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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2003, at 0:55:26
In reply to Lamictal side effects, posted by Seneca on September 1, 2003, at 12:51:32
> I have been prescribed lamictal for bipolar. It makes me very, very nauseous. It also makes me a little more paranoid than usual. Has anyone experienced this or found a drug that they think works better than lamictal?
>
> If I understand the meds correctly there are only three possible families of drugs available to manics. I may be wrong but they seem to be lithium based drugs, valproate drugs, and the last family is actually a combination of antipsychotics and antidepressants.
>
> Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks
Posted by HenryO on September 3, 2003, at 2:05:35
In reply to Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2003, at 0:55:26
How much Lamictal do you take?
Do you take it with food?
How long have you been taking it?
Nausea aside, does it help?I'm asking all these questions because if it does help, maybe some coping strategies could make a big difference.
People here may have some ideas, based on your answers.
Posted by Ima on September 3, 2003, at 10:01:59
In reply to Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2003, at 0:55:26
Also , are you taking other meds with it?
peace
Ima
Posted by galkeepinon on September 3, 2003, at 16:48:50
In reply to Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2003, at 0:55:26
Hi Seneca, I'm taking Lamictal right now. I really like the medication. It made me nauseas in the beginning and I am still increasing my dosages per my psychiatrist's orders and I still get a little nauseas at times.
I believe Lithium, Tegretol, Depakote, and Lamictal are the most common meds used for bipolars.
Someone else may have more insight for ya:-)
Good luck!> > I have been prescribed lamictal for bipolar. It makes me very, very nauseous. It also makes me a little more paranoid than usual. Has anyone experienced this or found a drug that they think works better than lamictal?
> >
> > If I understand the meds correctly there are only three possible families of drugs available to manics. I may be wrong but they seem to be lithium based drugs, valproate drugs, and the last family is actually a combination of antipsychotics and antidepressants.
> >
> > Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks
>
Posted by HenryO on September 3, 2003, at 18:19:34
In reply to Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2003, at 0:55:26
I don't understand why this post <<Seneca, shows up as posted by Dr.Bob. How does this work? I've seen other posts like this and thought Dr.Bob was posting. What's the deal?
Posted by amy_oz on September 3, 2003, at 19:50:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects « Seneca, posted by HenryO on September 3, 2003, at 18:19:34
Hi,
Side effects with Lamictal should disappear within a couple of weeks of increasing dosage. If they don't go see your pdoc again. If you get a rash or start itching see your doctor immediately.There are now a number of different moodstabiliser medications for bipolar.
Lithium
works best with classical bipolar 1Anticonvulsants (traditionally anti-epileptic)
These style of drugs include valproate (epilim, depakote etc), lamitrogine (Lamictal), Topiramate (Topomax) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Also Antipsychotics are now being used. these include:
olanzapine (Zyprexa)and quietipine (Seroquel)
and some others (ie Solian)Most BPs will generally use a combination of drugs.
eg Lithium+ Lamictal
is a good combo esp for BP 2 cause Lamictal is a good antidepressant as well and BP 2 is characterised by more depression than maniaQuite an number of people take a combo of a moodstabiliser and an antidepressant (eg) effexor
I take a combo of valproate and Lamictal as my moods have been deep depresssion and mixed states.
YOu have to be careful with this combo as valproate increases the amount of time Lamictal stays in the body.
The antipsychotics are excellent for quickly bringing down a manic episode. They are also very sedating and I think they work better for anxiety than the traditional benzodiazipines (Valium etc)
Valproate is considered to be the best for mixed episodes.
Remember that the knowledge on BP and medications is rapidly increasing and and theres better and better medication options available. Make sure you are seeing a pdoc who's open to new ideas...although it sounds like you are if you are on Lamictal. I know of some pdocs who will only prescribe lithium or valproate
If you have any other questions just ask.
Amy
This is the end of the thread.
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