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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 859 to 883 of 948. Go back in thread:
Posted by kriskraft on April 14, 2005, at 14:18:50
In reply to Lithium Survey » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on August 31, 2003, at 16:36:22
Lithium: I'm taking it as an add on to AD remeron. My hands are shakey and my head feels foggy. And then anxious. Does anyone have any similar experiences?
Posted by Lazarus on April 14, 2005, at 20:01:19
In reply to Lithium, posted by kriskraft on April 14, 2005, at 14:18:50
Lithium should make you feel calm, not jittery. I take 600 mg daily and it really smooths things out.
If you're shaking on lithium you probably shouldn't be taking it.
Lazarus
Posted by barbaracat on April 14, 2005, at 23:03:21
In reply to Lithium, posted by kriskraft on April 14, 2005, at 14:18:50
Sounds like you might be on too much and/or you need some time to adjust. I had tremors when I first started lithium, and then when I added nortriptyline for a while and at the same time increased lithium from 600 to 900mg. The tremors went away after 2 months but I felt too groggy. I'm back down to 600 and that seems to be the best dose for me, even though it's far below the therapeutic blood level range.
Question: don't mean to pry, but might there perhaps be a better AD for you than Remeron? It pooped on me too after a nice start, lithium did not revive it, and I ended up putting on 40 pounds in a very short time. Along with lithium, another weight gainer, you'll really need to be diligent about dieting and exercise just to stay even.
I was constantly voracious for sugary carbs. I'd find myself in front of the freezer in the middle of the night snarfing down old frozen desert things. They'd been sitting in the freezer forever because I normally don't even like deserts or sugary carbs. Made me understand what it must be like to have a food obsession disorder.
> Lithium: I'm taking it as an add on to AD remeron. My hands are shakey and my head feels foggy. And then anxious. Does anyone have any similar experiences?
Posted by katia on April 15, 2005, at 0:38:19
In reply to Re: Lithium » kriskraft, posted by barbaracat on April 14, 2005, at 23:03:21
Hey Barb!
Nice to hear from you. I'm DYING from either a pinched nerve in my neck or a pulled muscle brought on by a chiropractor and his electrical stimulation machine. I'm in AGONY. I finally took that Vicadin you left and wish i had more! I need drugs!! Got any muscle relaxers you could send me? My pdoc gave me 6 valium out of pity, but it's not enough.How's it going?
You can respond via email if you want. I'm not at home and don't have your address.
katia
Posted by barbaracat on April 15, 2005, at 15:51:08
In reply to Re: Lithium » barbaracat, posted by katia on April 15, 2005, at 0:38:19
Hi Girlfriend!
I Babblemailed you so look in your inbox.Luv, B.
> Hey Barb!
> Nice to hear from you. I'm DYING from either a pinched nerve in my neck or a pulled muscle brought on by a chiropractor and his electrical stimulation machine. I'm in AGONY. I finally took that Vicadin you left and wish i had more! I need drugs!! Got any muscle relaxers you could send me? My pdoc gave me 6 valium out of pity, but it's not enough.
>
> How's it going?
> You can respond via email if you want. I'm not at home and don't have your address.
> katia
Posted by paintmom on June 3, 2005, at 22:24:21
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » Barbara Cat, posted by Ron Hill on August 3, 2003, at 20:52:13
> Barbara,
>
> > Here's what I think happened. When my sleep becomes disturbed, that's when the miseries start. I have fibromyalgia and loss of sleep is my downfall.
>
> Me too. Disruption of my sleep cycle triggers my bipolar symptoms. I take 800 mg of magnesium (half Mg Citrate and half Mg Malate) at bedtime and it is an excellent sleep aid (for me). You’re a nutritional supplement goo-rue so I’m sure you take some magnesium. How much do you take and what chelating agent? Have you ever tried taking it at bedtime?
>
> > A big learning as well was this time I finally stopped fighting it and somewhere a little light shined and reminded me that I'd been there before and for whatever reason, my feelings were valid and to be honored. No reason to hate myself for feeling like sh*t.
>
> I agree. Beating yourself up with negative self-talk makes it worse. Like you, it helps me to cognitively understand that my symptoms are directly related to my BPII and that this too shall pass.
>
> > Getting back to my meditating and some yoga, very slowly.
>
> Good. Prayer and exercise both improve brainchemistry for me.
>
> > So I'm on lithium 600mg and lamictal 125mg (more was causing an infernal itching).
>
> I like this combo. As it turns out, this combo doesn’t work for me because Lamictal causes a severe rash over a significant portion of my body. But for those BP patients that can tolerate it, I think it is a good combination.
>
> > Ron, I've had it with TCA's and SSRI's. I'm determined to do this on mood stabilizers until a med comes out that isn't a dud.
>
> Yeah, this has been my position for the past couple of years. But sometimes I wonder if Nardil or another MAOI in conjunction with Lithobid might be worth a trial. ENADA NADH continues to function pretty well to control my atypical depression, but if it were to poop-out on me, I might consider a Nardil trial. Also, serotonin elevating medications (e.g. SSRI’s) completely solve my dysphoric mood state problems (EXTREME irritability) but they also take away my drive and my emotions. But maybe Nardil would get rid of the irritability without turning me into what my wife affectionately refers to as her “do nothing boy”.
>
> Refresh my memory; you tried ENADA NADH, correct? Did it help, hurt, or provide no effect for you.
>
> > But I REALLY REALLY have to watch my sleep and not stress out.
>
> Again I agree with you. Stress is a HUGE factor affecting the onset of my BP symptoms. I have a theory (which may or may not be correct) that goes like this: People like you and I who experienced an inordinately high volume and intensity of childhood trauma damaged our stress response systems due to overuse, and now as adults, the slightest level of stress completely screws up our systems and adversely affects our brainchemistry.
>
> > Right now, this minute, I'm feeling pretty good, notable for the fact that I'm also feeling centered and focussed.
>
> Good.
>
> > I'm also very proud of myself for having made it through another battle.
>
> Yes indeed. Good job. I hope calm waters lie ahead.
>
> > Hope you're doing well.
>
> For the past month I’ve been having trouble with wretched dysphoric mood states. I don’t know if it should be classified as a mixed state condition, but it is hell to experience and it is hell for my wife when I’m screaming 24/7. Niacin (250 mg a couple times a day) helps to reduce my irritability and l-theanine (200 mg a couple times a day) helps even more, but neither one fully solve the irritability problem. Further, as with most nutritional supplements, if I use them every day they begin to loose their effectiveness. About two weeks ago I added 400 mg/day (200 bid) of Neurontin (gabapentin) to my Lithobid. It reduces (moderately well) my irritability within a few minutes of taking a dose, but the half-life of this stuff is so short that I begin to rebound back into an irritable mood state after about three hours and the rebound state is worse than if I had not taken it to begin with. If I bump up the dosage to 800 mg/day I experience cognitive blunting problems. I quit taking it a couple days ago. I don’t think I want to keep it in my cocktail. Exercise (stress relief) and prayer seem to be key in treating my dysphoric mood states. I’ve had some breakthroughs over the past couple of days and I’m doing fairly well today.
>
> > Thanks so very much for caring for me and the feeling is reciprocated. - Barbara
>
> And thank you as well Ms. B-Cat!
>
> -- Ron
>This post is from long ago...but from what I can tell...you guys have a lot in common with me....I LOVE your childhood stress theory.....Loss of sleep is my downfall too!
I used Enada for Chronic Fatigue syndrome and it was great....it helps with depression too? I have since been diagnosed with BP II ....and always had sleep problems...but now am having horrible ones since I've been on topamax..(otherwise I LOVE the topamax) would like to learn more from you guys
you can email me
chartisty@aol.comthanks
Paintmom
Posted by barbaracat on June 4, 2005, at 13:10:48
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat, posted by paintmom on June 3, 2005, at 22:24:21
Hi PaintMom,
I believe we chatted a while back. Yes, I believe childhood stress affects certain brain structures and makes us more sensitive to stresses. But I also believe there is great healing possible from many sources. Neurons regenerate. Our bodies and brains are new every 7 years. It's the energy of our thoughts that hold patterns in place and these can be changed, if we learn how. I am learning how and I'm also finally on a med regimen that is working for me and I fervently hope continues to work for me.I'm currently taking a very small amount of Cymbalta (5mg) along with my usual standby, 600mg lithium. I also take thyroid meds and reproductive hormones as well. And Ambien for sleep and a benzo as needed. This combo works well.
My mood has improved greatly since beginning the Cymbalta, even though the amount is quite miniscule compared to what's typical. One thing I've learned for sure is Bipolars are very sensitive to alot of meds, especially SSRI type meds. We don't need as much and are usually prescribed amounts appropriate for unipolars. So we go into a hypomanic spin and dump the lot.
Since I've been feeling better, more stable and more optimistic, I'm using this good energy state to develop positive habits for myself. Getting more exercise, playing more piano, dancing more - stuff I really enjoy but have no energy for or interest in when I'm depressed or scattered. If I reach a bad place again for whatever reason, I'll have this support system available when I need it. But maybe I won't hit a bad time if I continue to do what gives me pleasure and energy. Practice, practice.
I'm also working on a thought philosophy that has helped me more than anything else I've read or studied. I'd be happy to share it with you but don't want to force it down anyone's throat.
So, I'm doing quite well - considering I was hospitalized just this past January for a complete meltdown. I know I need an antidepressant now. St. John's Wort worked as long as I didn't have extreme stress but wasn't enough when I ran into a bad stretch. Therefore, Cymbalta really has been a Godsend. I have no qualms about quaffing a benzo when I'm feeling frazzled cause stress is the bad guy. Lithium thankfully works for me and I cannot be without it. I've tried, and yikes! Bad idea. I didn't do well with Depakote or Topamax (made me too edgy). I musn't forget the thyroid. One of the reasons I landed in the hospital was because my hypothyroid condition had worsened considerably. Lithium will do that to you and it has to be closely monitored (thyroid, that is). Increasing the dose has made everything work better. I must get on my soapbox here and again urge everyone to get all their hormones tested - thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA. When they're out of balance, no amount of mood meds are going to help for long.
I hope you find a combo that works for you. Keep trying. Now that you have a Bipolar dx you can better target and identify your moods and what helps. Personally, I'd much rather be bipolar than unipolar. Those hypomanias can be so much fun and productive as long as they stay in their place and don't skid into outright mania or mixed states. Blessings to you. - Barbara
Posted by paintmom on June 4, 2005, at 19:56:36
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » paintmom, posted by barbaracat on June 4, 2005, at 13:10:48
thanks for the reply:)
what are some bp meds that DON'T cause weight gain???
thankspaintmom
Posted by barbaracat on June 6, 2005, at 12:36:36
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat, posted by paintmom on June 4, 2005, at 19:56:36
Topamax supposedly. I only lasted a few weeks because it was too activating. Lamictal, but there's the rash which I got. It is difficult. I have to exercise like crazy which is a good antidepressant in it's own right, but sometimes I just don't have the time to manaically work out. Try trolling this site:
www.psycheducation.org
It's a real goldmine with links leading to links forever. You'll eventually come upon everything you probably ever wanted to know about BP here.
- BarbaraCat
> thanks for the reply:)
> what are some bp meds that DON'T cause weight gain???
> thanks
>
> paintmom
Posted by paintmom on June 6, 2005, at 15:55:56
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » paintmom, posted by barbaracat on June 6, 2005, at 12:36:36
> Topamax supposedly. I only lasted a few weeks because it was too activating. Lamictal, but there's the rash which I got.
what do you mean by activating....
I can't sleep....and I am really not that tired considering...how was lamictal for sleep....
thanks for the site...gonna look....paintmom
Posted by barbaracat on June 7, 2005, at 11:51:28
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat, posted by paintmom on June 6, 2005, at 15:55:56
>
> what do you mean by activating....
> I can't sleep....and I am really not that tired considering...**That's what I mean by activating. Trouble sleeping, feel speedy and revved up. I have anxiety disorder along with bipolar and have to be careful with things that speed me up.
>>how was lamictal for sleep....
**At each new level of a higher dose of Lam I felt activated, almost hypomanic. Didn't need as much sleep, a bit wired but in an enjoyable way. Then it would smooth out. I was able to maintain pretty well at 75mg for around 6 months, which is a fairly low dose. Along with the lithium, it was a very good combo. Then my Mom died suddenly and I went into a very bad tailspin and my pdoc raised the dose. At 125mg I started getting very itchy which is an impending sign of the rash, although neither I nor my pdoc realized it at the time (we were looking for a 'rash' not itchiness).
Raising it even higher did not help with the anxiety/depression/panic and the rash became worse. I eventually discontinued it becaue it just stopped being effective. I went on Nortriptyline and that worked well to pull me out of a very bad place.
I'm now taking Cymbalta, a SNRI, because I've discovered that I need an AD, although most definitely with a mood stabilzer on board. I hope it doesn't go the way most other meds have gone, that is, to poop out. But I think lithium stabilizes things so I've got my fingers crossed this good trend continues.
> thanks for the site...gonna look....
**Yes, it's a good one. What are you currently taking/feeling? - BCat
>
> paintmom
>
>
Posted by paintmom on June 7, 2005, at 16:39:44
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » paintmom, posted by barbaracat on June 7, 2005, at 11:51:28
thanks
I have BPII, anxiety....really bad sleep problems,....apnea...and chronic fatigue syndrome.
I am extremely med sensative....I am on tiny amounts of drugs....
less than 5mg of buspar
5mg lexapro
a smidg of elavil....it helps with the sleep but started pooping out and makes me gain weight...
I was on 100 mgs of topamax and felt great.....but activated.....was only getting 3-5 hours of sleep a nite...and broken sleep at that...which is insane for me with the chronic fatigue...yet I didn't feel that bad.
So yesterday ...we lowered the topamax to 50 and I took a little bit of tamazepam to help me to sleep....I slept 8 hours....I couldnt believe it.
I went to my P doc today...and she was like..."well you want to sleep and you dont want to gain weight...so that doesn't leave me many choices" Are those unreasonable requests????? She wanted to put me on lithium but I am reluctant cause of the weight gain....I'm gonna try adding OMega 3's to the topamax and see how that does...
She also upped my AD
This med stuff is such a bummer.
thanks for your help
Paintmom
Posted by barbaracat on June 7, 2005, at 21:24:41
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat, posted by paintmom on June 7, 2005, at 16:39:44
Well, we sure sound similar. I'm BP, probably BP-I because of the severity, have sleep apnea, really bad insomnia and fibromyalgia! Do you use a CPAP for the apnea? When I use it I notice a vast improvement in the fibro pain and fatigue. It took a while to finally get used to it. At first I'd get a panic attack every time and didn't use it for a year. Finally started taking - temazapam - of all things, along with Ambien, to take the edge off the panic and it did the trick. I now like the gentle whish sound of it and fall asleep sooner, but I wake up feeling like my nose is being suctioned up all night.
I really love lithium. It's made the biggest difference in my life. I only take a small amount, 600mg, which is far below the 'therapeutic window' which is a bunch of crap in my opinion and no one should be forced into taking the high levels required to reach it. Taking more makes me have tremors and nauseous. One thing I've heard many places is that lithium and lamictal are the only true mood stabilizers in the way they affect the electrical potential of the neurons. Depakote also but in a different way. I hated depakote but some people find that it works well, especially with anxious bipolar. It sent me into a very lethargic crabby depression instead.
I too am extremely sensitive to most meds. Not so much to benzos. It takes alot to knock me out and I'm sure a dysfunction in my GABA receptors is probably behind alot of my problems. However, my pdoc is sympathetic to my need to avoid anxiety states since this is the key to managing the rest, and prescribes a variety of benzos to rotate to avoid some of the inevitable tolerance.
One other suggestion is to get your hormone levels checked. You don't have to be in menopause to have rollercoaster hormones and most of us in the mid-thirties and beyond could use extra progesterone. It comes in a cream and the best is ProGest, a natural form. It's definitely an anti-anxiety hormone, helps with sleep and CFS and fibro. Most doctors don't do hormone testing and don't believe in saliva tests, which are the best ways to get your levels. Naturopaths are usually the one's up on this. It might not hurt to try some and see. - Barbara
> I have BPII, anxiety....really bad sleep problems,....apnea...and chronic fatigue syndrome.
> I am extremely med sensative....I am on tiny amounts of drugs....
> less than 5mg of buspar
> 5mg lexapro
> a smidg of elavil....it helps with the sleep but started pooping out and makes me gain weight...
> I was on 100 mgs of topamax and felt great.....but activated.....was only getting 3-5 hours of sleep a nite...and broken sleep at that...which is insane for me with the chronic fatigue...yet I didn't feel that bad.
> So yesterday ...we lowered the topamax to 50 and I took a little bit of tamazepam to help me to sleep....I slept 8 hours....I couldnt believe it.
> I went to my P doc today...and she was like..."well you want to sleep and you dont want to gain weight...so that doesn't leave me many choices" Are those unreasonable requests????? She wanted to put me on lithium but I am reluctant cause of the weight gain....I'm gonna try adding OMega 3's to the topamax and see how that does...
> She also upped my AD
> This med stuff is such a bummer.
> thanks for your help
> Paintmom
Posted by paintmom on June 10, 2005, at 22:25:50
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » paintmom, posted by barbaracat on June 7, 2005, at 21:24:41
OK
I am buying the Progest cream because I tried some old cream I had here and I don't know I think I felt better..its probably too quick...but it made my skin soft...:)
I have a good feeling about this...I can feel the ZZZ's already:)
Posted by barbaracat on June 11, 2005, at 18:18:28
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat, posted by paintmom on June 10, 2005, at 22:25:50
Not too quick at all. I know when I'm on the low side because I get more fibro symptoms, leg cramps and insomnia. I'll get relief within an hour of dosing with progesterone cream. You can put it on your face too. There used to be a high quality skin cream called 'Eterna 27' and the 'secret ingredient' was progesterone!
> I am buying the Progest cream because I tried some old cream I had here and I don't know I think I felt better..its probably too quick...but it made my skin soft...:)
> I have a good feeling about this...I can feel the ZZZ's already:)
Posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 10:59:00
In reply to Re: Best wishes to my friend B-Cat » paintmom, posted by barbaracat on June 11, 2005, at 18:18:28
I'm a recently returned member of this site with a question about a Lamictal side effect.
I've been taking 200 mg of Lamictal/day for several years, with good results. My dr has always emphasised that I need to be concerned if I get a skin rash. Just recently I went up to 250mg/day, and my skin seems to be reacting to any slight irritation. I have a welt on each forearm-- they seem to be getting larger, itchier and ickier by the day. When I put band-aids over them, the skin under the sticky part of the band-aid turned red and itchy, too.
I use an estrogen patch, and that skin area turned bright red and hot to the touch. So now I don't know which is worse, to continue to irritate my skin, or remove my source of estrogen (not a pleasant thought.)
I have calls in to my shrink and my gyno, but I would love to hear from anyone, medical or otherwise, who has experience and knowledge of the skin problems associated with Lamictal. I understand that the rash can be extremely serious and I don't want to take the risk of this getting worse.
Many thanks for any help!
Miriamne
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2005, at 11:41:49
In reply to Lamictal Skin Rash, posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 10:59:00
> I'm a recently returned member of this site with a question about a Lamictal side effect.
>
> I've been taking 200 mg of Lamictal/day for several years, with good results. My dr has always emphasised that I need to be concerned if I get a skin rash. Just recently I went up to 250mg/day, and my skin seems to be reacting to any slight irritation. I have a welt on each forearm-- they seem to be getting larger, itchier and ickier by the day. When I put band-aids over them, the skin under the sticky part of the band-aid turned red and itchy, too.
>
> I use an estrogen patch, and that skin area turned bright red and hot to the touch. So now I don't know which is worse, to continue to irritate my skin, or remove my source of estrogen (not a pleasant thought.)
>
> I have calls in to my shrink and my gyno, but I would love to hear from anyone, medical or otherwise, who has experience and knowledge of the skin problems associated with Lamictal. I understand that the rash can be extremely serious and I don't want to take the risk of this getting worse.
>
> Many thanks for any help!
> MiriamneStop taking the Lamictal immediately and go to see a dermatologist today.
I had the SJS rash but caught it early and what you describe sounds like it.
I don't want to be alarmist but this is serious!
Take care of yourself.
Kaye
Posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 12:07:55
In reply to Re: Lamictal Skin Rash, posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2005, at 11:41:49
Dear Kaye:
Thank you so much for your message. I just got off the phone with my shrink, who told me to reduce the Lamictal every 3 days till I'm off it and see if it makes a difference.
Does seeing a dermatologist help me get rid of the rash in addition to stopping the meds?
I appreciate your advice and concern.
Miriamne
Posted by KayeBaby on July 8, 2005, at 12:12:09
In reply to Lamictal Skin Rash, posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 12:07:55
A dermatologist would be more familiar with the SJS. I just wouldn't play around with it.
Some people get a mild rash that resolves itself but I would want to be under a Dr's care in case it is SJS.
Good Luck!
Kaye
Posted by barbaracat on July 8, 2005, at 13:44:22
In reply to Lamictal Skin Rash, posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 10:59:00
I got SJS quite badly ending up with a visit to the hospital. The interesting part is that I got it after I'd been off Lam and was taking another drug. I know it was Lam that was the instigator and primed the pump however.
My symptoms began at 125mg with intense itchiness, a stinging bitey feeling especially in my scalp. My skin felt sensitive and raw and was irritated by anything - a watch band, a collar. I didn't actually get a rash at that time but felt externally and internally inflamed.
My doctor didn't seem too concerned because it wasn't an actual rash and kidded I must've caught fleas from my cats - Ha ha - but to lower the dose anyway. It scared me and I simply stopped taking Lam with no negative mood effects, thankfully. Two months later I started a sulfa med which I've never had any reactions to before and within a week was covered in blisters inside and out with true Stevens Johnson Symdrome. I've now developed allergies to most kinds of antibiotics and any drug whose side effects include erythema, or skin rash.
The thing with erythema is that is can take many forms. A simple rash is annoying, can look like chicken pox or small red dots, many forms. It becomes serious when it moves into the mucous membranes, mouth, intestines, genitals, ears, and then it becomes Stevens Johnson. From a simple rash, SJS develops with prolonged exposure to the allergen, plain and simple.
Any kind of skin sensitivity should be taken very seriously while on Lamictal. Titrating down "to see how it goes' sounds like a sensible idea util you realize that once the inflammatory reaction appears on the surface of the skin, you have developed an allergy and taking the allergic substance even in a small quantity puts great burden on your immune system.
> I'm a recently returned member of this site with a question about a Lamictal side effect.
>
> I've been taking 200 mg of Lamictal/day for several years, with good results. My dr has always emphasised that I need to be concerned if I get a skin rash. Just recently I went up to 250mg/day, and my skin seems to be reacting to any slight irritation. I have a welt on each forearm-- they seem to be getting larger, itchier and ickier by the day. When I put band-aids over them, the skin under the sticky part of the band-aid turned red and itchy, too.
>
> I use an estrogen patch, and that skin area turned bright red and hot to the touch. So now I don't know which is worse, to continue to irritate my skin, or remove my source of estrogen (not a pleasant thought.)
>
> I have calls in to my shrink and my gyno, but I would love to hear from anyone, medical or otherwise, who has experience and knowledge of the skin problems associated with Lamictal. I understand that the rash can be extremely serious and I don't want to take the risk of this getting worse.
>
> Many thanks for any help!
> Miriamne
Posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 19:33:08
In reply to Re: Lamictal Skin Rash » Miriamne, posted by barbaracat on July 8, 2005, at 13:44:22
Well, I must say you all have my attention with regard to this rash. I will get back with my shrink and try and resolve this with my family doctor/and or a dermatologist. "Teams of doctors, working round the clock...", as Jerry Seinfeld put it.
I'm not thrilled about stopping my meds and my estrogen. The patch had really helped with some other problems. Whether I can go back to it is something else I'll have to find out, I guess, but for now it seems wise not to mess with anything on my skin.
Thanks again.
Miriamne
Posted by barbaracat on July 8, 2005, at 20:12:18
In reply to Lamictal Skin Rash, posted by Miriamne on July 8, 2005, at 19:33:08
I use sublingual hormone drops which I like alot. They're custom formulated and bioidentical. I get mine from Women's International Pharmacy. It avoids the skin thing and you can also get your progesterone and any other hormones mixed in, avoiding the problems in absorbing orally.
Please don't go off your hormones if you can help it. Taking them orally is not optimal but until you get this rash thing cleared or opt for sublingual, at least you'll have something. I was taking Estrace and Prometrium, both bioidentical vs. synthetic, and they worked well enough before I switched to cream and then to sublingual. Messing with your hormone levels is guaranteed to send you into the emotional crap-hole in a big way. - Barbara
> Well, I must say you all have my attention with regard to this rash. I will get back with my shrink and try and resolve this with my family doctor/and or a dermatologist. "Teams of doctors, working round the clock...", as Jerry Seinfeld put it.
>
> I'm not thrilled about stopping my meds and my estrogen. The patch had really helped with some other problems. Whether I can go back to it is something else I'll have to find out, I guess, but for now it seems wise not to mess with anything on my skin.
>
> Thanks again.
> Miriamne
>
>
Posted by doradynamo on July 16, 2005, at 2:59:50
In reply to Re: Mild Bipolar - moodstabl-- lamictal, posted by Dali on July 23, 2003, at 13:34:46
i'm on lamictal right now - write to me if you want to talk - dora_kravitz@yahoo.com
Posted by Justin Brown on August 16, 2005, at 21:51:17
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by yardena on September 1, 1999, at 18:23:31
I think i posted at the wrong place first. I was wondering about my Cyclothymic cycling periods. I seem to cycle anywhere from half a day to three days. I do have an inbetween time where i feel normal. Is this unusually fast. By the way, I'm an artist and just started topamax.
Posted by KarenRB53 on October 13, 2005, at 20:35:33
In reply to Re: Just Diagnosed BarbaraCat » polarbear206, posted by BarbaraCat on November 11, 2002, at 23:18:12
> Hi Laura,
> Another update - again you were right on. I've stopped Remeron completely. I wanted to give it a week before coming to any conclusions, but now that over a week has passed, I definitely feel sooooo much better after ditching the AD. Major reduction in anxiety, less somatic tension. I've also doubled lithium from 300mg to 600, which I think is enhancing Lamictal's positive effects, but ditching AD has stopped the negativecycling. What a blessed difference. - BarbaraCat
Just wondering if you're still on Lamictal and how you're doing with it?
Thanks, Karen
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