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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 11:32:40
At my next pdoc appointment, I think i'm going to go on one or the other, but I don't know which. SHe tells me more success is had on Lithium, but it also is known to cause anxiety, which i'm fighting right now with Neurontin. What are the pros and cons of each? Not sure which route to take. Thanks
Posted by Maximus on September 5, 2004, at 12:48:01
In reply to Lamictal vs. Lithium?, posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 11:32:40
Which one to choose? It's not easy. Why?
Well, Lithium is a very good anti manic med. However if taken alone, it has poor antidepressive properties.
On the other hand, Lamictal is a very good antidepressant in the treatment of bipolar depression. However it is a poor anti manic drug.
You see, it depends a lot of the symptoms you need/want to treat. Are you more often depressed than manic/hypomanic or vice versa? But neither of them possess anxiolytic properties.
The usual treatment is to take them both together or take one of them and add something else. Find the right combo is often a quest.
Ex:
1- Lithium + Lamictal.
2- Lithium + antidepressant.
3- Lamictal + a small dose of an atypical antipsychotic.
4- Antidepressant + an AAP.
5- The list goes on...Moreover i will add two things. Lithium *may* cause anxiety, but it is rare (although it seems to speed up my mind). Neurontin is not a mood stabilizer although it has very good anxiolytic properties.
Hoping this helps!
Posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 13:08:15
In reply to Re: Lamictal vs. Lithium? » becksA, posted by Maximus on September 5, 2004, at 12:48:01
My depression is far more a concern than mania..the only mania i really get is racing thoughts when i'm trying to get to sleep, which could be partly my ADHD anyway. So it sounds like i should opt for lamictal.
Posted by Maximus on September 5, 2004, at 13:48:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal vs. Lithium?, posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 13:08:15
> My depression is far more a concern than >mania..the only mania i really get is racing >thoughts when i'm trying to get to sleep, which >could be partly my ADHD anyway. So it sounds >like i should opt for lamictal.
You got it.
However a mini advice here. If you got anxiety from Lithium then you're more likely to experience intense anxiety from Lamictal as it is far more stimulating than Lithium.
Increase it slowly, see 12.5 mg or 25 mg a week until you reach 200 mg approx. You may want to increase temporary your Neurontin.
>the only mania i really get is racing >thoughts >when i'm trying to get to sleep
Oh boy! Only when you're trying to get to sleep? It sounds a lot more to an intense anxiety or panic. Isn't it?
I am not a doctor. But in my humble opinion, neither Lithium nor Lamictal seems to be your med of choice here.
I'm sorry to bring you such confusions:-(
Posted by Human Lab Rat on September 6, 2004, at 22:32:41
In reply to Lamictal vs. Lithium?, posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 11:32:40
I have had pretty good success (so far) with:
Lithium
Lactimal
ClompramineI have developed a tremor and some twitching, this could of course be from any of the meds singly or combination there of. Some days are worse than others and I can't tell what the difference is between those days.
Posted by olysi79 on September 7, 2004, at 18:14:25
In reply to Lamictal vs. Lithium?, posted by becksA on September 5, 2004, at 11:32:40
Hi Becks... I Attempted to use Lithium but did have success as it made me jittery... usually I'm quite the "trooper" but this was not going to work out... however, I ws not on Neurontin, and that could defientely help you overcome that. Personalyl, I think that with neurontin in your pocket, you can try either one... both can be activating, but the SE probably subsides.
> At my next pdoc appointment, I think i'm going to go on one or the other, but I don't know which. SHe tells me more success is had on Lithium, but it also is known to cause anxiety, which i'm fighting right now with Neurontin. What are the pros and cons of each? Not sure which route to take. Thanks
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