![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mondeo on April 8, 2002, at 3:06:21
has anyone good experience with this med,as a monotherapy and ON WHICH dosage ?
Mondeo
Posted by JohnX2 on April 8, 2002, at 3:25:33
In reply to LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Mondeo on April 8, 2002, at 3:06:21
> has anyone good experience with this med,as a monotherapy and ON WHICH dosage ?
>
> Mondeo100-300 mg is a typical theraeutic range. Some people push the medicine as high as 600 mg. (I take 150 mg for BipolarII).
Lamictal is a very effective core medicine for soft bipolar/bipolar II disorder, in my opinion.
Of the mood stabilizers, it has the more noteable antidepressant qualities. You may be able to do well without adding an AD. If you still need an AD, you will probably find that the Lamictal does a decent job of keeping your mood stabilized (maybe you are only a bit anergic depressed instead of major depression and cycling, etc). The side effect profile of Lamictal is fairly benign for many. So if you can tolerate the medicine, and it wipes out the big lows and cycling, you may have more freedom to swap other ADs in/out without horror (just my opinion, a nice benefit - the search for a tolerable AD add on).John
Posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 8:26:43
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JohnX2 on April 8, 2002, at 3:25:33
Mondeo,
I haven't posted for awhile, but I must echo JohnX2's advice. I too am Bipolar II, and Lamictal (+ Parnate and fish oil) have only recently made a big difference, possibly the silver bullet, that I have been searching for countless years.
The most substantial attribute for me that it has cleared up the brain fog, the mental lethargy, that has clouded by thinking. It also seems true that is gives a good, if not robust, antidepressant effect. Why not try it as a monotherapy, but add an AD later on if needed?
Lithium worked OK as a mood to level out my infrequent ups and down, but did nothing to lift my confused thinking and depression.
However, I don't know what did the job, because I started the Lamictal, Parnate, and fish oil at the same time. I would like to know, so perhaps starting Lamictal solely would be a good idea. Perhaps it's a moot point; I should be happy with my success.
BTW, I'm not completely out of the dark, as I still experience some anhedonia. I've only been on this combination for a month, going up slowly.
Good luck. Lamictal if definitely worth a try.
Posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 9:44:44
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 8:26:43
> Mondeo,
>
> I haven't posted for awhile, but I must echo JohnX2's advice. I too am Bipolar II, and Lamictal (+ Parnate and fish oil) have only recently made a big difference, possibly the silver bullet, that I have been searching for countless years.
>
> The most substantial attribute for me that it has cleared up the brain fog, the mental lethargy, that has clouded by thinking. It also seems true that is gives a good, if not robust, antidepressant effect. Why not try it as a monotherapy, but add an AD later on if needed?
>
> Lithium worked OK as a mood to level out my infrequent ups and down, but did nothing to lift my confused thinking and depression.
>
> However, I don't know what did the job, because I started the Lamictal, Parnate, and fish oil at the same time. I would like to know, so perhaps starting Lamictal solely would be a good idea. Perhaps it's a moot point; I should be happy with my success.
>
> BTW, I'm not completely out of the dark, as I still experience some anhedonia. I've only been on this combination for a month, going up slowly.
>
> Good luck. Lamictal if definitely worth a try.
Jeff,
What were you taking prior to the MAOI? The only combo that keeps most of my syx at bay is tricyclic/ssri. I am a very "soft" cycling with atypical features and seasonal. Every year in Feb. my depression worsens. Start with hypersomnia, then cycle to high anxiety. I did fine the last 5 1/2 months on just the imipramine until Feb. when I went back on the Paxil due to anxiety. I'm considering switching psych. doc because mine won't put me on an MAOI. I know this drug would probably work very well for me. I'm going to give the Lamictal another try though. I think I need more of a theraputic dose. He just had me on 25mg in am and 25mg at night. I didn't notice any improvement with the dose this low. I need that silver bullet!! It's the darn physical syx's of confusion and being unable to concentrate. Like walking around in a fog. I can't stand this. I'm a psychiatric nurse of all things and I need to be mentally sharp in my line of work. I've never really been hypomanic. I would say I'm more of hyperthymic with my ups. Good energy too! High doses of antidepressants can send me into "soft" hypomania late spring. I'm depression dominated in with this illness. It's the confusion and concentration that break through that I'm serching for the right cocktail of meds!!!!
Laura.
Posted by Emme on April 8, 2002, at 10:09:55
In reply to LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Mondeo on April 8, 2002, at 3:06:21
Hi. Lamictal good AD (BPII, mostly depressed). No brain fog from it. No weight gain. Stimulating - use neurontin and klonopin & dash of seroquel for that.
Emme (space cadet cuz trying naltrexone for a week - brain not working from naltrexone- can barely think or write).
Posted by SLS on April 8, 2002, at 10:16:23
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2) Jeff H, posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 9:44:44
> What were you taking prior to the MAOI? The only combo that keeps most of my syx at bay is tricyclic/ssri. I am a very "soft" cycling with atypical features and seasonal. Every year in Feb. my depression worsens. Start with hypersomnia, then cycle to high anxiety. I did fine the last 5 1/2 months on just the imipramine until Feb. when I went back on the Paxil due to anxiety. I'm considering switching psych. doc because mine won't put me on an MAOI. I know this drug would probably work very well for me. I'm going to give the Lamictal another try though. I think I need more of a theraputic dose. He just had me on 25mg in am and 25mg at night. I didn't notice any improvement with the dose this low. I need that silver bullet!! It's the darn physical syx's of confusion and being unable to concentrate. Like walking around in a fog. I can't stand this. I'm a psychiatric nurse of all things and I need to be mentally sharp in my line of work. I've never really been hypomanic. I would say I'm more of hyperthymic with my ups. Good energy too! High doses of antidepressants can send me into "soft" hypomania late spring. I'm depression dominated in with this illness. It's the confusion and concentration that break through that I'm serching for the right cocktail of meds!!!!
> Laura.
Hi Laura.Have you ever opted to add lithium? Although I don’t recall where I read it, lithium was described to be a particularly effective medication in SAD. I’m not sure it appears on Medline, though. Maybe it was one of Rosenthal’s suggestions. I don’t remember. It might be worth looking in to. Perhaps you could try low dosages of 300-600mg first.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 8, 2002, at 11:11:21
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2) Jeff H, posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 9:44:44
Hi again.
I really couldn't find anything convincing on either Medline or Google regarding the use of lithium for SAD specifically. It is sometimes mentioned casually, but no real statistics seem to be available. Anyway, if I were in your position, and I had not yet tried it, I would still give lithium a try. You obviously need a mood-stabilizer when antidepressants are given. Which ones have you tried? I do think you need to explore MAOIs. I don't know why your doctor is so resistant to the idea. Parnate + lithium is often a good combination.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 12:30:01
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2) Jeff H, posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 9:44:44
Laura,
I have tried all of the above plus exotics such as amilsupride. Funny, a tricyclic/ssri was a future try. You symtoms closely mimic mine, with the exception of the seasonal aspect.
I remember an early post about a depression called abulia or abulic depression, which I also found in an article about bipolar spectrum with by a John Hopkins doc. This lists all the subtypes of Bipolar II. Anyway, the trick was to take either the tricyclic or ssri in the morning, and the other in the evening. The doctor quoted said there are a minority that will only respond to this. I just thought I'd throw this in.
Also, an earlier post mentioned going up slowly with the Lamictal because of of a therapeutic window, and some people responded only to a low dosage.
I would switch doctors. I changed probably eight or so times, even traveling many miles. My current doctor in Tucson is 6 hours one way, making for an exhausting 12 hour trip. He trained at Havard with Stoll and others and is willing to try anything, including opiotes. He reads the articles I send in to him ( we even tried cortisol reducing drugs) and considers and even tries combinations I have picked up through Psycho Babble and other sources.
Good luck. A treatment and a good doctor are out there, perhaps with the hard work most of us seem to have to do.
Good Luck, Jeff
Posted by SLS on April 8, 2002, at 16:31:05
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, PolarBear, posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 12:30:01
Hi Jeff.
> Also, an earlier post mentioned going up slowly with the Lamictal because of of a therapeutic window, and some people responded only to a low dosage.
Hmm. I have not seen this. How often is this the case?
I don't think Lamictal by itself is very good to prevent mania. From what I can see, though, it seems to help with rapid-cyclicity.
Laura, given your bipolarity, I think lithium is an option to keep on your list of things to try. You could try Lamictal + Neurontin first. It seems that there is some cycling involved, so a mood-stabilizing drug of some kind is probably prudent. It's nice to have unexplored options. I'm sure you'll hit on the right one.
- Scott
Posted by JohnX2 on April 8, 2002, at 17:11:17
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, PolarBear, posted by SLS on April 8, 2002, at 16:31:05
>
> I don't think Lamictal by itself is very good to prevent mania. From what I can see, though, it seems to help with rapid-cyclicity.
>Ditto.
John
Posted by JahL on April 8, 2002, at 18:37:43
In reply to LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Mondeo on April 8, 2002, at 3:06:21
> has anyone good experience with this med,as a monotherapy and ON WHICH dosage ?
Yeah. I'm BP II/NOS & Lamictal has been the most useful mood stabiliser so far. Slightly improves all symptoms except social phobia. Particularly good for reducing suicidal ideation and for reversing terrible psychomotor retardation somewhat. Best AD qualities of all the AEDs I've tried.
I actually responded best @ 25mg. It was more hypomania than euthymia but was a decent improvement all the same. The benefits have subsided somewhat with time (this seems to have been the case with a few posters), unrelated to the fact that I continued to increase the dose. I'm now stable on 400mg. It seems to work much better with Klonopin. The benefits, whilst not dramatic, are sustained and there are no real side effects to speak of (except RLS).
I agree it's probably not great as an anti-manic monotherapy; it's one of only 4 drugs (out of 40+) to have sent me hypo. Made my lil' bro (soft BP) hypo too. Not that either of us were complaining...
J.
Posted by Ponder on April 8, 2002, at 19:04:07
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JohnX2 on April 8, 2002, at 3:25:33
"more freedom to swap other ADs in/out without horror"
Alas, this phrasing really captures the experience!
Posted by Ponder on April 8, 2002, at 19:07:45
In reply to LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Mondeo on April 8, 2002, at 3:06:21
Lamictal is the only psych drug to which I have responded convincingly. I was already on Wellbutrin SR when I added Lamictal. Keep thinking I should try phasing out the WB to see if it is the Lamictal doing all the work. Takes some guts, though, to mess with a combo that's working. I'm on 150 mg Lamictal/day and 300 WB.
Posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 20:32:26
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2) Jeff H » polarbear206, posted by SLS on April 8, 2002, at 11:11:21
> Hi again.
>
> I really couldn't find anything convincing on either Medline or Google regarding the use of lithium for SAD specifically. It is sometimes mentioned casually, but no real statistics seem to be available. Anyway, if I were in your position, and I had not yet tried it, I would still give lithium a try. You obviously need a mood-stabilizer when antidepressants are given. Which ones have you tried? I do think you need to explore MAOIs. I don't know why your doctor is so resistant to the idea. Parnate + lithium is often a good combination.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott!
I really appreciate your time. I did try Lithium and Depakote before. The depakote made me feel very sleepy all the time, and I felt strange on the Lithium. I'm going to give the Lamictal another try and see how it goes. I also want to try an MAOI. I need to find a new pdoc who will let me try one. Thanks Laura.
Posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 20:49:45
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, PolarBear, posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 12:30:01
> Laura,
>
> I have tried all of the above plus exotics such as amilsupride. Funny, a tricyclic/ssri was a future try. You symtoms closely mimic mine, with the exception of the seasonal aspect.
>
> I remember an early post about a depression called abulia or abulic depression, which I also found in an article about bipolar spectrum with by a John Hopkins doc. This lists all the subtypes of Bipolar II. Anyway, the trick was to take either the tricyclic or ssri in the morning, and the other in the evening. The doctor quoted said there are a minority that will only respond to this. I just thought I'd throw this in.
>
> Also, an earlier post mentioned going up slowly with the Lamictal because of of a therapeutic window, and some people responded only to a low dosage.
>
> I would switch doctors. I changed probably eight or so times, even traveling many miles. My current doctor in Tucson is 6 hours one way, making for an exhausting 12 hour trip. He trained at Havard with Stoll and others and is willing to try anything, including opiotes. He reads the articles I send in to him ( we even tried cortisol reducing drugs) and considers and even tries combinations I have picked up through Psycho Babble and other sources.
>
> Good luck. A treatment and a good doctor are out there, perhaps with the hard work most of us seem to have to do.
>
> Good Luck, Jeff
Hi Jeff!
Please keep me posted with your progress. I hope your current cocktail of meds works wonders for you!! Are you having any nasty side effects with the Parnate verses the other AD's you tried in the past? I just don't know how I would get through the washout period?? How did it go for you? To tell you the truth, thats what scares me the most!! I take the Imipramine and Paxil at night because when this illness is exacerbated, my mornings are the worst!! The fog starts to lift up as the day goes by. Thanks for your time!! Laura.
Posted by Zo on April 8, 2002, at 21:24:12
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JeffH on April 8, 2002, at 8:26:43
Posted by SLS on April 9, 2002, at 9:33:30
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, Jeff, posted by polarbear206 on April 8, 2002, at 20:49:45
Hi.
Sorry for butting in.
> Are you having any nasty side effects with the Parnate verses the other AD's you tried in the past?
When I have taken MAOIs, I have experienced little or no side effects after a few months have passed. If you are a virgin to Parnate or Nardil, be prepared for some big-time hypotension. The first time I tried Parnate, I had to sit or lay on the floor at times, regardless of where I was. However, this pretty much resolved completely. Paradoxically, some people react to Parnate in the opposite fashion. Their blood-pressure rises significantly, if not dangerously. This is idiosyncratic of the individual, and usually shows up early in treatment.
MAOIs can be combined with many other antidepressants, and just about all stimulants and mood-stabilizers. The only real exceptions are those drugs that are potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These would include the SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa, Lexapro), Effexor, and Anafranil. Such combinations can produce a sometimes fatal reaction known as Serotonin Syndrome. This reaction is the result of too much serotonin accumulating, as MAOIs prevent excess serotonin from being properly disposed of and disassembled within the neurons (catabolized by the MAO enzyme) while at the same time having an SSRI prevent these neurons from sweeping up after themselves after having released their serotonin into the gap between them (reuptake inhibition).
"The symptoms of the serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of the reflexes, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizzy, muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw, sweating, intoxication, muscle twitching, rigidity, high body temperature, mental status changes were frequent (including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state), shivering, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death."
(The Serotonin Syndrome, AM J PSYCHIATRY, June 1991)I have combined both Nardil and Parnate separately with desipramine and imipramine, along with Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Parlodel. At one time, I was taking Parnate 120mg + desipramine 200mg + Dexedrine 15mg + T4 thyroid hormone.
> I just don't know how I would get through the washout period?? How did it go for you? To tell you the truth, thats what scares me the most!!
Some people have used stimulants like Ritalin, Dexedrine, or Adderall to create a "bridge" until beginning the new medications. I think Ritalin is chosen more often - probably because it is not so nefarious a drug. Some have had success with S-AMe (S-adenosyl-methionine). (For some reason, the erroneous acronym "SAM-e" has been adopted and perpetuated by both the pharmaceutical and medical communities. I find it comical. The "S-" is the organic chemistry nomenclature for the arrangement of a chiral center in a molecule: S-sinister R-rectus. "Me" is the abbreviation for the amino-acid methionine. It is very, very silly to remove the hyphen from the (S) designation and move it over to break up the "M-e". Rant completed). I have often wondered if Zyprexa would be helpful in these situations. It would be pretty neat if someone could verify this with personal experience. I also think a benzodiazepine like Ativan might be of help, but I haven't read anything on that specifically.
If it were me (treatment-resistant and TCA partial-responder), I would keep the tricyclic and discontinue only the Paxil. Paxil is sort of like an SSRI with a TCA personality. You'd only have to experience half of the Paxil withdrawal syndrome, plus optimize your chances of obtaining an antidepressant response with the MAOI-TCA combination.
Just a few thoughts while my coffee is brewing. Actually, it's probably stale by now.
- Scott
Posted by JeffH on April 9, 2002, at 11:45:03
In reply to Re: Another silver bullet here. . . (nm) » JeffH, posted by Zo on April 8, 2002, at 21:24:12
Zo,
Did you find something too? Perhaps I missed your post. If so, congratulations. What was it?
I continue to do well having gone up in dosage. I
especially do well in the morning after I take the medicine, but feel it waning in the afternoon until the evening when I take the medicne a second time.Improvment is about 60 -70 percent, which I'll take anytime. Anhedonia still presents a problem, but not as bad as before. Perhaps I can add Zyprexa.
Can't tell you how exciting it is after 34 years of misery and I hope I'll continue to do well, even if I'm not completly treated. I have the fear that it won't be long-lasting.
Regards,
Jeff
Posted by petters on April 11, 2002, at 12:33:27
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, Jeff, posted by SLS on April 9, 2002, at 9:33:30
Dear Scott...
Thank you so mutch for your alwas so creative and accurate information. I just don´t know how you have been able to get all this knowledge about affective disorders. I must say it again. I AM VERY, VERY IMPRESSED. Your level is sometimes above many of the doctors that I have meet during severel years, whitout trying to flatteries. I really mean this.
I am going to increase Lamictal from 100 mg to 200 mg. Do you think I can do it a bit qicker than 25 mg every second week? What about raise from 100 mg to 150 mg today, and than 2 week at this dosage, and after that increase the dosage to 200 mg?
As you know I suffer from Bipolar II + ADD.
Is Effexor as effective like Zyban regarding ADD??I am sorry for not having any info or tips to you regarding your condition, and illness.
Stay well and be well.
Sincerely...//Petters
Posted by SLS on April 11, 2002, at 17:15:20
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity, (((SLS))), posted by petters on April 11, 2002, at 12:33:27
> I am going to increase Lamictal from 100 mg to 200 mg. Do you think I can do it a bit qicker than 25 mg every second week? What about raise from 100 mg to 150 mg today, and than 2 week at this dosage, and after that increase the dosage to 200 mg?
You should be able to increase Lamictal quickly. JTo be safe, you can increase the dosage to 150mg for 7 days, and then to 200mg.
> As you know I suffer from Bipolar II + ADD. Is Effexor as effective like Zyban regarding ADD??
I don’t know that much about ADD. I do know that there is a statistical association of comorbitity of the two. What are your symptoms of ADD?
ADD and AD/HD have two components:
1. attentional
2. behavioral and motivationalThe attentional component is treatable with psychostimulants. The behavioral / motivational are the components that antidepressants can help. I knew someone (adult) who responded well to imipramine. I think Parnate helps with both.
If you hava already tried methylphenidate and amphetamine, perhaps you can try pemoline (Cylert). In addition to improving attentional deficits, it can be an effective augmentor of antidepressants. It increases dopaminergic tone in a way that is different from the other psychostimulants. I believe it promotes the passive release of DA from presynaptic neurons. I had a doctor that liked to combine it with Parnate for depression.
A few open trials in the US reported that Effexor was effective for ADD. Other trials have reported the bupropion was effective too. No double-blind studies. The investigators of the venlafaxine study I read a few years ago liked venlafaxine more than bupropion.
- Scott
Posted by Mondeo on April 15, 2002, at 10:35:27
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by JohnX2 on April 8, 2002, at 3:25:33
Thanks John and I am pleased to have you"on board"
and I 100% agree with your point of view ;I shall be waiting for your PERSONAL e-mail
regards
MONDEO
====================
> 100-300 mg is a typical theraeutic range. Some people push the medicine as high as 600 mg. (I take 150 mg for BipolarII).
>
> Lamictal is a very effective core medicine for soft bipolar/bipolar II disorder, in my opinion.
> Of the mood stabilizers, it has the more noteable antidepressant qualities. You may be able to do well without adding an AD. If you still need an AD, you will probably find that the Lamictal does a decent job of keeping your mood stabilized (maybe you are only a bit anergic depressed instead of major depression and cycling, etc). The side effect profile of Lamictal is fairly benign for many. So if you can tolerate the medicine, and it wipes out the big lows and cycling, you may have more freedom to swap other ADs in/out without horror (just my opinion, a nice benefit - the search for a tolerable AD add on).
>
> John
Posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 11:51:05
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Mondeo on April 15, 2002, at 10:35:27
> Thanks John and I am pleased to have you"on board"
> and I 100% agree with your point of view ;I shall be waiting for your PERSONAL e-mail
> regards
> MONDEO
> ====================
> > 100-300 mg is a typical theraeutic range. Some people push the medicine as high as 600 mg. (I take 150 mg for BipolarII).
> >
> > Lamictal is a very effective core medicine for soft bipolar/bipolar II disorder, in my opinion.
> > Of the mood stabilizers, it has the more noteable antidepressant qualities. You may be able to do well without adding an AD. If you still need an AD, you will probably find that the Lamictal does a decent job of keeping your mood stabilized (maybe you are only a bit anergic depressed instead of major depression and cycling, etc). The side effect profile of Lamictal is fairly benign for many. So if you can tolerate the medicine, and it wipes out the big lows and cycling, you may have more freedom to swap other ADs in/out without horror (just my opinion, a nice benefit - the search for a tolerable AD add on).
> >
> > JohnHi everybody,
I just wanted to let you know that I tried the Lamictal again. I think it's going to do the job!! I guess I should of waited to start it before because it was that time of month and I was getting headaches. I guess it was because I was hormonal that I was getting the headaches. No side effects from the Lamictal so far. On a low dose and hope to work up slowly to 100mg.Laura
Posted by zero on April 16, 2002, at 1:24:55
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by Emme on April 8, 2002, at 10:09:55
Hi Emme,
I'm BP2 also. Am starting Lamictal and finding it VERY stimulating/activating (but helping w. depression already).I've been taking low-dose Klonopin & Topamax, and my new doc is adding Neurontin and 25mg. Seroquel at bedtime to help me tolerate the Lamictal. Unsure about the Seroquel. Just wondering if it helps you, and what your "dash" of a dose might be.
Hope you are doing well,
zero
Posted by Emme on April 17, 2002, at 12:32:01
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2), posted by zero on April 16, 2002, at 1:24:55
Hi Zero,
I also found it really stimulating at first. Some of that seems to have simmered down. It sounds like your doctor is giving you lots of ammo to help with the stimulating properties. About the Seroquel, I find it helpful. I'm using 12.5 mg. I get drowsy about an hour after taking it and I sleep through the night. I don't necessarily need it every single night, but I use it more nights than not. Also, on days when I've been wildly anxious and neurontin and klonopin didn't help enough, a couple of crumbs (literally) of seroquel really helped. You may have to experiment a few nights to find the best dosage that helps but doesn't leave you too tired in the morning.
cheers,
Emme
> Hi Emme,
> I'm BP2 also. Am starting Lamictal and finding it VERY stimulating/activating (but helping w. depression already).
>
> I've been taking low-dose Klonopin & Topamax, and my new doc is adding Neurontin and 25mg. Seroquel at bedtime to help me tolerate the Lamictal. Unsure about the Seroquel. Just wondering if it helps you, and what your "dash" of a dose might be.
> Hope you are doing well,
> zero
Posted by zero on April 17, 2002, at 23:40:27
In reply to Re: LAMICTAL usage for soft Bipolarity(BP2) » zero, posted by Emme on April 17, 2002, at 12:32:01
Emme,
Thanks for your post.After a few days using the Seroquel, I'm finding it really knocks down the stimulation/activation even better than Topamax or Neurontin.
I'm also finding myself a bit wiped out in the morning from the 25mg.
'Cause of that, I was contemplating trying a half tablet (12.5mg) of Seroquel at bedtime (as I see you've been doing). That, and maybe add a touch more the following day if I need it (I've gotten pretty good w. a single edge razor blade - pill cutting expertise, that is).
Good to hear the stimulating/activating effects of Lamictal tend to lessen over time.
It sure has nice mood lifting properties. Feeling not depressed and not hypomanic either, for the first time in a long time.
Take care,
zero> Hi Zero,
>
> I also found it really stimulating at first. Some of that seems to have simmered down. It sounds like your doctor is giving you lots of ammo to help with the stimulating properties. About the Seroquel, I find it helpful. I'm using 12.5 mg. I get drowsy about an hour after taking it and I sleep through the night. I don't necessarily need it every single night, but I use it more nights than not. Also, on days when I've been wildly anxious and neurontin and klonopin didn't help enough, a couple of crumbs (literally) of seroquel really helped. You may have to experiment a few nights to find the best dosage that helps but doesn't leave you too tired in the morning.
>
> cheers,
> Emme
>
>
> > Hi Emme,
> > I'm BP2 also. Am starting Lamictal and finding it VERY stimulating/activating (but helping w. depression already).
> >
> > I've been taking low-dose Klonopin & Topamax, and my new doc is adding Neurontin and 25mg. Seroquel at bedtime to help me tolerate the Lamictal. Unsure about the Seroquel. Just wondering if it helps you, and what your "dash" of a dose might be.
> > Hope you are doing well,
> > zero
This is the end of the thread.
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