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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by manduh on November 28, 2011, at 22:36:34
Hello all, been awhile.
I had an appointment with my pnp today. I'm currently at 200mgs of lamictal. I've mentioned multiple times that the lamictal is indeed working to control my mood issues, but it's making me feel unmotivated, tired and kind of stupid.
Now things get a bit tricky. She asked if I wanted to stop the lamictal (hahaha...no). I asked if I could go back on wellbutrin. Due to an allergic reaction I had when I was on wellbutrin a few weeks no one really knows if I'm allergic to it (or the dye, or maybe something completely unrelated). She was originally on board with me trying wellbutrin again, but today seemed extremely apprehensive.
She told me to check with my pharmacy tomorrow and see what colors the various forms of wellbutrin come in, then to call her.
But due to the way she reacted I'm feeling really unsure about the whole thing.
She had also mentioned on my last visit and also this one that a low dose of ritalin could do the job.
So my option really come down to three things.
1: try the wellbutrin anyways.
2: bring up the ritalin (which I'm not sure I feel comfortable just straight up asking about even though she originally suggested it)
3: finding something else that could have an activating effect (vivactil anyone?)
Posted by creepy on November 28, 2011, at 23:19:48
In reply to activating medications?, posted by manduh on November 28, 2011, at 22:36:34
wellbutrin isnt bad but it can cause anxiety. Its usually good for motivation.
ritalin is a good idea. Not sure if it will clear up any cognitive issues brought on by lamictal however.
If you want a pure NRI Id recommend desipramine first of the TCAs
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2011, at 23:32:31
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by creepy on November 28, 2011, at 23:19:48
Isn't there a long acting wellbutrin? Don't know which you took maybe try opposite but get the pharmacy to check all ingrediants. And tell them what happened ask their advise also. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on November 29, 2011, at 0:23:46
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2011, at 23:32:31
I'd say low to moderate dose ritalin, personally. Easier to see how you'll react from the first couple doses and easier to discontinue.
Posted by manduh on November 29, 2011, at 1:30:30
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by Christ_empowered on November 29, 2011, at 0:23:46
some of the info on desipramine is kind of worrying (wikipedia lists genotoxicity)
I just dug out my bottle of wellbutrin from my giant bag of ditched meds, I took bupropion sr 150mg manufactured by mylan. I'm not sure how many other companies make generic wellbutrin. I'm trying to decide if it's worth the risk of hives and another prednisone burst.
I'm open to the idea of ritalin. I just need to figure out how to approach the subject if I decide thats the way to go.
This is all incredibly frustrating. I can't deal with not being an effective person at my job. My boss has been really good to me through all this, and I'm starting to feel really bad that I just don't have it in me anymore.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 29, 2011, at 16:38:36
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by manduh on November 29, 2011, at 1:30:30
I'd try another brand of Welbutrin (300mg/day) first (maybe under the cover of 10mg of Zyrtec a day for the first week, to mitigate any allergic reaction)
Second I'd try desipramine (150mg/day) or Vivactil (30mg/day)
I'd leave Ritalin for last, because although its a great stimulant, tolorance to its effects sets in quite rapidly.
Posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2011, at 18:31:20
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 29, 2011, at 16:38:36
Saw dermatologist for an allergic like skin reaction he said to buy Claritin over the counter causes no drozziness? Never took it before. And didn't buy yet will use the creams first. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 29, 2011, at 21:18:30
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2011, at 18:31:20
He's right Phillipa, claratin and zyrtec dont cause drowsiness in recomended doses - Zyrtec is somewhat more effective than Claratin in some people.
Posted by Phillipa on November 29, 2011, at 22:51:57
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 29, 2011, at 21:18:30
I didn't know as the dermatologist just named Claritin never taken one before. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Phidippus on November 30, 2011, at 21:04:54
In reply to activating medications?, posted by manduh on November 28, 2011, at 22:36:34
Focalin or Nuvigil.
Eric
Posted by softheprairie on December 1, 2011, at 5:18:40
In reply to Re: activating medications?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on November 29, 2011, at 21:18:30
I was very tired and fatigued while on Zyrtec (I'm not sure how much of it was because of Zyrtec vs. any other reasons). I am now on loratadine (generic Claritin) year-round, and not so terribly tired and fatigued (although, not sure how much that is due to other meds, or other reasons).
> He's right Phillipa, claratin and zyrtec dont cause drowsiness in recomended doses - Zyrtec is somewhat more effective than Claratin in some people.
This is the end of the thread.
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