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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:03:48
i just dont feel comfortable taking the lamictal. i had a choice of lamictal and depakote. the pdoc said the lamictal would be better. i just dont want to have to deal with a rash that could be serious. i would rather take depakote and have my liver checked. as of now my liver is good. i need a good mood stabilizer. my body is very sensitive to medication. i cannot take antidepressants because i have bad side effects. please help i need some suggestions.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on December 12, 2005, at 23:28:43
In reply to lamictal having second thoughts please read, posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:03:48
I'm concerned that you are not talking to your pdoc about your hesitations and fears. If you decide you don't want to take it, call ASAP and get in for another appt to discuss the issue. You aren't helping yourself if you avoid taking an rx-ed med, look for a new one, and then repeat the process.
All meds have risks. Lamictal is no different. The rash is not a big risk.
If you are worried, call your pdoc. It is hard to think clearly when you are filled with anxiety. But you are not going to be able to get rid of your cripling anxiety unless you start treatment.
Please take care of yourself,
EE
Posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:45:30
In reply to lamictal having second thoughts please read, posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:03:48
i take abilify 10mg for psychotic depression and .5 mg of klonopin for anxiety. sometimes i get a bit agitated that is why i want to start a mood stabilizer. are there any other good meds for agitation with these meds. can i take something else
Posted by med_empowered on December 13, 2005, at 2:46:43
In reply to Re: lamictal having second thoughts emily, posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:45:30
hi! The rash isn't all that common with Lamictal--its rarely serious, and only **very** rarely is it fatal. Depakote can affect the metabolism of other drugs (usually meaning you'll need to boost your dosages considerably), and it can cause hair loss, weight gain, mental dulling, etc...its still a good option for some people, but it seems like Lamictal could be a pretty good idea for you.
Has your doc considered upping the Klonopin? .5mgs is kind of low...1-3mgs/day is the standard range for most issues. Klonopin can help stabilize mood and control agitation pretty effectively, and it starts working pretty quickly.
Posted by Emme on December 13, 2005, at 7:42:17
In reply to lamictal having second thoughts please read, posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:03:48
> i just dont feel comfortable taking the lamictal. i had a choice of lamictal and depakote. the pdoc said the lamictal would be better. i just dont want to have to deal with a rash that could be serious. i would rather take depakote and have my liver checked. as of now my liver is good. i need a good mood stabilizer. my body is very sensitive to medication. i cannot take antidepressants because i have bad side effects. please help i need some suggestions.
Some people get benign rashes with Lamictal, but Stevens Johnson syndrome itself is rare. The risk of rash is minimized by a slow titration. Your doctor has suggested Lamictal because she/he thinks it is a good option for you; I agree with EE that you should discuss your worries with her/him. Lamictal is a good drug for many people and has a good side effect profile. Good luck.
emme
Posted by jamestheyonger on December 13, 2005, at 10:19:38
In reply to lamictal having second thoughts please read, posted by bigscreen on December 12, 2005, at 23:03:48
different name, getting the same advice. Take note of that.
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2005, at 22:35:16
In reply to Re: lamictal having second thoughts please read, posted by jamestheyonger on December 13, 2005, at 10:19:38
Ditto! Fondly, Phillipa
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