Posted by laurenjb on October 12, 2005, at 14:03:00
In reply to Re: Lamictal + Lithium for soft bipolar, posted by rasberry on October 12, 2005, at 6:49:41
Hi rasberry: Your post really eased my mind -- thank you. I think I will probably start the lithium in a few weeks.
When you say that the combination is the only thing that ever worked for you, do you mean that it is the only thing that has worked long-term? How long have you been taking the combo? I have been on so many ADs and combinations of ADs that have worked for awhile (usually with pretty frequent upward dosing adjustments needed) but stopped working and left me back where I was or worse. I guess I am still so depressed that it is hard to believe that anything might actually REALLY work.
Also, what brand of lithium are you taking? It seems to make a difference in terms of side effects. You said you take 600mg so you're obviously not taking Eskalith CR, since it only comes in 450mg pills, but I was going to ask my doctor about that one since I've read it might have fewer side effects. Are you have any side effects at all?
Thanks again. Take care, Lauren
> Your doctor might have a good suggestion. There has been some research showing that a low dose of Lithium + Lamictal can be effective. It has been for me. I am bipolar II but tend to lean towards severe depression. I didn't like Lithium alone. I didn't like Lamictal with other drugs. The combination of these two is a charm. It is the only thing that has ever worked for me. I take 600MG Lithium and 350MG Lamictal. The lithium dose is low enough not to cause weight gain. It is slow to get started but.....it works for some people.
> Good Luck.
poster:laurenjb
thread:564349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051010/msgs/566079.html