Posted by colin wallace on June 29, 2003, at 7:59:48
In reply to Lamictal Updates? Colin- catmint?, posted by Peter S. on June 27, 2003, at 13:47:43
> I would love to hear how people are doing on Lamictal. It still works in a stimulant/anti-depressant way for 4 to 5 hours after I take it. The effect then starts fading. I'm taking 50mg and thinking that maybe I'll try a smaller dose in the afternoon.
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> I've also been trying Lexapro at 10mg for last 3 weeks and it's causing increased fatigue and depression (which seems like my general response to SSRI's).
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> Anybody combined Lamictal with other things and avoided the poop-out syndrome? When I first started taking it, it was wonderful, but now it's more stimulating and less of an anti-depressant.
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> Thanks!
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> PeterHowdy Pete,
Things are going well with my dabblings with Lamictal and Prozac at present.
After much tinkering, I've settled at 200mg Lamictal(less and I lose the effect)and a whopping 20mg Prozac!
This has at last bridged the Lamictal/AD 'gap',and allowed me to get consistent results- ie. smooth mood, no temper spells, depression diminishing by the day- actually, if my life situation wasn't so dire, I think I'd probably have achieved a full remission.But that's life.
I also take 5mg NADH every morning, which helps a great deal with my motivation/energy levels.
What bothers me most symptom-wise these days is poor coordination and attention difficulties- I've been considering a trial of Strattera, although first I'm gonna see what magic NADH can weave in these matters!
It still amazes me how Lamictal has enabled me to reach a full 20mg dose of Prozac with zero troublesome side effects, except perhaps for a certain 'floppiness' down below.
Perhaps the year I spent slogging it out on Lam. monotherapy has normalized my brain to the extent that my AD now does just what it's supposed to, as opposed to sending me clawing at the ceiling and tearing my skin off!
I really need to sort out my attention issues though, as I'm only now realizing that they've always existed in tandem with my depression, and not just as part of my depression.
As for preventing Lamictal 'poop-out', well, I'd perhaps try and ride out those SSRI start up effects for a couple of months if I were you.
It always takes me at least that long(and with similar side-effects to yours)before I get the real benefits of any AD, Prozac included.
Hope things improve for you Pete.Keep ahead!Col.
poster:colin wallace
thread:237530
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/237854.html