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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on October 11, 2004, at 9:53:34
My doctor is putting me on LAmictal starting soon because of what appears to be bipolar depression...Can anybody please tell me what their symptoms were BEFORE taking this, and how it helped them, if at all?
thanks
Posted by qbsbrown on October 12, 2004, at 0:23:49
In reply to Lamictal - about to start. Experiences please, posted by becksA on October 11, 2004, at 9:53:34
For the most part it's been great. I've only been on 3 weeks. 2nd week felt depression lifting. Only some minor SEs (night sweats), but went away.
Posted by boomarang on October 12, 2004, at 9:42:15
In reply to Re: Lamictal - about to start. Experiences please, posted by qbsbrown on October 12, 2004, at 0:23:49
lamictal at 200mg has helped keep depression at bay. I don't find that it lifts my spirits any but it does keep me from falling into the pit.
nausea during titration up was bad for me. now it's fine.
~sara
Posted by Fi on October 14, 2004, at 15:41:55
In reply to Lamictal - about to start. Experiences please, posted by becksA on October 11, 2004, at 9:53:34
Its being used as a 'mood stabiliser'recently. Its been around before that (as an epilepsy treatment).
I was put on it apparently it has been helpful for the kind of depression I get- short regular bouts. Its really important to build up to the main dosage, not start at it once- your doctor or pharmacist should explain that. Also to decrease it gradually.
I dont know how much it has helped me, as my episodes of depression have no pattern. I have probably had less episodes, tho.
There are a lot of possible side effects listed in the BNF (UK medicines info book), but I havent had any at all. Its particularly important to quickly tell a doctor about any rash you get, I think especially in the first couple of weeks. Most rashes are minor, but there can be some really serious ones. But I got the impression that this isnt something the doctors I saw have ever actually seen happen, so it sounds like something serious but unusual.
I've had more problems/side effects with SSRIs (tho not bad ones).
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Fi
Posted by qbsbrown on October 15, 2004, at 17:39:57
In reply to Re: Lamictal - about to start. Experiences please, posted by boomarang on October 12, 2004, at 9:42:15
Hey Sara. I'd have to say that lamictal has been very good for me. Only going on week 4 though. Week 2, i felt better in the second week than i have in the past 2 weeks. It has been a great drug for many. Very few side effects (i had nigh sweats, went away), just watch out for the rash. I'm sure they'll warn u bout that.
Good luck,
Brian
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