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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 11/19/2007 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
My appointment today with my pdoc went really well.  I am going back on Lamictal; we're going to try that one first.  I didn't think he was going to let me go back on that one 'cause it caused me to cycle a year ago I guess.  I don't remember what the cycling was like while I was taking it, but it couldn't be anything like my episodes have been over the last couple of months.

I chose Lamictal b/c out of all the bp meds, it has the most anti-depressant effect; and since most of my bp is depression that was very important to me.  Also, compared to other meds, it is less likely to cause major weight gain; also important to me 'cause I have started to lose just a few pounds.  And the biggest reason I wanted to try this med first was b/c I didn't experience nasty side effects (not that I can remember anyway)..So wish me luck...I am feeling positive.  My pdoc was really good with me today; he really listened.  I needed him to do that.

Ugh, so that's that.  I am craving some balance in my moods like you guys wouldn't believe...

If this doesn't work he mentioned we might try Lithium; I am wondering what this is like for anyone who has tried it...or is taking it now?  The most important things for me are 1)treating the depression 2)weight gain 3)side effects.   Thanks for any replies :-)

Posted 11/20/2007 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Mogli
I am so happy for you! I am so glad your appt. went well....I am so happy that your pdoc really listened and that you are relieved and satisfied with the outcome! Congratulations on making it so far after all of the pain and suffering you have been through! (((((BIG HUGS)))) to you!!!

I have no experience with Lamictal, so I defer to everyone else.....I will keep my fingers crossed, though, for it! Keep us posted.

Great Job! I am so happy for you!
Posted 11/20/2007 3:41 AM (GMT 0)

Mogs,

I hope Lamictal works out for you, because it is rough switching meds.  I was on Lamictal for about 2 years in the past, and it wasn't too bad.  I stopped taking it because it stopped working, and as weird as it sounds, it made me gain weight, I gained about 40lbs on it.

I am currently on Lithium, and have been on it for about 1 1/2 years.  Weight gain is one of the side effects, but that has not been an issue for me.  But losing weight has been nearly impossible.  It is great as a mood stabilizer, but I am not sure how well it helps with depression.  If it has to resort to this, you should have a talk with your pdoc before deciding.

Posted 11/21/2007 1:00 AM (GMT 0)

i have been on lamictal for about a year and a half and it has been pretty sucessful for me. i have no side effects from it.

bunny

Posted 11/21/2007 2:07 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you all for your replies.

I fill my Lamictal tomorrow; had to wait to get paid.  So I'll start it tomorrow night.

Yeah, I'm not sure about Lithium...I just hope the Lamictal works so I don't have to worry about switching.

Posted 11/21/2007 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Mogs

I'm not sure how helpful I will be, because my experience with different meds is limited to the lithium. For me, lithium made a world of differnce in stabalizing my thought patterns. The racing has pretty much stopped. I still get it a little when I get down or feel stressed, but not near to the extent that it was happening. For me it was like a physical feeling in my head that things were no longer racing. What a wonderful experience, I was used to the opposite...so to literally feel the difference has made me extremely grateful for this med. I was lucky that the first thing I was put on by my pdoc worked so well. I, in no way "feel" medicated on this drug, and I have not had an issue with weight gain. However, as you know, I have been specifically taking strides to lose weight. I don't know much about meds and why they make people gain weight...is it water retention? Regardless of what you are on, I know lots of water is important (especially on litium) and you need to watch what else is going in as well. You will feel much more energized by eating healthy, than eating heavy, starchy foods. (Pizza is yummy....but it has its place!!!!!)

The only other thing I will let you know is that I don't believe lithium is designed to help with the depression at all. It may for you, I don't know, but I do know that I certainly have days (usually when FBF is down as well...because that is when the shame of my past really hits me) when I am on the verge of tears all day...I will feel anxious/panicy....and overwhelmed by sadness. That is why I talked to my family doc about something to help me through those times. As you remember, he prescribed Clonazapam. I strugged with this at first because it was something he wanted me taking everyday. I explained to him how I felt, but maybe he just misunderstood what I was saying. Anyhow, I got it filled and just have a couple in my purse in case it is something that comes over me while I am out.

Have you still been going to school, or did you take some time off?
Keep us updated on how you are doing, we are thinking of you and send you hugs.
Take care Mogs
Dutchie
Posted 11/25/2007 11:49 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Dutchie,

Thanks so much for your reply.  I haven't been on in a few days...

I'm not quite sure how Lithium is for the depressive symptoms either.  Hopefully the Lamictal helps with it all and I won't even have to worry about trying something else.  Thanks for letting me know how it was for you though.  That's what I needed.  I am really concerned about the weight gain for sure.  I'm not sure if it's water retention...I will ask my phsyician when I see her this week, she's so smart.  All I know is along with the pounds we gain from some of these meds, I also felt and looked extremely bloated all the time.  But again, I hope with the Lamictal I don't have that problem.  I am going to pay extra attention to my diet and try to exercise. 

I am so glad that you have the Clonazepam.  It should really help you with the anxiety; when my panic attacks come on and I take one, it really helps me.

School..I am still attending every day.  I don't want to take a break.  I am just praying that these meds don't make me zombie like...I need to be awake for school, I need to have energy.  The last time I was on Lamictal I don't remember it making me so tired I couldn't function...but if it does do that, I won't be able to stay on it.

Anyway, I hope you are doing well.  How are the appointments going...All of em?  I am wondering how the funding process for school is going for you as well...?  Also, did you finish that support group...what happened with that?  I'm curious...sorry to ask so many questions...

I hope you and FBF are getting through everything.  I really hope you two can make this work.  You've come so far.  I'm sending you hugs Dutchie.

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