Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 99911

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Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . .

Posted by Bekka H. on March 24, 2002, at 17:07:00

Hi. I'd like to hear from people who have benefited from Lamictal for depression. I have unipolar depression, but I'd like to hear from anyone (unipolar or bipolar I or II) who feels that Lamictal has alleviated their depression. My questions are: What is the QUALITY of the relief you feel from Lamictal? How has it relieved your depression? Do you see a change in your life (for example, have you accomplished some of the things you were unable to accomplish when you were depressed?). Are you motivated to do the things you care about?

One of the reasons I am asking this is that, when I was on SSRI's, I did feel less anxiety and I suppose I felt a little better in some respects, but I did absolutely nothing. I became very passive and apathetic. Basically, I didn't care about anything. In some ways, that can be good. For example, I didn't let every little obsessional thought nag at me for days or months on end. But, for the most part, it was a very bad, unproductive time for me. SSRI's completely obliterated my drive and motivation, and after a while, I was so wimpy and apathetic, that I stopped caring that I was wimpy and apathetic. I didn't pay my bills, didn't wash my dishes or clean my apartment, let alone attend to my career. I let my health suffer. Basically, I was depressed, but it was an ssri-induced depression, and because of the very nature of the problem, it didn't bother me until I got off the ssri's and saw how much time (i.e., life) had passed me by.

I'm having some problems with Lamictal now, like insomnia, but I will try to persevere if I believe that this medicine might help me. If I'm going to end up the way I was on SSRI's, however, I do not wish to bother with this medicine any further.

Any ideas, thoughts, etc. from you are greatly appreciated.

Bekka

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. .

Posted by JahL on March 24, 2002, at 20:51:52

In reply to Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . ., posted by Bekka H. on March 24, 2002, at 17:07:00

>My questions are: What is the QUALITY of the relief you feel from Lamictal? How has it relieved your depression? Do you see a change in your life (for example, have you accomplished some of the things you were unable to accomplish when you were depressed?). Are you motivated to do the things you care about?

Hi. I'm BP II. Lamictal initially had a pretty decent AD effect, as well as resolving somewhat all my other symptoms. This has faded with time but it still serves its main function, muting the suicidal noise. VPA works similarly for me but Lamictal has the added advantage of reversing some of the BP psychomotor retardation.

The initial improvement occurred pretty early on and at a low dose but I think that this is more of a BP reaction (my brother, also BPII, had an identical reaction). I have no idea how Lamictal works 4 unipolar folk but I've read in a few places that higher doses might be required and that response times are longer (particularly because of the slow dose escalation ).

> I'm having some problems with Lamictal now, like insomnia, but I will try to persevere if I believe that this medicine might help me.

I think the insomnia, loss of appetite, slightly wired feeling etc is fairly typical. Can't say it's gone away with time but the pros outweigh the cons (4 me).

After some very pleasant rapid cycling, SSRIs (& every other AD) ultimately did nothing for me and generally worsened my depression. For me at least, SSRIs are a world away from Lamictal in terms of lethargy, amotivation etc.

I'm now on 400mg and the side-effects are no worse than when I was on, say, 100mg. Pretty tolerable overall.

How long you been on it? What's yr current dose?

J.

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. .

Posted by Roo on March 25, 2002, at 9:43:08

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . , posted by JahL on March 24, 2002, at 20:51:52

I know what you mean about apathy and ssri's. I
took prozac and although it was great for quieting
those obsessive inner critic voices, I didn't feel
as motivated to exercise, be creative, etc.
On lamictal...it's not QUITE as good for quieting
those voices (and I don't mean psychotic voices,
just the negative self critical voices)...but I
feel more of a drive to exercise and do other things
to take that edge off. I still have my emotions, and
enough of an edge to motivate me to do things that
make me feel better (for me that's exercise and art),
but I don't think I go as low or sink as far down into
the mire like I would if I took nothing. It does
something for me, but barely just enough. I'm willing
to make that sacrifice not to have the sexual side
effects of the SSRI's. Of course
I also just take 125 mg's and probably need to increase
at this point to get more of an AD effect.

I have a question for YOU--did you gain weight on it?
I feel like I have (I mean I KNOW I have, but just am
not sure it's due to the lamictal.

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . .

Posted by jazzdog on March 25, 2002, at 19:24:55

In reply to Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . ., posted by Bekka H. on March 24, 2002, at 17:07:00

Hi Bekka -

Lamictal has made me much less reactive - I can approach situations calmly and sanely that would leave me screaming in frustration before. There's no real 'felt' effect - it's subtle. Much less obsessing, but not apathy. A little more focus, more clarity. Even my dreams are clearer - they used to run around in obsessive circles, but now they actually occasionally make sense to me. Also, once you get past the long titration and find you optimal dose, the side effect profile is extremely benign.

- Jane

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- loooong » Bekka H.

Posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 3:08:40

In reply to Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . ., posted by Bekka H. on March 24, 2002, at 17:07:00

Bekka, hi. . .Lamictal ended like a twenty-year run of depression for me, about six months ago. It was quite a surprise. I was put on it for mood stabilization--but the fact that I have BP II was rather elusive. . .because it was mostly down!

The quality of the relief is--just, it's gone. Feels quite natural, as if I were always this way--except of course a shock at first. I'm not high, I'm not low, I'm just. . .not depressed. If there's a blow, I feel awful--and bounce right back. My pdoc has always talked in terms of Resilience. Now I see what he means.

I'm painting again. Yes, I am motivated to do the things that interest and please me. I still proceed quite slowly, but most often, with great internal pleasure and satisfaction. As I say, it just feels like I've always been this way. . (.Ha!)

Sooo. I got my shreds of a fine and promising novel all together again (I can't tell you how many times I've been "discovered" and all I had was a big box of pages) , ended a draining relationship---everything was blurred by that constant pain, I couldn't make intelligent choices for myself.

I know exactly what you mean about SSRIs. I was already on Effexor and Dexedrine, have been thru a zillion drugs, a zillion hours of therapy. But when it cleared--I was simply left with. . .life. Sometimes apathy comes and visits. . .so I turn it into a book-reading fest or some such. It's so much easier to have what really was some kind of resistance or the inablity to flow. Speaking of Sticky Switches. It's awful when the switch gets stuck to Off.

I don't have the insomnia--quite the opposite. What's your dose? I'm doing so well at 250mg. And, I think it's well worth taking a sleep agent alongside, if need be. So no, I don't think you should toss in the Lamictal towel just yet. . .

Best, Zo

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . . » Bekka H.

Posted by Emme on March 26, 2002, at 13:00:14

In reply to Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . ., posted by Bekka H. on March 24, 2002, at 17:07:00

Hi Bekka,

The relief I got from Lamictal was that my depression diminished (didn't go 100% away yet, but much improved), and I became more interactive. I started to have greater emotional responses to things. For example, I looked at some fabulous birds at a wildlife sanctuary and felt fascination and appreication. I saw a lovely painting in a gallery and felt an emotional response. I went to a modern dance performance and found it lovely. I felt like doing yoga. And I didn't feel ugly.

Unfortunately I've backslid into depression again. But I believe it is a case of environmental factors unhinging me - I think I wasn't well enough long enough to be ready to take on the major life decisions I may be faced with. No chance to regroup. I think if I were in a slightly more stable life situation I'd be in a decent place emotionally. I'm hoping I'll regain some balance soon. Maybe we should inch up the lamictal higher and see if that gives me greater benefit. I'm certainly not going to abandon Lamictal, though I may need to tweak the mixture right now.

Anyway, I got big relief from depression and it didn't make me numb or apathetic.

Good luck,
Emme

 

How much are you taking? (nm) » Emme

Posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 17:06:25

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . . » Bekka H., posted by Emme on March 26, 2002, at 13:00:14

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- JahL .

Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 22:00:26

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . , posted by JahL on March 24, 2002, at 20:51:52

Hi JahL,

Thanks so much for your help. I'm still in limbo about this. I have to speak with my psychopharmacologist to see about adding something for the insomnia. It's really awful. It's not real insomnia. I guess I'm sort of sleeping, but when I wake up, I feel completely unrested. I feel as if I had ten cups of coffee and then tried to doze. Several others on the board have suggested Neurontin and/or Klonopin for insomnia, so we'll see. . .

Thanks again.
Bekka

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries-Roo.

Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 22:08:16

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . , posted by Roo on March 25, 2002, at 9:43:08

Hi Roo,

Thanks for your help. I'm still a beginner on Lamictal and have not gained weight -- yet. I hear from others that some of that weight MIGHT be water retention, and it comes off after you get off the med, or perhaps a diuretic might help??

I am having a lot of insomnia and anxiety on the med, though, and that's upsetting. I hope it will subside. Several others have suggested Neurontin and/or Klonopin for sleep, but I'm wary of adding too many ingredients to the mix!

Thanks again. I'll keep you informed.

Bekka

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- Jazzdog.

Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 22:16:44

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . ., posted by jazzdog on March 25, 2002, at 19:24:55

Hi Jane,

Jazzdog is a cool screen name! Thanks so much for your help. Did Lamictal always feel subtle to you? I'm just an early beginner on it, and most of what I've felt so far has been unpleasant and not subtle. Maybe I should try to get ahold of the 5 mg tablets, but then the titration would take even longer! I will try to persevere.

Thank you again.

Bekka

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- loooong - Zo

Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 22:27:16

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- loooong » Bekka H., posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 3:08:40

Hi Zo,

Thanks so much for your looooong reply. Yes, this medicine sounds very promising, but I haven't gotten to the point where I can feel much yet, except annoyance at the insomnia. I am going to discuss some sleep agents with my pdoc, but I'm awfully reluctant to start adding more ingredients to the soup. I have a lot of trouble with "polypharmacy." I think my liver enzymes are out of whack. I really appreciate your explaining your quality of life on Lamictal in so much detail. It's inspiring. Now, I must persevere!

Thanks again.
Bekka

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- Emme. . .

Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 23:09:19

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- A Question for you. . . » Bekka H., posted by Emme on March 26, 2002, at 13:00:14

Hi Emme,

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling depressed again. I know what you mean about taking on too much before you're ready.

I also have a problem with phase shifts (I want to stay up late and get up late, especially in the cold weather!). Did you notice any change in circadian rhythms on Lamictal? One of the reasons I ask is that, even though I have unipolar depression, I have read in several places that some doctors think that patients who have Seasonal Affective Disorder might actually have a variant of Bipolar II. So, if Lamictal helps bipolar patients, I wondered whether it would help the seasonal variations.

I hope that your "environmental factors" cease to be a stressor for you.

Thanks again for your help.

Bekka

 

Re: How much are you taking? » Zo

Posted by Emme on March 27, 2002, at 12:27:23

In reply to How much are you taking? (nm) » Emme, posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 17:06:25

Hello.
75 mg right now. I'm going to try to scootch it up a little higher. I'll try increasing 6.25 mg (1/4 of those 25 mg tabs) per week for a few weeks and see if that perks me up a little. I've had a better response to this drug than so many others.
Emme

 

Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- Emme. . . » Bekka H.

Posted by Emme on March 27, 2002, at 12:46:12

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- Emme. . ., posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 23:09:19

Hi Bekka

Thanks for the good wishes. I'm doing my best to take it in stride. At the moment, the only sensible medication change is to increase the lamictal a bit and try to deal with what's triggering the stress. I'd hoped I'd have better resilience, but I don't just yet.

Phase shifts and circadian rhythms, etc., huh? Well, I'm a night owl by temperament and so's my brother. I'm with you on the up late sleep late thing. Lamictal distrubs my sleep and causes me to wake up earlier, which is a good thing. But I've had to add the dash of seroquel to help get sounder sleep and make sure I get enough hours. I find myself very reluctant to go to sleep at night at all, unless I fall asleep reading, and then wake up a little while later and turn the light off (guess I could put it on a timer). This is a weird psychological thing. I think I'm afraid of lying awake and then thinking sad thoughts or worrying. So I'd rather just drift off in the middle of a page. Which I suppose isn't such a terrible thing for the time being as long as I get in enough sleep and feel okay in the morning.

I didn't used to have SAD, but since having problems with my mood disorder, I notice it worsens in winter. Interesting you mention a bipolar connection as my doctor thinks I'm BPII. I really hate getting up in the dark, I feel better if it's light when I get up. I haven't yet been on a therapeutic dose of Lamictal through a winter to tell if it will help with SAD type problems.

You're smart to ask lots of questions. I hope Lamictal helps you. It's a good drug for a lot of people.

Take care,
Emme

> Hi Emme,
>
> Thanks so much for your reply. I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling depressed again. I know what you mean about taking on too much before you're ready.
>
> I also have a problem with phase shifts (I want to stay up late and get up late, especially in the cold weather!). Did you notice any change in circadian rhythms on Lamictal? One of the reasons I ask is that, even though I have unipolar depression, I have read in several places that some doctors think that patients who have Seasonal Affective Disorder might actually have a variant of Bipolar II. So, if Lamictal helps bipolar patients, I wondered whether it would help the seasonal variations.
>
> I hope that your "environmental factors" cease to be a stressor for you.
>
> Thanks again for your help.
>
> Bekka

 

Lamictal- so far so good!

Posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

In reply to Re: Lamictal beneficiaries- Emme. . . » Bekka H., posted by Emme on March 27, 2002, at 12:46:12

Zo, Bekka, Emme, et al...

I just started Lamictal (only 25 mg) a week and a half ago and already it seems to be working in that I've been much more stable than previously (ie last 35 years.) I used to cycle every 3 or 4 days. The jury is still out- I've been through too many meds to jump to conclusions but I've been very impressed so far.

My current regimen: 40mg fluoxetine, .25 Mirapex, 25mg Lamictal.

Best,

Peter

 

Re: Lamictal- so far so good!-Peter S.

Posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 0:56:11

In reply to Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

Hi Peter,

Congratulations on your Lamictal success! I will try to keep you in mind every time I get discouraged, which is often! I've been having dreadful insomnia, and I just found out that Lamictal is available in 2mg and 5mg tablets (probably for children). I'm going to ask my doctor for those. I know it will make the titration last even longer, but if it works for me, I'm willing to do that. I'm also looking into the possibility of adding Neurontin and/or Klonopin for the insomnia, although I usually function best when I take FEWER meds. SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY!

Thanks for your inspiring message!

Bekka

 

Lamictal-Peter S.

Posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 0:58:21

In reply to Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

P.S. Do you use the Mirapex to counteract the adverse effects of the Prozac?

 

Re: Lamictal-Peter S.

Posted by Peter S. on March 28, 2002, at 1:43:38

In reply to Lamictal-Peter S., posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 0:58:21

Hi Bekka,

My experience with Prozac over the years is that as I have used it, it has increasingly caused extreme fatigue (not sleepiness). I also notice that it "works" for a couple of days and then stops working- it seems to add to the cycling. (My cycling is more in the range of cyclothymia or BP II or III- having never had a full blown manic episode.)

I have found that the Mirapex eliminated the fatigue and for a while contributed to the anti-depressant effect. However it seemed to grow less effective and I still noticed cycling- until I added the Lamictal.

Best,

Peter

> P.S. Do you use the Mirapex to counteract the adverse effects of the Prozac?

 

Oh goody! .. I'm rootin' for ya! (nm) » Emme

Posted by Zo on March 28, 2002, at 6:51:11

In reply to Re: How much are you taking? » Zo, posted by Emme on March 27, 2002, at 12:27:23

 

'Raaay! (nm) » Peter S.

Posted by Zo on March 28, 2002, at 6:52:21

In reply to Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

 

Go Peter! Hope the good response continues! (nm) » Peter S.

Posted by Emme on March 28, 2002, at 6:55:02

In reply to Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

 

Thanks Zo! (nm) » Zo

Posted by Emme on March 28, 2002, at 6:56:51

In reply to Oh goody! .. I'm rootin' for ya! (nm) » Emme, posted by Zo on March 28, 2002, at 6:51:11

 

Re: Lamictal- so far so good!

Posted by polarbear206 on March 28, 2002, at 17:51:22

In reply to Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by Peter S. on March 27, 2002, at 23:53:12

Hi Guy's!! I just started Lamictal on monday night. My doc has me starting at 25mg for 1 week then go up to 50mg week 2. I am a soft bipolar with a seasonal sydrome. Depression worsens in eary February. Can't concentrate, confused, and walking around like i'm in a fog. The cycle always starts with hypersomnia, fatigue, leaden feeling, and very tearful. I cry watching commercials on TV. Do you remember the new "NIKE" commercial during the olympics with the pretty music and all the different sports? I cried when I heard the music!! This cyclic mood has been with me for years. I usually ride it out, because I know I'll be better once the tulips start blooming and the days lenghten. This year I got really scared and had anxiety attacks along with the depression. During the remainder of the year I have some soft cycling going on. Too much of my antideressant can make me hypomanic and I want to leap out of bed and do yard work at 6:00 am. I thought I was "MOTHER EARTH" or something. I've been able to slowly decrease my antidpressant since starting the Lamictal. I noticed a change by the 2nd night I took it. I was sleeping better and I looked "refreshed" when I woke up in the morning. I did however wake up several times during the night and was able to go back to sleep. I got my fingers crossed that this drug might just do the trick!! I wish you all well. Thanks.

 

Re: Lamictal- so far so good! - polarbear

Posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 18:38:47

In reply to Re: Lamictal- so far so good!, posted by polarbear206 on March 28, 2002, at 17:51:22

Hi PolarBear,

Congratulations on your success with Lamictal. Can you tell me what other meds you are on? I started Lamictal recently but have had many sleep problems, but I'm hoping to make it work anyway.

Please keep us informed.

Bekka

 

Early Boost common but fades

Posted by Tye on March 28, 2002, at 18:55:29

In reply to Re: Lamictal- so far so good! - polarbear, posted by Bekka H. on March 28, 2002, at 18:38:47

I hear many people get a strong antidepressant response to lamictal early on in treatment. This effect eventually fades over about a week or two. Most individuals need an antidepressant eventually with lamictal.

Tye


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