Posted by linnette on December 17, 2003, at 0:33:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal- dosage recommendations for depression?, posted by poop'd-out on December 12, 2003, at 14:45:51
Hi Beth,
Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. I have found that this board has been the best thing for me, and I am happy to have found such supportive people out there that share similar experiences.
I am doing somewhat better, although I am back at "what the hell is doing what.?" I think you are right that the lamictal is hard to tolerate without the other meds on board, and that is probably what has back-fired on me here. And the trying to figure out when to take what.. Boy the lamictal can be so activating, but also can give make me very tired sometimes. I am holding a 200 mg now, and have added 30 mg nortriptyline at night mainly for sleep.
I relapsed after only 3 or so weeks off of my AD's. Yes, it was my decision to stop the AD's, (a bad decision I think). My pdoc didn't think it such a bad idea, just to see how I would do with a MS alone. My appetite and energy was better before I went off of my AD's. And now both are in the toilet. I should have left well enough alone. At least I am sleeping now, but wake up a little anxious still..
Your symptoms sound much like my own.. I can totally relate to the wanting to sleep, just sleep, and not caring about anything else. Although right now I am at the tail end of an agitated depression, or maybe a mixed state, I do know what you are feeling. And like yours, my depression is also very very physical. Since I have gone off of my AD's my back and my joints have been killing me, and I even think part of my flu was due to the other meds washing out of my system. Then I resumed my AD and miraculously my back feels so much better.
Your comments about the irritability or rage, yes, I can totally relate. And that is the main reason I have hoped that a mood stabilizer would help me.
Beth, you are on tegretol too? And zoloft, right? Did you have trouble getting adjusted to the tegretol? I tried 2 times to take it with no success, but maybe I should have stuck it out. Do you think it makes you less irritable, and what benefit does it have over the lamictal for you? Also do you ever find that the lamictal reacts with the zoloft in any way, such as puts you in a very confused anxious state. Probably not, if you are on 100 mg. I think the effect I had a year ago with the 2 of them was somewhat rare.
So now I am taking 200 mg lamictal, 30 mg nortriptyline, xanax 1.5 mg day. I guess that isn't so bad. Oh and a little dexedrine that I take for ADD. Right now it just helps me get my butt into work in the morning and that is about it, although I have missed days and have been late on several occasions.
Anyway, bring me up to date, and hoping you are sleeping less, and feeling a little more energetic. The holidays can sure aggravate things. I will keep you posted.
Linnette
poster:linnette
thread:99395
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/290811.html