Posted by BetweenDreams81 on March 27, 2011, at 9:00:56
In reply to Re: antidepressant side effects!, posted by hopefullynow on March 27, 2011, at 0:40:30
I am new to all this...Lamictal was the first thing doc tried, and I was (still am) on alprazolam for anxiety, and ambien for sleep. Since the Lamictal didn't agree with my system, I am on a low dose of lithium and the others, (I augment with supplements and am now starting to use homeopathics as well).
I was on the starter pack and into the 3rd week (50 mg) when I had a very bad systemic reaction to it. I know I was only on it for a VERY short time, and maybe it isn't fair to even say that it was helping me, but the moment I was on 50 mg of it, I was waking up at 7:30 AM on my own, felt fully rested, clear headed, inspired to go out and do things...the colors I swear were brighter and just overall felt at ease. The goal when I was started on Lamictal was to get up to 100mg and add low dose of lithium.
Unfortunately, my entire body ached like I had been run over by a train, then developed flu symptoms with a fever, my lymphnodes were visibly inflammed, and then a rash started to form. So, I was pulled off it. Currently I'm on alprazolam 0.5 mg, 2x/day, 150 mg lithium 2x/day, and 10 mg ambien. It's a bandaid for the moment. I can't see my doc until late april b/c I've been out of state for the past 2 1/2 months...so I'm guessing managing a brand new client from long distance is a bit tricky and you have to go safe route first. I am mostly stable at the moment...no deep depressions and I haven't been going on shopping sprees, but I also haven't felt that clearheaded happiness that I was starting to feel with Lamictal. (though have regained a bit more energy using homeopathics)
Current "routine":
150 mg Litium AM/PM0.5 mg Alprazolam
AM/when needed during the day (though, I have split them in half. Learned through trial and error that I have to start the day with 0.5 mg)10 mg Zolpidem (Ambien)
PM for sleep...trying to use just the Hyland's formula right now b/c I wake up feeling better than with the ambien...hard for me to wake up if I've taken ambien (even if I split it in half)Hylands Bioplasma Cell Salts
8 pellets under tongue 3-4x/dayHylands Insomnia
3 tabs 30min before sleep, then another 2-3 15 min after taking the first dose. Also taking 2 if I feel anxious before taking alprazolam to see if I can manage w/o alpraz.Hylands Arnica 30x
5 pellets taken same time as cell salts and as needed throughout the day (it's most common use is for pain/inflammation/bruising)Neem Leaf
2 caps 2x/day for general health/wellness it also has contraceptive propertiesOmega 3 Mood by Country Life high EPA formula 2 caps 2x/day
Simply One Multi vit.
poster:BetweenDreams81
thread:980707
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110321/msgs/981257.html