Lamictal Update

[Guest Guest_SuperVepr_*]

Well, I am on day 11 of the Lamictal and thought I would post a play by play:)

First three days I took it, I swear I could feel the AD affects. That has kind of leveled out now but I might just be getting used to the drug. As you know I am not yet at the AD dose (I am still on the 25mg per day). Here is what I have seen as far as side affects:

1. World-class headache in the mornings (I take it at night)

2. Makes your stomach feel like you swallowed a basketball (bloated, nausea, cramps)

3. Slurring of speech a little bit. What I am trying to say may or may not come out completely

4. Tremors/jumpy leg

5. Sore as hell some days. I lift weights so I am used to being sore but this is different. Maybe more like an ache.

6. Get REALLY down and out about 18 hours after taking it. This usually passes in an hour or two but it is brutal when it is happening.

Most of these have become better since I started taking it at night (with a 2 Valium chaser). My goal was to sleep through the worst of it since the most unpleasant parts of the five points I posted above seemed to kick in hard about 2 hours after taking the medicine (exluding #6 of course).

Anyway, it is manageable at this time. I don't know how next week's kick up to 50mg is going to go but I still have hope for this drug. If you all don't mind I will post again after I have been on the 50mg for a few days. Hopefully, this might give folks some insight into what they may expect from the drug (even though everyone is different).

[peeej]

it's always helpful to keep a detailed record for yourself, and you describe what you're experiencing quite well, so it's cool that you're posting it.

i'm on 75mg, and haven't really noticed too much AD effect. i'm cycling, though maybe less than i was. definitely nausea and lethargy. these seem to go away after several days on each dose increase.

good luck

[AirMarshall]

I have experienced most of the effects on your list. You can probably expect to see them again at each increase, though hopefully to lesser degree (fingers crossed). If you find that they are still objectionable and it is time for your next bump up, you might discuss delaying with your pdoc. Good luck!

a.m.

[SuperVepr]

I have experienced most of the effects on your list. You can probably expect to see them again at each increase, though hopefully to lesser degree (fingers crossed). If you find that they are still objectionable and it is time for your next bump up, you might discuss delaying with your pdoc. Good luck!

a.m.

Well, the 50 went off without a hitch. Tonight we go to the big 100! I'll let you all know how that goes:)

[Guest Bodog]

I've just been diagnosed Ultradian BP, and started on lamictal, (25mg.) and haven't felt any side effects. My new doc feels that I have a GABA transmitter deficiency as, and prescribed gabapentin. Gabapentin is possibly the first Med in a long lost I can say I'm in love with. It seems to erase any anxiety or panicy feelings I might be having.

[hawkeye]

I was on 200 and PDOC wanted to go to 300. I decided to STOP all meds. Been med free now for over a year and feeling better then ever. I don't recommend this for everyone, but most PDOC's have no idea of the cocktails interactions they are scripting for you. I control my BPII, I don't let it control me. I do not want pyschotropic restraints - I want to live life, not be in a blur.

For me this worked.

[wifezilla]

Hubby used to get the headaches and the muscle soreness. They went away after a couple of weeks. He seldom is bothered by any sideffects now. I think he has been on it about a year or so?

I control my BPII, I don't let it control me. I do not want pyschotropic restraints

My husband used to say that...usually during a long extended period of hypomania. Too bad they all ended in total psychosis and involuntary commitments. Hope things work out better for you hawkeye.

[Guest bodog]

Sorry to hear you had a bad time with the med. I've been on a long list my self. Had been given a long list of meds for depression, most of which blew up and made me swear off meds forever.

(I just found out that most of these depression meds will amplify BP symptoms , so that explains alot.)

I've got to say at this point I would not want to give up gabapentin/lamictal mix for almost any money in the world. I haven't felt this well as long as I can remember. I've been through some of the finest talk based therapies in the world, and still was falling apart. For some I guess the chemical imbalance just cannot be overcome without chemical help.

I was on 200 and PDOC wanted to go to 300. I decided to STOP all meds. Been med free now for over a year and feeling better then ever. I don't recommend this for everyone, but most PDOC's have no idea of the cocktails interactions they are scripting for you. I control my BPII, I don't let it control me. I do not want pyschotropic restraints - I want to live life, not be in a blur.

For me this worked.

[Guest Guest_Bianca_*]

I just started with lamictal, I'm on day 5 with the starter pack. I have been having headaches, neck soreness and nauseau, kinda like vertigo maybe... Today I had 2 beers and became really nauseaous afterwards... Does this interact with alcohol? My doc never mentioned it.

Any updates on your staus?