HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Lamicital alternatives?

Support Forums
>
Bipolar Disorder
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/19/2011 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
What, if any, are alternative meds for Lamicital? I'm bipolar and currently on Vistaril for sleep and Zoloft.

My doctor put me on Lamicital to level out my rapid mood swings and after only 12 days of my first dosage, 25 mg a day, I've broken out in a rash all over my arms and legs. After calling, my doctor told me to stop taking it for now and that we'd discuss it at our next appointment.

If she wants me to try it again, that makes me really nervous because my thinking is that if I break out so badly on the first dosage (she was gradually going to increase) then what will happen if I take even more?

Are there any other effective alternatives for Lamicital for people with bipolar disorder?
Posted 7/19/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
You should never take Lamictal again if you've broken out in a rash.
You could develop other symptoms such as a strong case of acne, which is being reported rather frequently now. The rash is the signal
to drop it completely.

There are other medications available that will be excellent to stabilize your moods. Your doctor will know which one is best for you since you
can't take Lamictal. Depakote is a good one, but it can make one's hair
fall out!

It also depends on whether you are bipolar I or bipolar, type II. Some
people have taken Abilify (for bipolar I and some use it for depression
stability), but you will need to confirm anything you think is good with
your doctor.

Good wishes,

It's Genetic

Post Edited (It's Genetic) : 7/19/2011 8:01:54 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/19/2011 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
She will NOT want you to try it again. She will know your medication options better than we do. I think you need to take a long bath, meditate, turn lights low, turn everything off -- or if you are in the city turn on gentle music.

Slow down, calm down, trust your Dr.

XOXO
Posted 7/20/2011 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I was 'allergic' to Lamictal, but not in that way. It immediately made me extremely suicidal. We switched to Saphris (along with Zoloft) and I've been stable for over a year now. It was a wonder drug for me!
Posted 7/23/2011 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there...

I'm on Tegretol and Lamictal as mood stabalizers. Both work great for me. I'm bipolar 1. I'm also on Zeldox the mania and Zopiclone for sleep. I was on Zyprexa but it made me gain stupid amounts of weight. Abilify made me really agitated and difficult to be around (angry, paranoid). Your doctor won't put you back on Lamictal... that rash is a big deal. Maybe ask about Tegretol? Its hard on your liver, though.

-Dee
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply