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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fiftylager on April 26, 2006, at 21:33:02
I've been prescribed lamotrigine (lamictal) and risperdal. I'm starting very slowly on the lamotrigine because I am very sensitive to meds. I'm taking 25 mg every other day for 2 weeks then upping to 1 every day for 2 weeks, then 2 every day for 2 weeks etc. What can I expect to feel from this med?
The pdoc wanted me to take the risperdal with the lamotrigine but we decided to use it as needed for now because I'm too nervous to start both. Also anti-psychotics scare me. The riperdal is for severe anxiety or agitation and racing thoughts. Does anyone else take this or both meds together. Any input would be great! Thank you,
Crissi
Posted by curtm on April 27, 2006, at 9:03:57
In reply to Just diagnosed bipolar....meds ?, posted by fiftylager on April 26, 2006, at 21:33:02
Hi- I'm always excited to meet new people. I am also bipolar. I take Lamictal and it works well for me. I tapered up over a few months to the max. dose 400mg, but it still felt like I could be a little better. I would be very careful taking anything else that is supposed to treat one OR the other mood (mania OR depression). I just had a major manic episode when we added an anti-depressant to it. If you don't want to takenti-psychotics, then don't. I'm sure there are plenty of ther options. you may have to try a few different ones to get there, so be patient. In the meantime, try to do some activities that are not so stimulating. I like flying a kite with my young boys. Good luck to you.
Posted by B2chica on April 27, 2006, at 9:50:47
In reply to Just diagnosed bipolar....meds ?, posted by fiftylager on April 26, 2006, at 21:33:02
hi and welcome.
i was only on lamictal for about 3-4 days but didn't have any bad side effects. the risperdal i was on for about a month but it really didn't do anything for me.
i personally like the atypical antipsychotics. they've really done some improvements and less side effects than old ones.
even though i had major weight gain on zyprexa it was life saving...literally.are you on any benzo for anxiety or agitation? this could help in mean time before you start risperdal.
the only warning i have is to really look out for any rash...lamictal you can get stephen-johnson syndrome...severe...
so drink lots of water and look out for rash.good luck...(you'll be fine) just keep alert.
b2c.
Posted by Caedmon on April 28, 2006, at 0:45:18
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed bipolar....meds ?, posted by B2chica on April 27, 2006, at 9:50:47
The risperdal is a good short-term med until you are on a sufficient dose of Lamictal. Personally I take it prn and it works fantastic. If you're unhappy with taking an antipsychotic then a valproate (e.g. Depakote) may be another short-term option to try. (Actually, both APs and valproates can be used long-term but Lamictal may be preferable: it's more tolerable in most people).
- C
Posted by SLS on April 28, 2006, at 7:45:40
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed bipolar....meds ?, posted by Caedmon on April 28, 2006, at 0:45:18
> The risperdal is a good short-term med until you are on a sufficient dose of Lamictal. Personally I take it prn and it works fantastic.
Under what circumstances do you take Risperdal? How much do you take?
- Scott
Posted by Caedmon on April 28, 2006, at 10:20:46
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed bipolar....meds ? » Caedmon, posted by SLS on April 28, 2006, at 7:45:40
>> Under what circumstances do you take Risperdal? How much do you take?>>
I took some while transitioning onto Parnate for example (.5mg) so I would have something in my system with an antidepressant effect. For lil' mania episodes perhaps 1-2mg, which I would likely take for a while until at least the next time I saw the doc.
- C
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