better knowing they are classic symptoms and nothing to worry about. (I am a little concerned my doctor didn't know this though.) I have had really good results from Lamictol and I haven't experienced any side effects that I can think of. I have been on it for about 3 years and I don't remember how long it took to get to 400 mgs. Right now, its really helping so I probably won't increase the dosage (I'm not sure what the max dosage is). I'm glad to hear you are seeing a benefit. I have tried a lot of different anti-drepressants and mood stablizers and Lamictol and Prozac have given me the best results. :)
> I take prozac, remeron and lamictal for my unipolar depression. I experience the same tremors you are talking about particularly when you are just about to fall asleep and I do sweat quite a bit in the middle of the night. Both are classic side effects of prozac and nothing to worry about. I have been on prozac for over 10 years and I have been prescribed 100mgs which is actually 20mgs over the recommended max dose, but since I have been on it so long, my pdoc okayed it. The body tremors you are talking about sometimes start in your legs or arms but then your entire body jerks. For me, that is an indication that the prozac is doing its thing. I hope this helps you. How long have you been on lamictal? I have been on it for 8weeks and it has really decreased my depression. I noticed it in my sixth week. I have been on A/D's so long that lamictal had to be added to enhance the effects of the prozac and remeron. Have you had side effects with the lamictal and how long did it take you to get to 400mgs? I am a 52 year old male and my lamictal dose is 300mgs. Also, is your pdoc going to increase your lamictal dose or is that the max dose?
>
> Flipsactown
>
>
>
> > I am on both Lamictol and Prozac and I have a few side effects that I wanted to see if anyone else experiences. The first is tremors (mild continuous shakes) while I am sleeping. It doesn't bother me and I think I get a fairly restful sleep. I don't even realize I am doing it but my boyfriend says it is constant. Also, I sweat quite a bit in the middle of the night. I don't feel hot in the night but I wake up as if I've ran 5 miles. I am 32 years old and I've been on Lamictol(400 mg) for 3 years and Prozac (40 mg) for 6 years. Has anyone else experienced either of these side effects? or does anyone know if these are 'normal' side effects? My doctor said she's never heard of either but she doesn't think they should alarm me. I just wanted to do my own research to make sure. Thanks :)
>
>
Posted by AnneL on November 21, 2003, at 0:48:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by mnomad3 on November 19, 2003, at 15:37:22
I have been on Effexor XR 225 mg. for over 3 years now along with Klonopin 1 mg. for sleep. Recently diagnosed as BPII or somewhere in the spectrum and this is my 4th day on Lamictal 25 mg.
I have periods intermittently throughout the day where I feel that I am "on something" and get some feelings of anxiety. The most discomfort seems to be about 3 hours after I take my dose, this being about 7PM. I also notice a decrease in appetite which is a good thing.
How long does it take to get used to Lamictal and what can I do to combat this feeling of "uneasiness". Is the correct word akasthesia?
What exactly does this word mean? Thanks so much for listening. :) Anne
Posted by mnomad3 on November 21, 2003, at 18:26:03
In reply to New to Lamictal - Side Effects, posted by AnneL on November 21, 2003, at 0:48:40
> I have been on Effexor XR 225 mg. for over 3 years now along with Klonopin 1 mg. for sleep. Recently diagnosed as BPII or somewhere in the spectrum and this is my 4th day on Lamictal 25 mg.
>
> I have periods intermittently throughout the day where I feel that I am "on something" and get some feelings of anxiety. The most discomfort seems to be about 3 hours after I take my dose, this being about 7PM. I also notice a decrease in appetite which is a good thing.
>
> How long does it take to get used to Lamictal and what can I do to combat this feeling of "uneasiness". Is the correct word akasthesia?
> What exactly does this word mean? Thanks so much for listening. :) Anne
I wish I could help but I didn't experience those feelings and I haven't heard of them. The only thing I can recommend is to maybe take it in the morning so you aren't kept awake at night. I know how it is to try new medication....I have tried more than I like to remember. I hope Lamictol ends up helping you. Good luck. :)
Posted by Orion on November 23, 2003, at 20:59:47
In reply to Re: New to Lamictal - Side Effects, posted by mnomad3 on November 21, 2003, at 18:26:03
Hi. I'm somewhere in the Bipolar II / Cyclothymic Disorder spectrum. I've been getting dulled "abnormal" dreams on lamictal (I've been taking it for 6 weeks and have been up to 100mg/day for 10 days). It actually feels like it's affecting my cognition to some degree, at least when I'm tired. I've included a longer description below, but my question is:
Have people found their Lamictal side-effects to lessen with time? (I'm especially interested in cognitive side effects and dreams.)
=========Longer Description==============
I have just been skimming the 50 page document, "Prescribing Information" for lamictal on www.lamictal.org. Finally, on page 31, I found what I'd been looking for:
"Adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of patients and were numerically more common during the dose escalation phase of LAMICTAL in these trials (when patients may have been receiving concomitant medications) compared to the monotherapy phase were: headache (25%), rash (11%), dizziness (10%), diarrhea (8%), DREAM ABNORMALITY (6%), and pruitus (6%)."
(Note: reduce these numbers in your head a bit, because folks on placebo report complaints, too, albeit at lower numbers.)
Ahah! My stilted dreams have precident!
I've slowly ramped up to 100mg a day. Based upon the studies that exist, I was wanting to go higher. I had been very optimistic about this drug. Right now, I don't know how I feel, except to say that while it might be better on average in terms of side effects than lithium, it ain't perfect for me.
I've been noticing a peculiar cognitive effect.
As is typical with our type, I have a very active mind and--like the books say--I make connections between very disparate ideas. But for me, the connections are generally sane. I'm an interdisciplinary scientist. I use chemistry, biology, physics, economics, sociology, history, and my own experience, as different ways to look at the same world. Making cognitive connections between these disciplines is second nature to me.
I have complex mental models going on in my head, perhaps not unlike the mathmatician in the movie Pi who sees numbers everywhere. (I've never seen
the movie.)Since starting lamictal (and trazodone some days to help me sleep), I've noticed that sometimes I'm a little tired and my mind "goes to sleep" for a few moments (or half asleep), at which point I have little dream fragements. And I tell you honestly, it's seeing the machinery of my cognition be partially disassembled: certain wheels are spinning, but they aren't connected the way they were. It's literally like that. I have spatial models spinning in my head that normally would be a part of a larger mental machine, but it's like I've taken the motor out or disconnected some belts and the motor is just spinning on its own. It's accompanied by a dullness and mild confusion.
Posted by Orion on November 23, 2003, at 21:05:47
In reply to Re: Lamictal Side Effects Over Time, esp. Dreams, posted by Orion on November 23, 2003, at 20:59:47
continued from last post:
The same thing is happening to my dreams. The feeling is similar to when I was travelling in the tropics and took Larium (mefloquine, I think), which is infamous for messing with your dreams. The Larium made my dreams frenetic: super fast and kind of crazy. With Lamictal, the major feeling is that I have this mental dullness when it comes to dreams--they're harder to remember. And there is a similar feeling that my dreams are more
disjunct.The Lamictal effect is not as crazy as with Larium, but it is upsetting. Dreams are important to me. About once every two or three weeks, I'll have one that I clearly remember, write down, and process. I'm able to decode my dreams based upon the evidence of personal symbolism and the interpersonal dynamics of the dreams overlapped with introspection into my current life situation.
I have had one short dream during a nap that I remembered well, and which had the same qualities and meaning of my dreams of before, so perhaps it's not lost.
But often when I wake up in the morning, I have the feeling that I have been dreaming intensely, but that they aren't making much sense. I feel a
little delusional.
I don't want this. I also don't want to kick off the drugs, though... I feel like I owe it to myself to try this route.Just as a reminder: this particular side-effect is only reported by 6% of people taking the drug. Lamictal still is a drug with one of the lower rate of side-effects. Just because I'm having issues with it doesn't mean that you will--there's a high chance that you won't.
Posted by Phyllis98 on December 11, 2004, at 19:26:09
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
I have a problem with memory, too. When I up my dose to a level that makes a real difference (175 mg a day), the memory lapses become so bad that I back off. If I take a low enough dose that I don't have any memory problems (50 mg a day), then I might as well not take it. So I kind of split the middle, taking 100 mg a day, sometimes dropping to 75 mg when the memory and the bad typing get too bad.
*********************************************
> I have a dry mouth too, but I think it's due more to the Topamax I take, rather than the Lamictal. You're probably going to think this is weird, but since I started taking Lamictal, I can't back down the driveway straight anymore. I can't stand on one foot to put on my pants without falling over. I mentioned this in passing to my doctor and he wasn't the least bit surprised - apparently it changes one's perception or something like that. Memory problems are an ongoing thing with me. My doc chalks it up to depression taking its toll. He's pretty blunt and says I won't get back my long-term memory. I've come to accept that, but I could use a memory of the here and now. It's very annoying to take a shower, forget how far I've washed and end up having to start over again. I spend a lot of time writing notes to myself because I can't trust myself to remember much. I will be brushing my teeth and think of something I need to write down. By the time I finish brushing and get a pen, I've forgotten what it was I wanted to write down. I feel like such an idiot.
>
> *********************************
> > Thanks.
> >
> > I just started the 200 mg dose.
> > Ever notice any drymouth?
> > My vision is fine but my short
> > term memory really sucks. I hadn't really thought about it until I read some of the posts, but I've been doing a lot of stupid, unusual things like forgetting important meetings, leaving my coat/credit card/keys places, etc.
> > This is highly atypical of me.
> > I'm only 37, so I doubt it's Alzeheimer's!
> > Has anyone ever reported any sexual dysfunction with this med? I think I'm noticing some changes, but of course that could be psychsomatic. My girlfriend is on Prozac and she definitely suffers from reduced libido, as is well advertised (at least, she says it isn't me!). I know that is a different MOA.
>
>
Posted by Phyllis98 on December 11, 2004, at 20:04:58
In reply to Re: Lamictol questions and thoughts , posted by SCFields on January 10, 2001, at 7:29:19
Follow this link to "cheaper in Canada." Another site I found offers generic (in Canada also).
http://www.canadadrugs.com/prescription/detail.php?REF=AllEffort/keyword=Lamictal&prod_id=1051
If this doesn't provide what you need, then Google lamictol Canada and you will get a bunch of hits!
Phyll
> I think his point was that lamictol worked but he couldn't afford it? This has been the best med for me -- I am bipolar II, though like you the mania tends to be quite severe. I had similar experiences with all of hte meds you mentioned.
> I remember one of them inparticular giving me tremor. This is not good, as I am a research scientist. The joke around work was my experimental procedures would read "two shakes of this and one shake of that ..." !
>
> I currently take 200mg per day -- and yes you are quite right it IS very expensive. I have great insurance (pays 80%) and I STILL pay $50/month out of pocket. Lamotrigine (spelling?) is another name for this drug. Perhaps that's the generic? I think it's been around awhile to treat convulsions and epilepsy at higher doses... it may be off patent so there might be generics?
>
> I wish you well. I think you are on the right track to try to get this med, for the reasons DAVID GRAF states. I have had literally no side effects, but the rash thing is real and you have to ease onto it, which means you are not at therapeutic dose for a few months. I suffered a lot during that period.
>
> One other note, if you are really manic depressive (or bipolar), for God's sake stay away from Prozac and drugs of the same MOA. They will induce mania and it's the only time I'v ever felt suicidal (I was misdiagnosed at first).
>
> Good luck.
Posted by timidly on December 12, 2004, at 2:25:20
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » SCFields, posted by Craig on January 13, 2001, at 2:29:43
If you're wierd, than I am too. Since my Pdoc added Lamictal to my Nardil, Ritalin, Provigil, Cytomel (T3), and Trazodone I have fallen over while standing on one foot to put my pants on. Now I always put my pants on while sitting down. And I can't count how many times I've forgotten how far I've washed during a shower and ended up starting over again. Sometimes I think it happens several times during a shower, but I can't remember. Notes to myself are everywhere, I just counted 17 taped to my computer desk. I even have notes reminding me to look at notes. It's annoying when I leave the house to go get something I need, and then end up going back home because I forgot where I was going and what it was I needed. My wife says I've called her for directions to get home several times because I got lost. I don't remember, but if she said it happend, it happened. I can't complain since I've been able to go back to work after starting the Lamictal. It's such a relief to know it's not just me, thank you. Ralph
> I have a dry mouth too, but I think it's due more to the Topamax I take, rather than the Lamictal. You're probably going to think this is weird, but since I started taking Lamictal, I can't back down the driveway straight anymore. I can't stand on one foot to put on my pants without falling over. I mentioned this in passing to my doctor and he wasn't the least bit surprised - apparently it changes one's perception or something like that. Memory problems are an ongoing thing with me. My doc chalks it up to depression taking its toll. He's pretty blunt and says I won't get back my long-term memory. I've come to accept that, but I could use a memory of the here and now. It's very annoying to take a shower, forget how far I've washed and end up having to start over again. I spend a lot of time writing notes to myself because I can't trust myself to remember much. I will be brushing my teeth and think of something I need to write down. By the time I finish brushing and get a pen, I've forgotten what it was I wanted to write down. I feel like such an idiot.
Posted by maryhelen on December 14, 2004, at 10:55:26
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » Craig, posted by timidly on December 12, 2004, at 2:25:20
Hi timidly:
If you don't mind me asking, how much Lamitcal are you taking?
maryhelen
Posted by timidly on December 15, 2004, at 0:28:24
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects......for timidly, posted by maryhelen on December 14, 2004, at 10:55:26
400 mg Lamictal daily.
This is the end of the thread.
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