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Posted 3/17/2008 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All: I just started taking Lamictal which is used to treat Bipolar Disorder. I do not have Bipolar BUT I have had different doctors try 15 different antidepressants over a 7 year span. My body could not take the side effects. I did not give up easily. I would stay on some of them for months thinking my body just needed to adjust. Recently my doctor asked if I wanted to try another "family" of drugs. I was very hesitant but desperate to get my depression under control. I had just stopped Lexapro after going from 145 to 175. So, I am only on day 3 of the Lamictal BUT after just one dose I could feel the difference in that I was upbeat, my mood was well, and I felt good. I have noticed it wears off toward the end of the day and at times will get irritable. I was very scared to take this drug due to the rash it can cause in some. However, I figure if it's my time to get a rash and my time to go it will happen. I will just stop taking it. I am just amazed at how quickly I saw a positive difference in my moods. I never know how bad I feel until I start feeling good. So, don't give up on those antidepressants that make you feel bad, gain weight, etc. If your doctor suggests trying another "family" of drugs, try it. Good luck! I hope the Lamictal keeps working for me. I actually feel like a human being now.
Posted 3/17/2008 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Poncho,

Welcome to the Healing Well depression forum. I am happy that the Lamictal is working for you. I imagine that once it gets in your system good that you wont feel the agrivation in the evenings any more.

I am happy that you are feeling better.
Keep posting
Karen
Posted 3/18/2008 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Poncho,

Welcome to HealingWell and I hope we can meet your needs.  Lamictal is used in low dose as a mood stablizer and I know my Pdoc likes to use this med too.  However it is usually used with another AD.  I wish you good luck on it. 

Be sure to read the side effect carefully and report to your Pdoc if you have any issues.

Again Welcome.

Kitt

Posted 3/18/2008 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks gettingby and stkitt. I appreciate your comments. I work in the mental health field and I see so many people tried on different drugs. Personal experience with it all can be frustrating. Hopefully, the Lamictal will keep working. The Zoloft I was on worked great but 15 trips to the bathroom a day due to diarrhea was WAY too much. So, onward I shall go.

Thanks again
Posted 3/18/2008 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same problem with zoloft. I finally had to quit taking it. I take a mood stablizer called abilify. It helps a lot.

Karen
Posted 3/18/2008 9:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Poncho,

Im glad you have finally found something! Lamictal is used to treat Bi-Polar, but I think officially it is an anti-epileptic / anti-convulsant. (Which is how I know it). A lot of AED's are used in the treatment of mood disorders like Bi-Polar... Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is another good one.

Definately something to consider

Darren

Posted 3/18/2008 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again. Yeah I figure if I get the rash issue with Lamictal there is always Abilify and others. I started flushing a lot yesterday and today. UUUggggggg. Hopefully, it's hormonal. LOL.

Take care!

Poncho (Libby)
Posted 3/18/2008 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Karen

I forgot to say that I also have Fibromyalgia and CFS. It's tough huh?

Libby
Posted 3/19/2008 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes it is Poncho, because one always makes the other flare up. I take so many medications that it is stressful just to keep the pill box filled. Also the weather affects both of them. The worse part of the fibromyalgia for me is the fatigue, I can live with pain, but can't function with fatigue. We also have a wonderful fibro forum if you ever want to check it out. The people there are wonderful as are the people here. I hope you continue to feel well and are free of pain and fatigue.

hugs, Karen
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