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Discussion Topic: Lamotrigine |
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Me
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6/14/2006 @ 3:46:00 PM
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Posts: 109
Joined: 10/3/2005
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Hi Everyone. My pdoc wants me to start taking Lamotrigine. I just was wondering what it is for as well as what to expect. Can anyone help me? I am also currently taking lithim and wellbutrin.
Thanks
Me
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Lynn
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6/16/2006 @ 1:26:00 PM
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Posts: 355
Joined: 7/18/2005
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Hi Me, I don't know about the med but you could call a pharmacist, do try to find this in www.webmd.com -- or another link that may explain the drug more. I was wondering how you were doing as you had a rough time awhile back. How are things at home? If you dont' want to post here, email me at chaucly@yahoo.ca.
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ZeroNot
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6/17/2006 @ 5:51:00 PM
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Posts: 668
Joined: 4/9/2006
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Lamotrigine (brand name: Lamictal by GlaxoSmithKline) is an anticonvulsant used in both epilepsy and bipolar disorder. (Src: Wikipedia)
My other favourite information source is MedLine Plus from US Department of Health's National Library of Medicine.
MedLine Plus on Lamotrgine
All the best,
ZeroNot
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Me
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6/19/2006 @ 8:45:00 AM
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Posts: 109
Joined: 10/3/2005
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Hi guys. Thanks for the links. I just always wonder about the meds I am prescribed. I think I am doing well on one and the pdoc changes his mind and puts me on something else!!
Lynn, thanks for asking. I am doing a lot better now. I am no longer with that guy. We are still friends but I am much happier now that I have my own place. I still miss him (even thou he wasn't always great to me but hey, I am human!!)
Me
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Neige
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6/26/2006 @ 11:47:00 PM
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Posts: 1
Joined: 6/26/2006
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Hello "Me". Neige here, new member. Well, from what I have read in the literature and from what my psychiatrist of 23 years has told me, one cannot mix lithium and lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is NOT an antidepressant or anti-manic Rx. It is an anti-epileptic Rx and decreases EXCITABILITY in the brain. Since both epileptics and bipolar patients have over-excited brains, Lamotrigine can and does work on SOME bipolar patients. Of all bipolar patients on other meds, gradual weaning off the other meds and GRADUAL weaning in of lamotrigine CAN work. Of patients who can tolerate lamotrigine, fully 80 % experience a marked improvement in their disorder, mood swings and ability to function.
I have been on lamotrigine for 6 weeks now, and while it is too early to tell if its effects will "stick" with me, things are looking very hopeful. For at least 2 weeks now, on a current dosage of 125 mgs. per day, rising to 200 at the end of the month, I have experienced the following changes:
1. I have been almost never excited and not depressed.
2. For the first time in my adult life, I have slept very well for over 7 days in a row.
3. I feel far less anxiety than before.
4. I had restless leg syndrome, which messed up my sleeping. It has totally disappeared.
5. Everyone I know notices my speech is noticeably slower.
6. Most days, I feel pretty good (another surprise).
WARNING: this Rx is NOT for everyone, but you should give it a chance for at least 2 months, if it works for you and you have few side effects.
Luckily for me, so far, I have none.
Hope this helps.
Neige
TextTextText  
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Deborah
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7/11/2006 @ 1:56:00 PM
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Posts: 11
Joined: 7/11/2006
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I can agree...it is DEFINETLY not for everyone! I took it and ended up with a full body rash!!! Turns out I had some sort of really rare reaction, but it was horrible! It looked like I had third degree burns. Ironically enough, I had started to feel a bit better beofre this happened! lol...go figure. It is extrememly rare to have a reaction the way I did, so I wouldnt let that discourage you. Lets face it, all these meds we take come with risks. The down side of bipolar is that there is no blood test or specific marker. It's all trial and error until you find out what works for you. Good luck.
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nature
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8/13/2006 @ 10:46:00 AM
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Posts: 10
Joined: 8/13/2006
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I've been on Lamictal since 1999 and it was a significant improvement over lithium. It has been somewhat effective as an anti-manic for me though sometimes I fall back on clonazepam. It also has mild anti-depressive properties for me. It's chief draw back in my experience has been significant problems (apparently increasing over time in my case) with concentration and focus.
For a lot more information on people's experience with Lamictal you can visit The Icarus Forum Rx discussion threads. Scroll down and look for Lamictal in the subject lines as there are several different threads that talk about it. If you do a search on the overall site you will find many, many entries.
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nature
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8/13/2006 @ 10:54:00 AM
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Aich -- no way to edit or delete posts on this forum -- that's not a good thing. Just wanted to correct my grammar but at times it can be a much more important feature IMO
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Mike
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11/1/2006 @ 1:00:00 AM
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Posts: 23
Joined: 10/31/2006
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Hi Me,
An invaluable resource that Doctors & Pharmacists use to research ANY drug is called the Merck Manual -- you can find this at the library. It includes pretty much everything (side effects, purposes, etc.).
For instance, one reason Lamotrigine often leads to a rash is that the dosage is too high; by starting at a low dosage, and slowly, gradually increasing it is supposed to minimize this.
While Lithium kept me in an apathetic fog for a year & a half, I have found Lamotrigine to work well for me.
Hope this helps!
Namaste, ("The good, the pure, the Holy in me sees the good, the pure, the Holy in you")
Mike
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Dee
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11/22/2006 @ 11:28:00 AM
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Posts: 5
Joined: 11/22/2006
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I have been on Lamotrigine for about 3 months now. 150 mgs expected to increase to 200 mg. Poor concentration have been my worst side effect.
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EmilyStrange
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12/13/2006 @ 9:08:00 AM
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Posts: 32
Joined: 2/23/2006
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I've been on lamictal for a few months, slowly titrating. I am BP1, prone to the manic side, with very few depressive episodes.
I went too high (for me) on Lamictal and at 200 mg I began rapid cycling, having mixed states, severe anxiety/panic, agitation. I had to drop down to 100 mg and Trileptal was added to my cocktail. This has leveled things out somewhat. I may have to go even lower on Lamictal. We will see. I find the antidepressant effect quite stimulating.
The magic dosage for this med really seems to vary with the individual.
I am also on Seroquel 300 mg, Gabapentin 2100 mg, Klonopin prn
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