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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by amber_spirit on August 8, 2002, at 10:46:18
I know I saw something posted about how
depakote and lamictal interact, but now
I can't find it.I tried lamictal first and found that it
helped my mood somewhat but also increased
my anxiety/agitation/tension. Next I tried
depakote ER 1000mg in evening. This works
great for the anxiety/agitation/tension and
suicidal thoughts. I feel wonderfully calm
and not "actively" suicidal for the first
time in 6 months. However, it is slightly
sedating and does not provide enough of an
ad effect. So, the thought is that I'll try
adding a small dose of the lamictal to the
depakote for energy and ad effects. However,
even at just 25mg I'm finding it to have the
same increased anxiety/etc but the ad effect
is definitely there.I think I remember that the depakote levels
are reduced and lamictal levels increased
when taking these together. Is that true?
And, if so, maybe dropping down to 12.5 mg
reduce the lamictal and raise the depakote
enough to be where I want. Any suggestions?Thanks.
Amber Spirit
Posted by Maximus on August 8, 2002, at 13:19:55
In reply to Depakote with Lamictal - interactions?, posted by amber_spirit on August 8, 2002, at 10:46:18
> I think I remember that the depakote levels
> are reduced and lamictal levels increased
> when taking these together. Is that true?
> And, if so, maybe dropping down to 12.5 mg
> reduce the lamictal and raise the depakote
> enough to be where I want. Any suggestions?Hi,
It is pretty the opposite. Lamictal raises the Depakote serum and the latter decreases the Lamictal one. This combo is one of the worst you can take and it is really hard on the liver You have to be monitored very closely. In fact, it is almost conter-productive:-(
Ask (suggestion) to your pdoc to change your Depakote for Lithium and stay with a lower dose of Lamictal. It is a very well known combo and it works wonderfully without interaction. It is the new modern and effective treatment for bipolar disorder (if you are?). If not, it doesn't matter, really. Because you will get a solid antidepressant effect with a great stabilization.
C'était mes 2 huards :-)
Posted by Ritch on August 9, 2002, at 11:06:42
In reply to Depakote with Lamictal - interactions?, posted by amber_spirit on August 8, 2002, at 10:46:18
> I know I saw something posted about how
> depakote and lamictal interact, but now
> I can't find it.
>
> I tried lamictal first and found that it
> helped my mood somewhat but also increased
> my anxiety/agitation/tension. Next I tried
> depakote ER 1000mg in evening. This works
> great for the anxiety/agitation/tension and
> suicidal thoughts. I feel wonderfully calm
> and not "actively" suicidal for the first
> time in 6 months. However, it is slightly
> sedating and does not provide enough of an
> ad effect. So, the thought is that I'll try
> adding a small dose of the lamictal to the
> depakote for energy and ad effects. However,
> even at just 25mg I'm finding it to have the
> same increased anxiety/etc but the ad effect
> is definitely there.
>
> I think I remember that the depakote levels
> are reduced and lamictal levels increased
> when taking these together. Is that true?
> And, if so, maybe dropping down to 12.5 mg
> reduce the lamictal and raise the depakote
> enough to be where I want. Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Amber Spirit
Amber,If you are taking either Depakote or Lamictal and then add the other it will *increase* the blood levels of *both* meds. The monograph recommends a maximum of 150mg of Lamictal/day if you are also on Depakote (from what I remember). I dug around and found a link to the previous thread I think you are thinking about:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113676.html
hope this helps,
Mitch
This is the end of the thread.
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