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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 9:33:37
Last week my pdoc suddenly suggested adding Lamictal to my current Lexapro + Klonopin regime. She told me that she was "very pleased" with my progress (unipolar depression almost gone, anxiety under control)... and that Lamictal might give me an extra boost. I've been seeing her for 5 years now, and this was totally unexpected, as she's not big on polypharmacy.
I've been on 25 mg for a week, and I'm supposed to bump up to 50 mg. No side effects, and my sleep has improved.
However, I'm wondering if it's worth it. I was doing quite well without this med... so why mess with things?
Pdoc obviously thinks there's a chance I'd get an added benefit, otherwise she wouldn't have suggested it.
I guess I'm just confused and a bit weary of ending up taking a bazillion unnecessary meds (why didn't she come up with this when I *really* needed a "boost").
I'd really appreciate any thoughts and feedback..
Posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 9:59:49
In reply to Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 9:33:37
Hi, just be carefull
that lamictal can cause memory problems, insomnia, psychosis, paranoia, mania
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 10:11:32
In reply to lamictal, posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 9:59:49
Well, thanks for the heads up... I'm not too worried about rare side effects such as psychosis (I know they do happen, of course). Insomnia and impacted cognition would be troublesome.
But, mostly, I'm concerned about being overmedicated and messing up what's already working for me - in an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of way.
Thanks :)
> Hi, just be carefull
>
> that lamictal can cause memory problems, insomnia, psychosis, paranoia, mania
>
>
Posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 10:15:48
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » Jeroen, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 10:11:32
what kind of doctor is this, if you're ok, and feeling good, there's no need to add another benzo if you know what i mean
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 10:50:38
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 10:15:48
> what kind of doctor is this, if you're ok, and feeling good, there's no need to add another benzo if you know what i mean
Yeah, that's my reasoning exactly.
I just heard back from her office - she wants me to give the Lamictal a try to see if my depression will go into complete remission. She wants me to stay on a low dose and, if I run into any trouble, I'm supposed to quit, no harm done.
FWIW, she's relatively conservative, so I gather she reckons this med could benefit me.
Posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 11:02:28
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » Jeroen, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 10:50:38
i took 25 mg for a week for my "depression" and it threw me into manic psychosis, tardive dyskinesia
well everybody is different i guess, but that stuff gave me brain damage,
it should have a black box warning about suicide in the future... because it will cause this in 1 in 1000 people
Posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2010, at 11:12:19
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » Jeroen, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 10:50:38
Seriously but why if you say you feel good. It doesn't make sense to me. Does she think you feel too good and might be slightly manic? That's the only reasoning I can think for adding it? Phillipa
Posted by Jeroen on March 25, 2010, at 11:17:10
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2010, at 11:12:19
hey there, mania is dangerous
when its induced by an anti depressant or anti convulsant, its very very dangerous
but in my case i always learn too late :(
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 11:33:56
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2010, at 11:12:19
Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did ask her point blank if she thought I was BP after all, or experiencing mania. She said definitely not.
Though my depression has lifted considerably and I do feel better (no more hopelesness, more interested in life)... I'm still isolating, quite anhedonic, blunted feelings etc. I don't think I fit the bill for mania/hypomania.
Thanks Phillipa :)
> Seriously but why if you say you feel good. It doesn't make sense to me. Does she think you feel too good and might be slightly manic? That's the only reasoning I can think for adding it? Phillipa
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2010, at 13:07:41
In reply to Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 9:33:37
Did you think that you needed a boost? Why would your doctor think that you did?
- Scott
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 18:24:50
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by SLS on March 25, 2010, at 13:07:41
> Did you think that you needed a boost? Why would your doctor think that you did?
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott,
To be honest, after years of med trials, I was content with my Lexapro-Klonopin regime. Off-label Lamictal use had never crossed my mind. So, no, until my pdoc suggested adding lamotrigine, I didn't think I needed a boost - or rather, I thought I'd run out of options.
I should add that my depression, though severe, is technically situational, as it was triggered by several traumas in my past. Though meds got me out of the hole, I still rely heavily on therapy, peer support, etc for treatment.
I'm going to ask my pdoc about her rationale for adding Lamictal - right now, I'm guessing that she wants to make sure we've tried absolutely *everything* before settling on any given regime?
Thanks, Scott :)
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 18:54:18
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by SLS on March 25, 2010, at 13:07:41
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2010, at 19:13:14
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 18:24:50
> > Did you think that you needed a boost? Why would your doctor think that you did?
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> To be honest, after years of med trials, I was content with my Lexapro-Klonopin regime. Off-label Lamictal use had never crossed my mind. So, no, until my pdoc suggested adding lamotrigine, I didn't think I needed a boost - or rather, I thought I'd run out of options.
>
> I should add that my depression, though severe, is technically situational, as it was triggered by several traumas in my past. Though meds got me out of the hole, I still rely heavily on therapy, peer support, etc for treatment.
>
> I'm going to ask my pdoc about her rationale for adding Lamictal - right now, I'm guessing that she wants to make sure we've tried absolutely *everything* before settling on any given regime?
>
> Thanks, Scott :)
I wish you the best of luck with your Lamictal trial. I find that Lamictal and Abilify each provide me with some benefit. They seem to be additive rather than synergistic for me. Have you explored Abilify? I take 10mg, but many people are taking 2.5mg - 5.0mg for depression.
- Scott
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 21:23:01
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by SLS on March 25, 2010, at 19:13:14
> I wish you the best of luck with your Lamictal trial. I find that Lamictal and Abilify each provide me with some benefit. They seem to be additive rather than synergistic for me. Have you explored Abilify? I take 10mg, but many people are taking 2.5mg - 5.0mg for depression.
>
> - ScottThanks, Scott. I've decided to give the Lamictal a fair trial - at this point, I feel like I don't have much to lose... and, hey, maybe it'll actually help.
I've heard good things about Abilify, and will keep your suggestion in mind.
Thanks again =)
Matt
PS. Do you have any tips for Lamictal? I've heard that folic acid + a multivitamin can help with certain side effects. I'm experiencing drowsiness and hot flashes (weird!) atm, but nothing too bad. And of course I'm keeping an eye out for any rashes.
Posted by morganator on March 25, 2010, at 23:03:37
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » SLS, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 21:23:01
I personally think your doctor is making a mistake by starting you on lamictal. Sorry if this gives you an anxiety.
Lamictal should be used in severe cases or as a last resort. This was not the case with you as you said you had been doing much better.
Lamictal just is not one of those drugs you throw into the mix as an adjunct to help you get from 75 percent to 100 percent better, IMHO. There are too many other options out there that may actually be good for your brain and body. Why take something that is depleting your body of essential nutrients and requires supplementation?
You already said you are experiencing weird things like hot flashes. I can suggest a few things that I can almost guarantee will not give you these kinds of side effects. These things not only may improve your mental health, but they may actually nourish and protect your brain and body, something Lamictal will NOT do.
Much better alternatives to Lamictal would be low dose Lithium and Rhodiola Rosea. Why mess with your brain if you don't have to?
Posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 23:42:54
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » orbital, posted by morganator on March 25, 2010, at 23:03:37
You definitely make a good points, Morganator. I've looked into Rhodiola in the past, but it's unavailable where I live. Not sure about taking lithium..
I'll stick to the Lamictal until my next appt. next week, and ask my pdoc for further clarification. I have a feeling that this whole stint will be short lived, but I might as well give it a go.
Truth be told, at this point I just wish I could dump my whole medicine cabinet down the toilet and move on - join the club, huh. Maybe someday.
I really appreciate your feedback :) Thanks.
> I personally think your doctor is making a mistake by starting you on lamictal. Sorry if this gives you an anxiety.
>
> Lamictal should be used in severe cases or as a last resort. This was not the case with you as you said you had been doing much better.
>
> Lamictal just is not one of those drugs you throw into the mix as an adjunct to help you get from 75 percent to 100 percent better, IMHO. There are too many other options out there that may actually be good for your brain and body. Why take something that is depleting your body of essential nutrients and requires supplementation?
>
> You already said you are experiencing weird things like hot flashes. I can suggest a few things that I can almost guarantee will not give you these kinds of side effects. These things not only may improve your mental health, but they may actually nourish and protect your brain and body, something Lamictal will NOT do.
>
> Much better alternatives to Lamictal would be low dose Lithium and Rhodiola Rosea. Why mess with your brain if you don't have to?
>
>
Posted by morganator on March 26, 2010, at 0:47:04
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » morganator, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 23:42:54
Where do you live that you can't get Rhodiola? You could order it off the net.
Lithium at very low doses will not have the same harmful effects that it does at the high toxic doses given to treat mania. Lithium promotes autophagy, which is basically the cleaning out of cellular junk that is not used anymore so that new more efficient cells can replace it. Lithium also promotes neurogenesis and offers neuroprotection. Lamictal does nothing good for the brain, unless you are epileptic and it helps prevent seizures.
If in a few weeks you feel really good, better than you have in years, maybe it would be worth it to stay on Lamictal. If this does not happen, I say get off it. Good Luck
Posted by orbital on March 26, 2010, at 10:44:19
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by morganator on March 26, 2010, at 0:47:04
Thanks Morganator :)
I'll ask my dr. about lithium, sounds very interesting.
Like you said, I figure I might as well stick to a low dose of Lamictal for a few more weeks and see how it goes.
Thanks again, I really appreciate your input.
> Where do you live that you can't get Rhodiola? You could order it off the net.
>
> Lithium at very low doses will not have the same harmful effects that it does at the high toxic doses given to treat mania. Lithium promotes autophagy, which is basically the cleaning out of cellular junk that is not used anymore so that new more efficient cells can replace it. Lithium also promotes neurogenesis and offers neuroprotection. Lamictal does nothing good for the brain, unless you are epileptic and it helps prevent seizures.
>
> If in a few weeks you feel really good, better than you have in years, maybe it would be worth it to stay on Lamictal. If this does not happen, I say get off it. Good Luck
Posted by morganator on March 26, 2010, at 13:15:22
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts! » morganator, posted by orbital on March 26, 2010, at 10:44:19
Your welcome. Yeah just google lithium neurogenesis or lithium neuroprotection or lithium brain health and you will find all the information you need. Some people take a low dose of lithium orotate or lithium aspartate, the two forms they sell as supplements over the counter or on the internet, solely for the purpose of slowing down brain aging and promoting neurogenesis. Lithium also inhibits excess protein kinase C production. Excess protein kinase C is produced during stressful periods. Too much protein kinase C over a certain period of time will breakdown part of the structure of neurons in the prefrontal cortex called dendrites. Damaging the prefrontal cortex may affect your emotions and impulse control.
Lithium may not be for you, but spread the word, it's not the nasty drug people think it is. Anything given a high doses can be toxic. Too much vitamin A can damage the liver.
I'm guessing though that you may have a more pronounced antidepressant response to Rhodiola. You have to find the right brand of course. I would consider ordering it online if you can't find it where you live.
Posted by orbital on March 26, 2010, at 16:51:35
In reply to Re: Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by morganator on March 26, 2010, at 13:15:22
Very interesting info! I'll definitely do some research and ask my pdoc about it.
Thanks again :)
Matt
ps Will also look into Rhodiola.> Your welcome. Yeah just google lithium neurogenesis or lithium neuroprotection or lithium brain health and you will find all the information you need. Some people take a low dose of lithium orotate or lithium aspartate, the two forms they sell as supplements over the counter or on the internet, solely for the purpose of slowing down brain aging and promoting neurogenesis. Lithium also inhibits excess protein kinase C production. Excess protein kinase C is produced during stressful periods. Too much protein kinase C over a certain period of time will breakdown part of the structure of neurons in the prefrontal cortex called dendrites. Damaging the prefrontal cortex may affect your emotions and impulse control.
>
> Lithium may not be for you, but spread the word, it's not the nasty drug people think it is. Anything given a high doses can be toxic. Too much vitamin A can damage the liver.
>
> I'm guessing though that you may have a more pronounced antidepressant response to Rhodiola. You have to find the right brand of course. I would consider ordering it online if you can't find it where you live.
>
>
Posted by henryo on March 31, 2010, at 14:50:25
In reply to Adding Lamictal - having serious doubts!, posted by orbital on March 25, 2010, at 9:33:37
yes. Lamictal is great. certainly give it a try.
This is the end of the thread.
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