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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lizbeth on December 23, 2003, at 11:17:34
In reply to lamictal update and questions, posted by linnette on November 13, 2003, at 17:31:24
Hi there,
Just started Lamictal 2 weeks ago, as part of my bipolar II cocktail. The previous 900 mg Lithobid and 20 mg prozac combo was not helping my bipolar depression. Just went up to 50 mg of Lamictal today. Had to stop prozac right away--too much AD effect between the two. The Lamictal does seem to be helping.
Interestingly, I found I had to move the Lithobid up to 1200 mg because prozac had been boosting it's effect when at the 900 dose.
My issue is that lately, no matter how little coffee and/or caffeine I have in the morning, I get very agitated within a short period of time. My psychopharmacologist simplified it as such: unlike stimulants like Adderall, which create dopamine in the system (and are bad news for non-ADD bipolars, IMHO and experience), caffeine simply raises the ceiling on the amount of dopamine that's possibly available. Lamictal's effect on glutamate indirectly raises dopamine and norepinephrine (sp) and perhaps this increased dopamine gets magnified by caffeine?
Yikes. Anyone else had similar reactions? I know one of you (Fluffy?) mentioned it.
Take care and happy holidays!
Lizbeth
Posted by katia on December 23, 2003, at 13:43:24
In reply to Coffee and Lamictal agitating combo for bipolars?, posted by lizbeth on December 23, 2003, at 11:17:34
hi Lizbeth,
yes, I've noticed this - but ONLY when I'm buzzing on Lam. does the coffee increase it. It's a breathless euphoric high. But my Lam. is no longer giving me brief moments of hypomania...so I don't get high on coffee either..also, VERY good to know that Lamictal effects the dopamine and norepinephrine. It's easy to know that with ADs, but with MSs, it's hard to know what's being affected and how....How about Lithium?
katia
Posted by bruce_w6 on January 15, 2004, at 23:41:31
In reply to Lamictal side effects, posted by seamus o'noolan on June 30, 2003, at 17:37:40
Can someone tell me if Lamictal works?
Posted by Dalilah on January 16, 2004, at 0:45:17
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by bruce_w6 on January 15, 2004, at 23:41:31
> Can someone tell me if Lamictal works?
It works for me. But I need to take 300mg and I also need my lithium. I hope it works for you. What it's done is relieve some of that never ending die please depression. And for me the antidepressants did NOT work. They made mania come on or mainly just didn't do a damn thing.
It's been the ONE thing to relieve my killer depression. Also, it must have some mood stabilizing qualities, but I'm convinced I need my lithium as well. And as stated on this site before, the Lam and the Lith combo might be just the right thing (for me.)
Dalilah
Posted by Kristylynn on January 16, 2004, at 7:08:10
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on January 16, 2004, at 0:45:17
I have been on Lamictal for a little over a month along with wellbutrin xl 300mg. I am taking 75 mg of the lamictal. In the past few days I have experienced severe mood swings , depression, crying . Not really wanting to associate with anyone which is kinda hard for me since I am a waitress. Is this normal..? I keep reading that lithium and lamictal work well together.... Should I ask my doctor to try this..? I just want to stop feeling like I do right now. Someone please respond ...Thanks
Posted by metalflipflop on January 16, 2004, at 9:29:06
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by bruce_w6 on January 15, 2004, at 23:41:31
i'd say that lamictal works too. i am currently taking 300mg--i felt good things at lower doses, but then they would taper off. i like how it's subtle in lifting my mood and i can still think clearly. i also like how i don't feel blunted at all, no emotional numbing (felt that some on ssri's). and now that i'm not titrating up so much, i don't feel anxious on it. i still take 100mg of zoloft with it (down from 150) b/c i don't quite trust it to take care of horrible depression alone. i think the synergy is nice. at any rate, i feel better than i have in over a year!
good luck!
liz
Posted by katia on January 16, 2004, at 15:14:18
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » bruce_w6, posted by metalflipflop on January 16, 2004, at 9:29:06
Are you bipolar?
Posted by katia on January 16, 2004, at 15:15:36
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on January 16, 2004, at 0:45:17
Hi Dalilah,
We talked before right??
Did you not get the cognitive side effects from Lithium? (like trapped in a stupor)? Aren't you bipolar II?
Katia
Posted by katia on January 16, 2004, at 15:23:36
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Kristylynn on January 16, 2004, at 7:08:10
Hi,
I wait tables too and IT IS HARD when going through this - and it's just HARD!
Wellbutrin and Lamictal are both activating meds. I've heard that they both can cause irritability. It may be that having both is too much.
I was on Lam. at 200mg for a couple months and it helped with the depression some, but the irritability was intense still. I'd snap at customers and people at work and so forth and still experiencing dreadful mixed states. So then I added the Lithium at450mg and then 900mg. At 900, I got the dreaded Lam. rash and had to come off of it. and the cognitive side effects of Lithium were too much for me - I was a shuffling drooling idiot. So I've backed down to 225mg of Lithium which isn't anything really. I'm still somewhat unclear in my head, but I can function. but I can't sleep to save my life. And my irritability is back. Lithium worked for quelling irritability and settling my *rse down. But the s/e were too much and lam. caused me the rash. It might've worked. I've heard it's a good combo - but if I were you (and I'd talk to my pdoc) (btw-are you bipolar?). i'd have one activating med and one that is not so.
hope that helps.
Katia
Posted by bruce_w6 on January 16, 2004, at 15:43:32
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » metalflipflop, posted by katia on January 16, 2004, at 15:14:18
We think so. Lexapro and other ssri's dont help. Mostly Depression.
Posted by metalflipflop on January 16, 2004, at 18:42:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » metalflipflop, posted by katia on January 16, 2004, at 15:14:18
what i KNOW that i have is severe, recurrent depression since i was 15. it has alternated with periods of intense irritability, still dysphoric in mood actually, but not severe enough to be called a mixed state. bipolar runs in my family, zoloft made me hypomanic enough to run to the ER in fear of what it was, so my doc says i have a bipolar "feel." i definitely do not qualify for bipolar II even, maybe this new idea of "bipolar III" which i have heard people on here talk about. i went to lamictal b/c ssri's made me anxious and somehow didn't lift the depression, even at high doses. the mood stabilizer also prevents (hopefully) the recurring depression that ssri's didn't.
the mind is confusing.
=) liz
Posted by Flipsactown on January 16, 2004, at 20:33:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on January 16, 2004, at 0:45:17
I can relate with Dalilah. I am currently on 400mg lamictal, 100mg prozac, 90mg remeron and just recently 600mg lithium. Although I have only been on lithium for 6 days, I have already felt it's AD effect. My depression is not returning as much in the late afternoon/evening as before the lithium was added. Eventually, I would like to be on lamictal and lithium only as this combo seems to work the best in relieving my unipolar depression and from my research online will probably be effective on bipolar depression.
Flipsactown
> > Can someone tell me if Lamictal works?
>
> It works for me. But I need to take 300mg and I also need my lithium. I hope it works for you. What it's done is relieve some of that never ending die please depression. And for me the antidepressants did NOT work. They made mania come on or mainly just didn't do a damn thing.
>
> It's been the ONE thing to relieve my killer depression. Also, it must have some mood stabilizing qualities, but I'm convinced I need my lithium as well. And as stated on this site before, the Lam and the Lith combo might be just the right thing (for me.)
>
> Dalilah
>
>
Posted by jtevers on January 20, 2004, at 17:09:34
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » Dalilah, posted by Flipsactown on January 16, 2004, at 20:33:04
hello all...
i have been taking seroquel ( an antipsychotic ) and neurontin / gabapentin ( a mood stabilizer ) for several years since a diagnosis of bipolar in 2000.i have consequently gained 60 lbs. in two divided increments of 30 each over two winters due to my med. regimen. ... this weight gain has not responded to diet or exercise and so i am investigating a switch.
a doctor has advised, in case the neurontin is to blame, that i should switch to lamictal / lamotrigine ... she demands that it is weight neutral , but i have read (here) differently.
does anyone who has remained on a trial of lamictal have any insight about its propensity to cause weight gain?
Posted by Dalilah on January 20, 2004, at 20:36:34
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, weight gain?, posted by jtevers on January 20, 2004, at 17:09:34
Hello,
I can honestly say that since Lamictal has began working (300mg) and therefore keeping me active, not in bed all day, I have lost weight! Really. I took off all the pounds put on at the hospital and then some.However, I know that seroquel can be a nasty weight gainer. I take only a small amount (50mg) for sleep and the mild psychosis. My sister takes a lot of seroquel and she's gained a lot, most to be blamed on depakote.
I do think that when you put the weight on it's hard to lose it. But hey, this is one success in the weight department.
-Dalilah
> hello all...
>
> i have been taking seroquel ( an antipsychotic ) and neurontin / gabapentin ( a mood stabilizer ) for several years since a diagnosis of bipolar in 2000.
>
> i have consequently gained 60 lbs. in two divided increments of 30 each over two winters due to my med. regimen. ... this weight gain has not responded to diet or exercise and so i am investigating a switch.
>
> a doctor has advised, in case the neurontin is to blame, that i should switch to lamictal / lamotrigine ... she demands that it is weight neutral , but i have read (here) differently.
>
> does anyone who has remained on a trial of lamictal have any insight about its propensity to cause weight gain?
Posted by jtevers on January 21, 2004, at 18:10:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, weight gain?, posted by Dalilah on January 20, 2004, at 20:36:34
> Hello,
> I can honestly say that since Lamictal has began working (300mg) and therefore keeping me active, not in bed all day, I have lost weight! Really. I took off all the pounds put on at the hospital and then some.
>
> However, I know that seroquel can be a nasty weight gainer. I take only a small amount (50mg) for sleep and the mild psychosis. My sister takes a lot of seroquel and she's gained a lot, most to be blamed on depakote.
>
dalilah,thanx a lot for the insight, i have read many a success story about lamictal and believe i will probably give it a try... although, i am increasingly nervous about weight gain, anxiety and insomnia sometimes caused by its usage.
at this point i have nothing to lose (except 60lbs.) and this trial holds a lot of promise ... because i take both a GABA drug and seroquel (famously sedative) i could use the "activating" effect of lamictal.
Posted by Tiss on January 22, 2004, at 11:48:39
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, weight gain?, posted by jtevers on January 21, 2004, at 18:10:31
> > Hello,
> > I can honestly say that since Lamictal has began working (300mg) and therefore keeping me active, not in bed all day, I have lost weight! Really. I took off all the pounds put on at the hospital and then some.
> >
> > However, I know that seroquel can be a nasty weight gainer. I take only a small amount (50mg) for sleep and the mild psychosis. My sister takes a lot of seroquel and she's gained a lot, most to be blamed on depakote.
> >
>
>
> dalilah,
>
> thanx a lot for the insight, i have read many a success story about lamictal and believe i will probably give it a try... although, i am increasingly nervous about weight gain, anxiety and insomnia sometimes caused by its usage.
>
> at this point i have nothing to lose (except 60lbs.) and this trial holds a lot of promise ... because i take both a GABA drug and seroquel (famously sedative) i could use the "activating" effect of lamictal.
>
I am so glad to find this forum. I am 47 and have had trouble my whole life with mood instability. My mother was an alcoholic bi-polar, very suicidal for many years. No fun at all. Then I suffered a trauma when I was 15 that caused severe PTSD. So to make a long story short, I've suffered from depression, anxiety, and PTSD for a long time and have been on just about every medication that's been made. My dr. put me on Lamictal 3 months ago and initially I loved the great energy boost, but then, after a few hours-BAM- I felt horrible! I could not sleep either. So I started dividing it into small doses during the day which I thought would work. This is what I experienced-terrible agitation and irritability. I was screaming at my family for NO REASON! I felt out of control. I also felt somewhat hypomanic, which is what happens when I've taken SSRI's. As a last resort, my Dr. has put me on Xanax XR .5mg/day. My thoughts have calmed down, not angry anxious or irritable. I guess you could say I feel much more normal. THat being said, I do not like the idea of taking benzos long term, but I also want a life. What to do? THese are hard decisions to make. BTW, my Dr. did NOT believe me when he heard me say that I felt manicky, angry and irritable and couldn't sleep. Said he's never heard of lamictal doing that before. I told him he needs to get on the internet and look at forums and message boards that have REAL PEOPLE talking about their experiences! Thanks for listening, Tiss
Posted by katia on January 22, 2004, at 15:11:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, weight gain?, posted by Dalilah on January 20, 2004, at 20:36:34
Hi Dalilah,
I think we talked about this before. I was on a small dose 6.25mg of Seroquel for sleep in conjunction with other meds - Lam./Depakote and then just Lam. and then Lam/Lithium and then just LIthium. Now I'm on nothing but Seroquel for sleep at 25mg+ now. And I'm having a hard time maintaining weight much less losing it. I'm heavier than I ever have been. Do you find at 50mg that you have a similar problem?
Katia
Posted by Dalilah on January 22, 2004, at 21:20:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, weight gain?, posted by Tiss on January 22, 2004, at 11:48:39
Right on Sister!
I'm here to tell you no matter how good our doctor's are, they just don't know it like we know it (unless it's a bipolar doctor.) I've had to override my doctor, take myself off meds, and complain loudly. But nothing hurts more than when they don't believe you. And you're right, that's what these boards are for.As far as your dilemma, finding the right meds, good luck. I too found Lamictal causing major irritability (and mild hypomania) when my dose increased but it always went away after a week or so. Just ride it out if you can. In terms of sleep, I can't say. Doesn't matter what I'm on I always need my seroquel to put me down at night and allow me to sleep through the night.
KATIA,
Seroquel has not affected my weight at 50mg, but I know it did for some of my friends. My doc says it shouldn't at these low doses. I tend to think he's right, and it's just getting the other meds right. But who the hell knows? It's different for everyone.Dalilah
> > > Hello,
> > > I can honestly say that since Lamictal has began working (300mg) and therefore keeping me active, not in bed all day, I have lost weight! Really. I took off all the pounds put on at the hospital and then some.
> > >
> > > However, I know that seroquel can be a nasty weight gainer. I take only a small amount (50mg) for sleep and the mild psychosis. My sister takes a lot of seroquel and she's gained a lot, most to be blamed on depakote.
> > >
> >
> >
> > dalilah,
> >
> > thanx a lot for the insight, i have read many a success story about lamictal and believe i will probably give it a try... although, i am increasingly nervous about weight gain, anxiety and insomnia sometimes caused by its usage.
> >
> > at this point i have nothing to lose (except 60lbs.) and this trial holds a lot of promise ... because i take both a GABA drug and seroquel (famously sedative) i could use the "activating" effect of lamictal.
> >
> I am so glad to find this forum. I am 47 and have had trouble my whole life with mood instability. My mother was an alcoholic bi-polar, very suicidal for many years. No fun at all. Then I suffered a trauma when I was 15 that caused severe PTSD. So to make a long story short, I've suffered from depression, anxiety, and PTSD for a long time and have been on just about every medication that's been made. My dr. put me on Lamictal 3 months ago and initially I loved the great energy boost, but then, after a few hours-BAM- I felt horrible! I could not sleep either. So I started dividing it into small doses during the day which I thought would work. This is what I experienced-terrible agitation and irritability. I was screaming at my family for NO REASON! I felt out of control. I also felt somewhat hypomanic, which is what happens when I've taken SSRI's. As a last resort, my Dr. has put me on Xanax XR .5mg/day. My thoughts have calmed down, not angry anxious or irritable. I guess you could say I feel much more normal. THat being said, I do not like the idea of taking benzos long term, but I also want a life. What to do? THese are hard decisions to make. BTW, my Dr. did NOT believe me when he heard me say that I felt manicky, angry and irritable and couldn't sleep. Said he's never heard of lamictal doing that before. I told him he needs to get on the internet and look at forums and message boards that have REAL PEOPLE talking about their experiences! Thanks for listening, Tiss
Posted by Toph on January 26, 2004, at 15:27:18
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by lesliekay on August 11, 2003, at 2:14:28
I've been reading with interest this thred on Lamictal. I am 50+ bi-polar who in the 70's suffered extreme manic and depressed episodes requiring multiple hospitalizations. When I finally accepted my Dx and lithium, this magic drug ceased all psychosis and has kept me stable for 23 years. Problem is, everyone says I'm depressed - as in dysthymia, the blues. While I'm staying out of the hospital I generally think that self-esteem and happiness have eluded me despite a decent job, wonderful wife and fairly well-adjusted kids. Next week my shrink (do only 50-year olds affectionately call their doc a shrink?) wants to try me on Lamictal. From what I read it's not a happy drug but may lift some of the blues. I'm willing to give it a try, but after all your advise I will look out for insomnia, agitation and the dreaded rash. The last 20 years have been "normal" but I hope this drug will help me like myself and life in general a little more.
Posted by Tiss on January 26, 2004, at 16:39:01
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by Toph on January 26, 2004, at 15:27:18
I hope Lamictal works for you. Some people call it their miracle drug!
Posted by Dalilah on January 26, 2004, at 17:51:34
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by Toph on January 26, 2004, at 15:27:18
Good luck to you.
I found I needed this drug in addition to lithium to get me out of depression. Remember it takes awhile before the Lamictal starts working and you have to go up slow. I didn't feel relief til 250mg +
By the way, most of my friends call their doc their shrink, but I don't for some reason?
Dalilah
> I've been reading with interest this thred on Lamictal. I am 50+ bi-polar who in the 70's suffered extreme manic and depressed episodes requiring multiple hospitalizations. When I finally accepted my Dx and lithium, this magic drug ceased all psychosis and has kept me stable for 23 years. Problem is, everyone says I'm depressed - as in dysthymia, the blues. While I'm staying out of the hospital I generally think that self-esteem and happiness have eluded me despite a decent job, wonderful wife and fairly well-adjusted kids. Next week my shrink (do only 50-year olds affectionately call their doc a shrink?) wants to try me on Lamictal. From what I read it's not a happy drug but may lift some of the blues. I'm willing to give it a try, but after all your advise I will look out for insomnia, agitation and the dreaded rash. The last 20 years have been "normal" but I hope this drug will help me like myself and life in general a little more.
Posted by ann72 on January 27, 2004, at 7:40:33
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by Dalilah on January 26, 2004, at 17:51:34
Hello, I just started taking lamictal a week ago because even with effexor i was still very depressed. So, Im trying this. As long as the rash doesnt develope give it a try.
Good Luck to both of us...
ANN
Posted by Toph on January 27, 2004, at 9:03:04
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by ann72 on January 27, 2004, at 7:40:33
I appreciate the good wishes Tiss, Dalilah and Ann. I am extremely wary about starting another medication besides Li, not so much the fear of instigating a manic episode, but just the idea of altering brain chemistry gives me the creeps. If I get some more enjoyment out of life and become a better husband and father it will be worth it. Good luck to you all as well.
Posted by Flipsactown on January 27, 2004, at 14:42:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for, posted by Toph on January 27, 2004, at 9:03:04
Hello Toph,
I take it that "li" is short for lithium. If that is so, were you successful with li alone for the most part? I just started li going in to 2 weeks to augment the lamictal, prozac and remeron I am also taking. It is my hope that I will be able to just be on lamictal and lithium. What do you think?
Flipsactown
> I appreciate the good wishes Tiss, Dalilah and Ann. I am extremely wary about starting another medication besides Li, not so much the fear of instigating a manic episode, but just the idea of altering brain chemistry gives me the creeps. If I get some more enjoyment out of life and become a better husband and father it will be worth it. Good luck to you all as well.
Posted by Toph on January 28, 2004, at 13:38:26
In reply to Re: Lamictal, question for » Toph, posted by Flipsactown on January 27, 2004, at 14:42:07
> Hello Toph,
>
> I take it that "li" is short for lithium. If that is so, were you successful with li alone for the most part? I just started li going in to 2 weeks to augment the lamictal, prozac and remeron I am also taking. It is my hope that I will be able to just be on lamictal and lithium. What do you think?
>
> Flipsactown>
You've got quite a cocktail of meds there Flip, I'm not sure how you tell the individual effects of each when they are mixed together. Lithium effectively ended my psychotic manic and depressed episodes. Li works miracles with many classic bipolars but not all. I'm lucky to not have many side-effects except some diarrhea that I can live with. I am looking for a little help with persistant mild depression (as opposed to disabling clinical depression). I'm scheduled to try Lamictal in about a month (my next dr appt). I'll report on how it worked (or didn't).
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