Posted by JohnX on October 11, 2001, at 20:14:24
In reply to I'm on Lamictal... (side effects) Help!, posted by Ozzy on October 10, 2001, at 17:53:58
> Hi Psycho-Babble's users, i'm a newbie here :o)
>
> Recently i have been diagnosed as being bipolar II after several years of treatment for the unipolar-depression. Like many of you i tried many antidepressants and anti-manic/anticonvulsants drugs.
>
> I have tried Lithium. Not very effective for an ultra rapid cycler like me. Moreover i developed hypothyroïdism :-(
>
> I have also tried Epival (Depakote). Relatively effective BUT too many side effects: sedation, weight gain and elevated liver enzymes.
>
> I also took Neurontin. Zero effect or side effect. Real sugar pills.
>
> And NOW for 2 weeks i have been taking Lamictal 75 mg a day. I take also Effexor XR 150 mg a day. Good news, i feel more alert, my memory is quite good and my depression seems gone.
>
> However, i feel highly anxious and irritable. I sleep only 2 hours a night. Despite these symptoms i do not have the impression that i'm hypomanic (racing mind, many projects, etc...).
>
> ***First of all, is this normal to feel like that with the Lamictal? If yes, do these side effects lessen (see vanish) with time? Suggestions?***
>
>
> p.s. please be indulgent with my english, i'm a french speaker :o)
>
>
> Thanks in advance!It could be that the lamictal changes the effects
of the effexor. It is not a controlled experiement
since you are taking 2 meds.I have been consistently on Lamictal for quite a
while but have tried adding in various other meds.
Sometimes when I add in another med, I get side
effects that are more consistent with lamictal than
the other med. You may be experiencing something
similar but in reverse (where effexor was the
control med and lamictal was the add on).Lamictal is generally more likely to be stimulating
than sedating. But I have a feeling that it is
somehow changing the workings of the Effexor and
that is causing the problem.Just my 2c.
-John
poster:JohnX
thread:80903
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/81045.html