Posted by Ritch on August 9, 2002, at 11:06:42
In reply to Depakote with Lamictal - interactions?, posted by amber_spirit on August 8, 2002, at 10:46:18
> I know I saw something posted about how
> depakote and lamictal interact, but now
> I can't find it.
>
> I tried lamictal first and found that it
> helped my mood somewhat but also increased
> my anxiety/agitation/tension. Next I tried
> depakote ER 1000mg in evening. This works
> great for the anxiety/agitation/tension and
> suicidal thoughts. I feel wonderfully calm
> and not "actively" suicidal for the first
> time in 6 months. However, it is slightly
> sedating and does not provide enough of an
> ad effect. So, the thought is that I'll try
> adding a small dose of the lamictal to the
> depakote for energy and ad effects. However,
> even at just 25mg I'm finding it to have the
> same increased anxiety/etc but the ad effect
> is definitely there.
>
> I think I remember that the depakote levels
> are reduced and lamictal levels increased
> when taking these together. Is that true?
> And, if so, maybe dropping down to 12.5 mg
> reduce the lamictal and raise the depakote
> enough to be where I want. Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Amber Spirit
Amber,If you are taking either Depakote or Lamictal and then add the other it will *increase* the blood levels of *both* meds. The monograph recommends a maximum of 150mg of Lamictal/day if you are also on Depakote (from what I remember). I dug around and found a link to the previous thread I think you are thinking about:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113676.html
hope this helps,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:115669
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115808.html