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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by emilyd on September 28, 2003, at 10:03:35
I'm switching from Depakote to Lamictal. Every time I've switched drugs (more times than I can count in the last 6 months) it's been difficult, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised. Depakote was relieving symptoms of mania, but not so much my depression or anxiety and caused weight gain (20 pounds in the first 2 weeks or so). As I switch I have become exhausted, weepy and incredibly irritable. I've missed therapy as well as yoga, my havens. Any idea which is the culprit or if/when I can hope for this to end?
Posted by Sebastian on September 28, 2003, at 11:58:35
In reply to withdrawal from Depakote or Lamictal side effects?, posted by emilyd on September 28, 2003, at 10:03:35
What other meds have you tried?
Posted by DayByDay on September 28, 2003, at 13:51:52
In reply to withdrawal from Depakote or Lamictal side effects?, posted by emilyd on September 28, 2003, at 10:03:35
> I'm switching from Depakote to Lamictal. Every time I've switched drugs (more times than I can count in the last 6 months) it's been difficult, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised. Depakote was relieving symptoms of mania, but not so much my depression or anxiety and caused weight gain (20 pounds in the first 2 weeks or so). As I switch I have become exhausted, weepy and incredibly irritable. I've missed therapy as well as yoga, my havens. Any idea which is the culprit or if/when I can hope for this to end?
Lamictal is supposed to have "activating" effects
as opose to most other anticonvulsants and other substances working on GABA (like benzos) that have
can have sedating effects. Thatīs how it is in general, if itīs still from lam i canīt tell, look
at the net for side-effects.DbD
Posted by HenryO on October 1, 2003, at 3:49:20
In reply to Re: withdrawal from Depakote or Lamictal side effects?, posted by DayByDay on September 28, 2003, at 13:51:52
The build up of Lamictal is so slow, or it should be, that it can take two months to reach a dose which will start to relieve your depression and longer to find the right dose for you. I went through hell after dumping my cocktail in order to start Lamictal. It was a good thing in the long term. Lamictal has been the best med yet. I have a libido again, I'm not gaining weight or sweating all the time. But it was more than uncomfortable in the mean time.
I don't think it is a Lamictal side effect, but we are all so different in our response to these meds. My advice is to hang in there.
One thing to think about is that this discomfort is your disease showing through when you aren't on medication. I'm sure that's what it was in my case. The cocktail I had thought was doing nothing, while it had some very unwanted side effects, was in fact doing a lot to keep the mental pain at bay.
I hope that you come to find Lamictal as helpful as I do.
This is the end of the thread.
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