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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 linnette on December 9, 2003, at 1:05:15
Hi everyone,
I need some help here. I saw my new pdoc last Tuesday, and was at 200 mg lamictal, along with 1.5 mg xanax, and 2 or 300 mg neurontin as needed. He suggested I go up on lamictal to 300, as I was still exper some depressive symptoms. I got up to 250 mg and am now in an agitated, anxious, irritated depressed state, and haven't had a decent night's sleep for about 4 or 5 days. I am almost ready to re-start my zoloft or nortriptyline as I have to work and needless to say, depressive symptoms make that nearly impossible. Along with all of that, I don't want to eat.I know this prb has to do with the lamictal increase, but with the depressive symptoms there before the increase, doesn't it seem prudent to re-start my AD as I discontinued them altogether about a month ago. My pdoc is open to this, I just don't want to have to contact him about which one to re-start as I just had my appt. a week ago. I really had hoped that the lamictal would be my "monotherapy" med, but it looks bleak right now.
As always, thank you for yor feedback.
Linnette
Posted by Golf4 on December 9, 2003, at 3:54:40
In reply to lamictal - help!, posted by linnette on December 9, 2003, at 1:05:15
> Hi everyone,
> I need some help here. I saw my new pdoc last Tuesday, and was at 200 mg lamictal, along with 1.5 mg xanax, and 2 or 300 mg neurontin as needed. He suggested I go up on lamictal to 300, as I was still exper some depressive symptoms. I got up to 250 mg and am now in an agitated, anxious, irritated depressed state, and haven't had a decent night's sleep for about 4 or 5 days. I am almost ready to re-start my zoloft or nortriptyline as I have to work and needless to say, depressive symptoms make that nearly impossible. Along with all of that, I don't want to eat.
>
> I know this prb has to do with the lamictal increase, but with the depressive symptoms there before the increase, doesn't it seem prudent to re-start my AD as I discontinued them altogether about a month ago. My pdoc is open to this, I just don't want to have to contact him about which one to re-start as I just had my appt. a week ago. I really had hoped that the lamictal would be my "monotherapy" med, but it looks bleak right now.
>
> As always, thank you for yor feedback.
>
> LinnetteHi,Linnette
I can certainly understand you and I presume that many more like us can do as well(even if they are not writing on this board):
My personal experience with Lamictal monotherapy has failed TWICE (so I did give it a chance,but…)and I presume that very few persons suffering years with recurrent depr.(mainly agitative/anxious )could really survive successfully with this “wonder” med ALONE.
I would strongly suggest you to restart your AD treatment(with a med with which you have had at least a significant response)and eventually let your Lamictal(at lower doses which are not agitating anymore :max.100mg)remain as your M.S.
Normally,you SHOULD discuss the issue with YOUR doc. ; I have just shared with you my personal experience which can represent an indication for your case,too.There is no reason for your suffering too much and the earlier you restart the AD administration,the quicker you will start feeling well again(don’t forget the very long time anyway for an adequate AD dose, to kick in)
I can also pay your attention to an interesting article : A re-evaluation of the role of antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar depression: data from the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network.
Post RM, Leverich GS, Nolen WA, Kupka RW, Altshuler LL, Frye MA, Suppes T, McElroy S, Keck P, Grunze H, Walden J.
Paul
Posted by SLS on December 9, 2003, at 7:22:37
In reply to Re: lamictal - help! » linnette, posted by Golf4 on December 9, 2003, at 3:54:40
> I can also pay your attention to an interesting article : A re-evaluation of the role of antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar depression: data from the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network.
> Post RM, Leverich GS, Nolen WA, Kupka RW, Altshuler LL, Frye MA, Suppes T, McElroy S, Keck P, Grunze H, Walden J.
> Paul
>Thanks for the citation. Here's a link to the abstract:
- Scott
Posted by Flipsactown on December 9, 2003, at 7:55:13
In reply to lamictal - help!, posted by linnette on December 9, 2003, at 1:05:15
Hello Linnette,
Sorry to hear that you aren't doing so well with the lamictal. Has it been 6 weeks? I think part of the problem is that you have not been on at least 200mg (the therapeutic dose)of lamictal long enough. My dosage was increased to 400mg as I felt my depression coming back around 3PM or later. My pdoc suggested I split my dosage 200mg at 5AM when I wake up and 200mg at 2PM. This splitting of the dosage has really done the trick as I am feeling better than I have ever felt before! However, I am taking prozac and remeron with it so I am sure that has something to do with it. I know it is easier said then done, but you have to be patient a little while longer with the lamictal. Hopefully, when you get to 200mg of lamictal, you're just a hop, a skip and a jump to being depression free. Take care and know that we are here for support.
Flipsactown
> Hi everyone,
> I need some help here. I saw my new pdoc last Tuesday, and was at 200 mg lamictal, along with 1.5 mg xanax, and 2 or 300 mg neurontin as needed. He suggested I go up on lamictal to 300, as I was still exper some depressive symptoms. I got up to 250 mg and am now in an agitated, anxious, irritated depressed state, and haven't had a decent night's sleep for about 4 or 5 days. I am almost ready to re-start my zoloft or nortriptyline as I have to work and needless to say, depressive symptoms make that nearly impossible. Along with all of that, I don't want to eat.
>
> I know this prb has to do with the lamictal increase, but with the depressive symptoms there before the increase, doesn't it seem prudent to re-start my AD as I discontinued them altogether about a month ago. My pdoc is open to this, I just don't want to have to contact him about which one to re-start as I just had my appt. a week ago. I really had hoped that the lamictal would be my "monotherapy" med, but it looks bleak right now.
>
> As always, thank you for yor feedback.
>
> Linnette
Posted by poop'd-out on December 12, 2003, at 14:59:02
In reply to lamictal - help!, posted by linnette on December 9, 2003, at 1:05:15
Hi Linnette,I just saw this post as well as the one you sent me. I agree that splitting the dose would be a good idea. I forgot to mention that. At the moment I take 50 in the morning and 50 after lunch.
Take care and feel better!!
Beth
Posted by linnette on December 17, 2003, at 0:49:41
In reply to Re: lamictal - help!, posted by poop'd-out on December 12, 2003, at 14:59:02
Hi everyone,
Yes, I have taken your advice and restarted my AD, nortriptyline. I feel better, still not quite there, but I am at least getting some sleep.
My doc agreed that it was for the best. Thanks to all for your support! The agitated, mixed state I was in is very scary, as I am sure many of you know.I read the article that was recommended about AD's and MS's, and it was very interesting and it makes sense.
I need to stop worrying about taking so many meds. If I get to feeling better again, I will definitely leave it alone! I am also currently splitting my dose of lamictal to 100 am and 100 early pm, and keeping at 200 mg. Hopefully now back on my AD I will see its benefits again.
Thanks again to everyone.
Linnette
This is the end of the thread.
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