Posted by Angielala on February 10, 2004, at 15:26:12
In reply to Re: Lamictal experience, posted by kattay on February 10, 2004, at 12:35:43
Kat! I'm so glad you asked!
First- take a gander at this article:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/70/81129.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}It mentions Wellbutrin, which I have discovered is not FDA approved for ADD, but is for som BP people. I'm on Paxil and Lamictal now. Paxil is pooping out on me, so I may go on the Wellbutrin in a few months (one I'm stable on Lamictal)
I have ADHD as well- and it's really hard, because of the nature of our BP- it's really hard to figure out how to take care of the ADHD and not interrupt the path taken to help with the BP. I have been researching and talking to SO many people on Lamictal and they all seem very happy with it. See, Lamictal has an anti-depressant agent that helps with the depression, yet doesn't flip you into rapid cycling. (We'll always cycle, but there comes a point when the edge is taken off and you can totally deal with the cycles in a very normal way).
If your pdoc offers the Lamictal, go for it. I was stuck so long on Depakote because I was so scared to switch, and was so scared of being put on something else, then something else.... try not to think that way. Instead- realize that we have a very sensitive chemical imbalance, and we will each need our own "cocktail" of a mood stabilizer and perhaps an antidepressant.
ADHD is usually treated with concertaq or ritilan or the like... that helps to release dopemine to calm us, yet because of our BP, those meds would cause us to be jittery and anxious. Wellbutrin happens to effect dopemine as well, which is why the above article says that people in our situation would help- it helps just enough dopemine. Also- sometimes BP people and depressed people need both an AD that helps the serotonin anbd another AD that helps with the dopemine- some people are depressed because of a lack of both Seretonin (homw many different ways have I spelled that?) and Dopemine.
Sorry for being long winded- I just want you to know that you aren't alone with the distress you are feeling. I promise if you keep trying, you will get there. Hopefully I'm on my way to being better soon with this Lamictal. I feel better now that I have admitted that the Depakote was destroying me (bad side effects for me) and made the change. Seems Lamictal is more widely used anyhow- and there must be a good reason for that, right?
There is hope for us- you and I should keep each other updated. I'll let you know how I'm doign while the Lamictal is activating and anything else that may change- you let me know how you are doing and don't be afraid to ask more questions- hopefully I can help- I have a plethora of good stuff on our special-selves :)
I hope that helps :)
~Lala
> Hello
> Umm, well I actually have a question for all of you on lamactil. I am at a crossroad in my dx. I am either Bipolar II or ADHD. I also feel I have severe pms. I have other hormonal problems that resulted in high risk pg's. Anyhow, I feel i am adhd but my therapist says bipolar(rapid cycler). Her reasoning is too high of impulsiveness to be adhd. Anyhow, I may be put on a mood stabilizer. I tried trileptal and topomax in the past and became extremely moody. OMG was I bad. one minute i would be fine. the next min, bawling. the next min, wanting to committ suicide. So I am terrified of mood stabilizers. But if my pdoc goes with what my therapist says, I may be asked to go on lamactil. So, what can i expect? Oh, and would it help with any adhd symptoms?(distracted easilly, no concentration, frustrated easilly because of lack of following what people are saying or trying to teach me. there's more but i'll leave it at that. Thanks
poster:Angielala
thread:309936
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040210/msgs/311762.html