Irritable, can't loosen up

I'm currently off all meds but the Klonopin.  I've been doing very well.  Until about a week ago.  Now I'm just an irritable mess.  Snapping at everyone, EXTREMELY noise sensitive.  My muscles are so tight, not even a mg of Klonopin will loosen them up.  Feel like I'm going to jump right out of my skin.

At my last appt. my pdoc suggested lamictal.  I'm terrified of the lamictal rash and don't want to go on it.  I could use some positive input on this med from anyone out there who is on it.

Thanks all

Ellie

Ellie my pdoc and I are talking about lamictal and I am game. The rash is rare and if dosed slowly, moreso. If you do get the rash, I have been told by pdoc that it is unmistakable and you just stop as prescribed by doc before treatment. I have seen patients on it and no rash. Seroquel works wonder on my rage/irritability, all of the feelings you desribe, just hate the weight gain-maybe it could work for you? I know that you have a stressful life, which doesn't help on top of the "mania" irritability. Plus I sleep like a baby so that I get the sleep I need to decrease more irritability from insomnia.

C

Ellie,
I took Lamictal for over a year and never had a rash. Some people do get it, but the % is really low. The chances of the rash is low if your pdoc raises the doses gradually. One advice I would give you is if you are taking Lamictal, try not to be out in the sun for too long. good luck!

I'm a little late to this discussion, but I wanted to chime in because I have had a very positive experience with Lamictal. I feel good (knock wood) for the first time in years. I am much, much more patient; much more clear-headed; better able to take that brief second before reacting that allows me to feel I'm making decisions, not just letting my thoughts and actions "happen" to me. Before I started it, I was in a wicked patch of dysphoric mania, and the Lamictal has really helped with that. I also think it's helped with my migraines. I feel like I have energy but that I can choose how to expend it. As to the rash, it's really not that big a deal. Even if it turns up, it progresses slowly and is quickly reversible.

I hope you are feeling better whatever decision you come to on this point.