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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mr. Scott on October 6, 2001, at 7:10:01
Does anyone know the spproximate effective dose range for Lamictal in Bipolar, or Bipolar 2 people. At least ehere one may begin to enter the therapeutic zone?
Also, Anyone had any GOOD experience with the drug for depression and or bipolar 2?
Scott
Posted by SLS on October 6, 2001, at 18:53:51
In reply to Lamictal Question, posted by Mr. Scott on October 6, 2001, at 7:10:01
> Does anyone know the spproximate effective dose range for Lamictal in Bipolar, or Bipolar 2 people. At least ehere one may begin to enter the therapeutic zone?
>
> Also, Anyone had any GOOD experience with the drug for depression and or bipolar 2?
>
> Scott
Hi ScottI read a recent publication by Robert M. Post that cited his group at the NIMH as finding 287mg +/- 150mg to be their average effective dosage. Keep in mind that his patient population is generally difficult to treat and largely treatment-resistant. I need 300mg to receive benefit from it. At 200mg, I lose it.
Yes, Lamictal can be *extremely* effective monotherapeutically to treat bipolar depression. I don't know how the rates of response differ between bipolar I and bipolar II. I don't think it would be so large as to be a determinant when reaching a decision to try it. Augmentation with lithium, Neurontin, and Depakote is effective. The dosage of Lamictal must be cut in half when Depakote is added to it.
- Scott
Posted by JohnX on October 7, 2001, at 5:34:10
In reply to Lamictal Question, posted by Mr. Scott on October 6, 2001, at 7:10:01
> Does anyone know the spproximate effective dose range for Lamictal in Bipolar, or Bipolar 2 people. At least ehere one may begin to enter the therapeutic zone?
>
> Also, Anyone had any GOOD experience with the drug for depression and or bipolar 2?
>
> ScottLamictal has a pretty good track record of
treating flavors of bipolar. It is anecdotally
a good anti-depressant, eliminating in many
cases the need for anti-depressant add on meds
that other mood-stabilizer sometimes require.I take 150 mg/day and it has been the best
medication I have found for my bipolar ii.
I like it because it has no side effects for me.
Unfortunately you have to dose it really
slow to get upto that 100-400 mg therapeutic
range, it took me 2 months to get to the
therapeutic dose. This is required to avoid
the one major downside of Lamictal: the darn
potential for rash. If you are in a deep depression and
need quicker relief, you may want to start with
more conventional meds.-john
Posted by Mr. Scott on October 7, 2001, at 9:10:12
In reply to Re: Lamictal Question » Mr. Scott, posted by SLS on October 6, 2001, at 18:53:51
How is the side effect profile? I hear it's pretty good?
Posted by Mr. Scott on October 7, 2001, at 9:12:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal Question, posted by JohnX on October 7, 2001, at 5:34:10
What about starting Lamictal with an antidepressant at the same time? Would you have any worries about this?
Scott
Posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 14:54:58
In reply to Re: Lamictal Question » JohnX, posted by Mr. Scott on October 7, 2001, at 9:12:04
Hi Mr. Scott,
I remember your posts from earlier about trying Serzone and then Effexor -- did those not work out for you?I am going to start trying Lamictal Wednesday, after I see my pdoc. I also have had a terrible time on SSRIs (I remember you said you did too.)
From what I've read on this board, and from the little research I've done on Lamictal, it sounds like a pretty good antidepressant, for uni- and bipolars. It seems as if it has very few side effects (except of course for that dreaded rash.)
Since I am SO med sensitive, I will be able to tell right away how I can tolerate this Lamictal. I will keep you posted.
-cindy
> What about starting Lamictal with an antidepressant at the same time? Would you have any worries about this?
>
> Scott
Posted by JohnX on October 8, 2001, at 1:02:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal Question » JohnX, posted by Mr. Scott on October 7, 2001, at 9:12:04
> What about starting Lamictal with an antidepressant at the same time? Would you have any worries about this?
>
> ScottScott,
I'm not too familiar with your background
on meds. A lot of people who take Lamictal
have already gone through a number of other
meds 1st. The only question mark about taking
lamictal with an antidepressant is the dosing
rate. Since the dosing titration is so slow
for Lamictal, the anti-depressant will likely
kick in 1st, and you may not know where things
are going.If you are not bipolar, then probably starting
the 2 concurrently may not be a big deal. Some
people take lamictal to reduce things like
tennitus from Wellbutrin.good luck to everyone.
Dose it slowly, and most people succeed.I've taken nearly every anti-convulsant
and am very sensitive to meds, but lamictal
lives up to its reputation as a good anti-depressant
as well as anti-manic agent with very few side
effects (except the damn rash). I did have
slurred speech and a little staggering (like I
was drunk) for a short while after I would bump
the lamictal dose, but it went away fast.
-john
Posted by Mr.Scott on October 8, 2001, at 8:57:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal Question » Mr. Scott, posted by JohnX on October 8, 2001, at 1:02:56
Thanks John!
This is the end of the thread.
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