Got my brand new script for Lamictal

[beetle]

I've never been so worried about taking a med. It's just that what I've read about THE RASH sounds horrible. I know, I know... it doesn't happen to everyone but still...

Someone please tell me that it won't happen. Or at the very least that if it does, it will resolve quickly once I stop taking the med.

*sigh*

You gotta be pretty damned mental to wanna take a med that could cause a rash that could kill you.

My husband looks at me like I'm nuts when I tell him:

"I'm starting a new med and if *this* happens then you'll have to take me to the ER."

It's like he's thinking: What the hell is wrong with you that you'd even take the stuff to begin with.

I wouldn't mind hearing a Lamictal success story if someone has one and wants to tell it.

[beetle]

I mean, this is how wigged out I am over the whole thing:

When I filled my script I also bought:

A thermometer

Benadryl

Hydrocortisone cream

Ya know, just in case.

[tryp]

Have you been over to CrazyMeds Talk recently? They have a big old thread all about The Rash. I was reading it the other day for interest's sake, and it looks like even if you DO get the rash, you'll know about it WAY before it gets dangerous as long as you keep an eye out.

Don't have any experience with Lamictal myself, but I didn't want to let you sit there with your anxiety ramping up and everything, so I figured I'd pitch in my (sketchy second-hand) knowledge.

Also, every time I take a new med, I always decide I'm going to die instantly in my sleep as soon as I take it and go to bed. Somehow I never do. Just sayin'.

[resonance]

You got the starter pack, right? (Like, instead of starting with a full-on prescription?)

Lamictal is a really good med for many people. Keep in mind that it can also give you rashes that are not The Rash. It is really unlikely that you will get The Rash, and even less likely that it will kill you.

Lamictal is a major cornerstone of my treatment (with seroquel being the other major one). It's been incredibly effective for my long, awful periods of depression. I'm really glad it exists. I get depressed now sometimes but nothing like I used to.

[beetle]

Have you been over to CrazyMeds Talk recently? They have a [link=http://www.crazymeds.us/CrazyTalk/index.php?showtopic=217" target="_blank]big old thread[/link] all about The Rash. I was reading it the other day for interest's sake, and it looks like even if you DO get the rash, you'll know about it WAY before it gets dangerous as long as you keep an eye out.

Don't have any experience with Lamictal myself, but I didn't want to let you sit there with your anxiety ramping up and everything, so I figured I'd pitch in my (sketchy second-hand) knowledge.

Also, every time I take a new med, I always decide I'm going to die instantly in my sleep as soon as I take it and go to bed. Somehow I never do. Just sayin'.

Yeah, I think it's the Crazymeds that fueled the fire.

I've never been really worried about starting a new med. There's just *something* about this one.... I dunno.

I did learn recently that my mother takes it and doesn't have a problem with it. But then, I'm more sensitive than she is in a lot of ways and have different health problems.

Maybe I'll start tomorrow.

[beetle]

You got the starter pack, right? (Like, instead of starting with a full-on prescription?)

Lamictal is a really good med for many people. Keep in mind that it can also give you rashes that are not The Rash. It is really unlikely that you will get The Rash, and even less likely that it will kill you.

Lamictal is a major cornerstone of my treatment (with seroquel being the other major one). It's been incredibly effective for my long, awful periods of depression. I'm really glad it exists. I get depressed now sometimes but nothing like I used to.

I didn't get the "starter pack" but a script for 25mg (I think it is) with instructions to take one a day for two weeks and then start taking two a day for two weeks. I assume this replicates the starter pack.

Yeah, I knew that it can cause benign rashes too. But my pdoc's school of thought is that, if I get any rash just stop. So we will see.

I am glad to hear it's worked for you. It seems to have good AD properties for some people. Which is sorta the point here.

[null0trooper]

When I filled my script I also bought:

A thermometer

Benadryl

Hydrocortisone cream

On the bright side, even after you've stopped wondering why you were so worried, you'll still be ready for poison ivy season. Or ants.

[beetle]

When I filled my script I also bought:

A thermometer

Benadryl

Hydrocortisone cream

On the bright side, even after you've stopped wondering why you were so worried, you'll still be ready for poison ivy season. Or ants.

Ants?

[Maddy]

My niece takes it and she's a kid. No rash. It works for her. Don't let the fear get the better of you. It's a good thing to try. And if you do get rashy on it, you can stop it and it makes the rash go away. no prob.

[Littlewing]

Beetle, I'm taking lamictal and personally, although I've had a few minor side effects (REALLY minor!) like slightly itchy skin and a persistent headache for a couple of weeks, but hey, I can live with those. It's been great for me. It's helped me come out of a life-threatening depression and now I feel pretty stable for the first time in years and years and years. So I say give it a go!

If it gives you a headache, take some headache pills. If it makes your skin itchy - 100% pure hemp oil applied to the skin twice daily should sort that baby out. If the headache is really annoying tell your Pdoc. I told mine, and all he said to me was "take headache pills it'll pass" and it did.

Personally, it was lithium that scared the hell out of me and that was the first drug they put me on! Eeek!

Lithium made me sick as the proverbial dog...so did Depakote. I was beginning to get depressed about everything having hideous side-effects...and then along came Lamictal and my world became a sunny place!

[beetle]

I appreciate the feedback. I didn't take it last night. I suppose I will tonight.

One thing I just remembered...

I am "allergic" to penicillin. By that, I mean that supposedly when I was a baby they gave me penicillin and I broke out in a rash. So, it's one of those things I have always avoided even though I don't remember the rash, obviously. It's just something my mom told me.

I read that penicillin is a potential SJS causing drug. I wonder if that rash I got as a baby was in any way related to SJS and if so, would that make me more likely to get a rash on lamictal?

Another thing... when I saw my first pdoc, as a teen, he put me on lithium and prozac first and then switched the combo to paxil and tegretol. So, I've been on an anticonvulsant before and one that is also known to occasionally cause SJS. I did OK on the tegretol so.... maybe my fears are unfounded.

Still, it just sounds so damn horrible...

[null0trooper]

On the bright side, even after you've stopped wondering why you were so worried, you'll still be ready for poison ivy season. Or ants.

Ants?

I guess you don't have fire ants in your part of the world. They're roughly the size of normal ants, but have one hell of a nasty bite. Liquid Benadryl applied directly to the bite can help numb the itching/burning for a while.

I read that penicillin is a potential SJS causing drug. I wonder if that rash I got as a baby was in any way related to SJS and if so, would that make me more likely to get a rash on lamictal?

A rash is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. It's recommended to avoid things that have caused you to have an allergic reaction in the past because there's no way to predict how severe your next reaction will be, a rash can be annoying but anaphylaxis can be deadly.

I do not think it is likely that you will cross-react to lamotrigine based on prior exposure to penicillin. Even then, that doesn't mean that you'll develop SJS.

[lorieheart]

When I filled my script I also bought:

A thermometer

Benadryl

Hydrocortisone cream

On the bright side, even after you've stopped wondering why you were so worried, you'll still be ready for poison ivy season. Or ants.

[crazynotstupid]

On a combo of lamictal and topamax I got a rash so bad my regular doc biopsied me and called another doc in for a consult.

It's no biggie. Watch for the signs and if a rash appears consult the doc. I did fine. It's a good med. I'm still on it, and topamax too, just a lower dose--and less rashiness.

[beetle]

On the bright side, even after you've stopped wondering why you were so worried, you'll still be ready for poison ivy season. Or ants.

Ants?

I guess you don't have fire ants in your part of the world. They're roughly the size of normal ants, but have one hell of a nasty bite. Liquid Benadryl applied directly to the bite can help numb the itching/burning for a while.

I read that penicillin is a potential SJS causing drug. I wonder if that rash I got as a baby was in any way related to SJS and if so, would that make me more likely to get a rash on lamictal?

A rash is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. It's recommended to avoid things that have caused you to have an allergic reaction in the past because there's no way to predict how severe your next reaction will be, a rash can be annoying but anaphylaxis can be deadly.

I do not think it is likely that you will cross-react to lamotrigine based on prior exposure to penicillin. Even then, that doesn't mean that you'll develop SJS.

No fire ants here. I'm just a bit too far north for that. Hopefully it stays that way.

Well, I took the first pill last night. We'll see what happens.

[renaeden]

I started off taking 5mgs of Lamictal. So low! and went up by 5 mgs a week until I was at 25mgs. Then doubled to 50mgs for a while, then up to 100 and now at 200mgs. Not even the slightest rash or other side-effect.

Lamictal has worked so well for me. I feel even!

[meg]

Well, I took the first pill last night. We'll see what happens.

hey beetle,

I genuinely hope that you're sticking with it and doing well so far.

I'm not sure if you've been given this link before, but [link=http://www.crazymeds.us/"'>http://www.crazymeds.us/" target="_blank]http://www.crazymeds.us/[/link] covers Lamictal pretty well (as well as "the rash" worries) if you want some straightforward information in one place.

Just scroll down on the left hand side and you should see a link for Lamictal and it's other names.

If you're still having doubts, please stick it out because it might be totally worth it.

personal testimonial to the possibilities of lamictal (ymmv, of course):

Lamictal is the med that gave me my LIFE back a little over a year ago--

I finally wasn't depressed for the first time in years. I didn't know what life felt like without some degree of depression and realized that I'd been living with some level of it since about 4th grade.

I thought the depression started about age 13/14 and that's the 'normal' I was aiming for, but nope! How I felt at age 13/14 was pretty crappy too in comparison. I felt like a 4th grader (well, not really, but do you get what I mean?). When I started lamictal I had worries about the side-effects too. I had to push through some nasty headaches when I first started (thanks excedrin.) and thought about stopping it a couple of times on my titration up to 100mg but I cannot express how glad I am to have given it a chance.

Hang on there I bet you'll be just fine,

let us know how you are!

m

ps- edited due to unreadable rambling (don't look so surprised. ha.)

[beetle]

Thanks for the encouragement.

I did start taking it. Still kind of paranoid but no side effects yet... but it's only been like six days. The very first night I got a headache. Weird one, kinda moved all over my head. So since then, I've been drinking a big glass of Gatorade before taking it and haven't had the slightest headache. Placebo effect? (I read that it sometimes helps)

I have felt kind of itchy all over but that could be a lot of things... dry winter air... psychosomatic..

I've also felt more tired and it's been hard to wake up in the morning. But again, it's only day six on 25mg so I don't expect much improvement in my mood or energy at this point.

[meg]

so glad to hear it beetle

yeah, it's a rare duck that gets a boost as low as 25mg (rare and *lucky* duck) but it's a good sign that you've gone almost a week without any rough side-effects at all. I wish someone had told ME about the gatorade, lol.

I think it was probably good that I didn't read as much as I could have about lamictal before starting it because I had so much going on at the time that I didn't have the head-space to focus on possible side-effects.

therefore I made it out of the stage where you analyze every muscle ache/nose itch/yawn and possibly make yourself crazier than before

hope your life continues to be quite uneventful for now,

m

[meg]

actually it's not all that rare, but i don't think it's anywhere near typical. and no side effects is good.

aha- does that just mean it's a just a plain old duck who gets a boost at 25mg (vs. rare/luckyduck)?

hmm.

that gray area between 'rare' and 'nowhere near typical' is a little too foggy to see the ducks anyway.

but seriously, just wanted to make sure that you (beetle) don't worry if you don't feel anything different at these lower doses since (imo) lamictal is one of those meds where the 'your mileage may vary' mantra is not just true but veryvery true. hope you're still doing well,

m

[beetle]

OMG I am sooooo effing tired. I could sleep all damn day if I'd let myself. Even after dragging my dead ass outta bed after 10+ hours I muddle about in a fatigued stupor all day. I could really just go back to bed and sleep the rest of the day away. Been forcing myself to stay awake. That cup of coffee did nothing.

I sure do hope this passes as I titrate and adjust.

[Littlewing]

I'm still struggling with tiredness Beetle, but then I think a lot of that is due to the fact that I sleep badly at nights. Some days I don't get out of bed until midday (when I go to bed at around 1am after an evening shift). I then end up getting up, feeding the dog, making my dinner for the evening and then getting ready to go to work. I need a bit more in my life, but at the moment, having been batshit for quite a while, I'm just revelling in the fact that I feel pretty stable and am enjoying that. So what if I stay in bed for 12 hours or so? It's working, I feel pretty good, that'll do me for now. When I'm a bit more used to it and am sleeping better, then I'll get up earlier and maybe go for a swim or something in the extra time I have.

Until then, be nice to yourself. If you can get away with staying in bed, then do it. Rest yourself as much as you can and hopefully you'll start to feel better.

[beetle]

Well it's been two weeks on the 25mg of Lamictal. I am STILL tired as hell. Other than that, no real side effects to speak of. I do seem to be itchier than usual and here and there is an itchy little bump but nothing I'm worried about just yet.

I think I actually feel a bit more depressed lately. More negative thoughts circling around in my head.

But today I'm supposed to increase to 50mg for two weeks. We'll see what that does. Hopefully, nothing bad.

[beetle]

I am so wiped out. I mean completely fatigued... no energy at all. Could sleep all day if I'd let myself. Can barely get done the things I need to around the house. I really hope this gets better.

I am also feeling much more depressed than before. I mean, it's getting bad. I realize that titrating Lamictal is a long process. So, I'm trying to be patient. But I'm feeling worse than I did before I started it. I'll try to stay with it and see what happens.

I'm just feeling so hopeless about things right now. Got the news that they're laying off at my husband's company. It hasn't gotten to him... yet. I am constantly worried now. I am able to stay home and not work because with his job we can afford it. If he loses it, I don't know what we'll do. I honestly don't feel like I can function in the "real world". Hell, I barely function in my own little world here at home. Nevermind not being able to afford meds without his insurance. I can't deal with people at all so how the hell would I be able to go back to work?

[beetle]

So far so good, I guess. By that I mean, I haven't died from a rash and I haven't had any headaches. I am still pretty damn tired all the time. Haven't felt relieved of depression. The other day, I woke up and didn't feel like shit, which was an improvement. I even made a comment to my husband that I didn't feel like shit that day. I even cleaned the kitchen. Then that evening after he'd gone to work, I just sat and sobbed. Not really even sure why. Just negative thoughts about being alone, I guess. Thoughts about what I would do if something happened to him. Thoughts of my cats not being around anymore. Thoughts of how I'm so isolated and really have no one. But then... I have "schizoid tendencies" and being alone shouldn't bother me. And mostly, it doesn't. In fact, I can hardly tolerate being around people. So why should I be getting sad that I am alone most of the time? Meh.... still hanging in there waiting on the lamictal. I know it takes time.

[Karin]

I've never been so worried about taking a med. It's just that what I've read about THE RASH sounds horrible. I know, I know... it doesn't happen to everyone but still...

Someone please tell me that it won't happen. Or at the very least that if it does, it will resolve quickly once I stop taking the med.

*sigh*

You gotta be pretty damned mental to wanna take a med that could cause a rash that could kill you.

My husband looks at me like I'm nuts when I tell him:

"I'm starting a new med and if *this* happens then you'll have to take me to the ER."

It's like he's thinking: What the hell is wrong with you that you'd even take the stuff to begin with.

I wouldn't mind hearing a Lamictal success story if someone has one and wants to tell it.

Lamictal is my miracle drug... I slowly titrated up... am now on 200 mg per day.

Every time the dosage increased, I felt a little as if I was bouncing off the walls for the first 6 days, then suddenly it stopped, and I was calm and perfect and no problem. But my p-doc warned me this could happen, to just stick it out, and try to exercise it out.

I also take Welbutrin XL, (and Topomax at night.)

I had to change around a bit with the AD's, but Lamictal stayed steady.

I am very very thankful for Lamictal!

I wish you the very best!

[Generica]

I seemed to get more depressed & teary for a while Beetle, but it went away. I've also had the little bit of mania with each titration but that too went away.

Good luck & keep going

[scatty]

Every time I increase my lamictal dose I have mood swings. I am tirating up now and I'm acting weird and my emotions are all over the map. It settles down after a while.

[meg]

I seemed to get more depressed & teary for a while Beetle, but it went away.

Same here, now that I'm thinking about it-- and I had the headaches so thank goodness you've been able to skip those so far (I bet it'll stay that way too since you haven't had any yet, imo).

My roommate at the time actually tried to talk me into stopping it when I was about three weeks into titrating up (stopped at 100mg btw) because all she was seeing was me being really tired and lethargic, having those migraine-like headaches and more than one "oh hey, I'm feeling better, wow" to "I don't know why I'm so freaking upset right now but I AM and need to be by myself" in a day. I can see how she was worried but even though I thought about stopping a few times since I wanted a SOLID response (do you know what I mean?) and not day-by-day like always feeling it out.

I didn't want to chance missing out on a med that might help because I was having some issues (that sucked, but I could deal with for the time being). All of that stuff gradually lifted though. I still have some other side effects but all the crap from the beginning/changing doses period went away.

And I've mentioned that Lamictal was is my "holy crp, this is what life is supposed to be like?? this is what good/happy/stable/normal feels like?" med. The one that changed everything.

I know that this doesn't happen for everyone and I certainly didn't go into it thinking that it was going to fix everything, but I was open to the idea that it might just work.

I didn't mean to write an essay, sorry beetle, I just wanted to pitch in my experience and encourage you with everyone else to keep being such a trooper and sticking it out. Seriously. It takes a really strong person to survive depression and an even stronger one to put in the effort and work through this hard stuff in order to get better.

m

ps- (of course, there's always a ps, lol, sorry!) - this has made me curious to know what I was thinking when working through this period and I'm going to flip through my journals to see if I can find something more concrete than just remembering. we'll see hang in there.

[crazynotstupid]

Lately there's times when I have trouble remembering to take my meds.

Sometimes a couple days in a row.

If I miss my lamictal for that long I can get terribly suicidal.

Thusly I have to say it's a literal lifesaver. My life being the shitpit it is right now, without lamictal, I'd likely be dead. As far as I'm concerned it's the shit. Even with the rashes and itches it gives me.

[beetle]

Well, I've been taking 100mg for a few days now. I still don't really feel much in the way of depression relief. Still quite tired.

But last night awhile after taking my pill, I got intensely itchy on my cheeks (face, silly). It still itches on and off and there is a redness and bumpiness to it. Hmmm. I dunno. I hope it's not the beginning of something worse. I also feel kinda weird today. Yanno that feeling ya get right before you get a cold? It's kinda like that. And I've read that THE RASH is often accompanied by flu like symptoms.

I was supposed to have an appt. with the pdoc on Wed but the day before, she cancelled on me. Really pisses me off because it's over a month to get another appt. So, I'll be running out of lamictal by then. Which I'm told that they will do a refill over the phone but not a med increase. So, if we decided that 100mg wasn't enough then that has to wait. Pisses me off that my treatment has to take a delay like that. It shouldn't take that long to get an appt. when the pdoc cancels on you. Grrrr.

[scatty]

I say to give the lamictal 2-4 weeks at this dose before deciding if it's working. Call your pdoc, and see what he suggests.

[beetle]

I say to give the lamictal 2-4 weeks at this dose before deciding if it's working. Call your pdoc, and see what he suggests.

Thanks. I figured a month was her plan since she wrote the script for the 25mg and the 100mg on the same appt. And the 100mg is for 30 days so I guess we're going to do a month trial. Either way, it has to be since I can't get in to see her for another month. But that will be a good trial at this dosage. As long as my face doesn't get too rashy.

[beetle]

I say to give the lamictal 2-4 weeks at this dose before deciding if it's working. Call your pdoc, and see what he suggests.

Thanks. I figured a month was her plan since she wrote the script for the 25mg and the 100mg on the same appt. And the 100mg is for 30 days so I guess we're going to do a month trial. Either way, it has to be since I can't get in to see her for another month. But that will be a good trial at this dosage. As long as my face doesn't get too rashy.

I'm. So. Damn. Tired.

Been on 100mg for a couple weeks now. I'm so incredibly tired, it's almost painful. I seem to be sleeping OK. I just don't ever feel rested and could sleep the day away if I'd let myself. I have noticed some very intense dreaming. They're pretty cool actually. Nothing has been nightmarish but they sure have been odd and vivid.

Something that I think might be happening, it seems like I'm in the middle of dreaming when it's time to wake up. And I think I read something once that if you're not in the right stage of sleep when you wake up, you'll feel tired... or something like that. It's like maybe I go into an extra REM cycle too late and end up waking during it. I dunno.

Other than the exhaustion, I don't seem to be having any other side effects to Lamictal. I still have some occasional itchy red spots on my face that come and go.

But I also don't think it's doing squat for my depression. I'll keep going with it though. See what happens.

[scatty]

I really hope it works for you soon beetle! I assume you're taking it at night? If not, that may be a good idea. My pdoc has me on 100 mgs 3x a day. He says he sees better results splitting doses like that. Maybe run it by your pdoc and see what he says? Best of luck!

[meg]

Hey beetle,

I'm sorry that it's been rough so far, trust me that I know how painful it can be to shuffle through things when you're so tired that you could just lie down on the floor mid-step for some relief-- major kudos for sticking with it this far. Can you call your pdoc to see if you can get in earlier (do they have a cancellation list?) because if she was the one to cancel last time, they should be able to try and help you out. I do think you're doing the right thing by waiting it out, but I wonder if she could up your WB or something to help a little bit faster and help your energy levels? Whoops- I'm seeing that you've got BP in your Dx, so maybe upping an AD without a mood stabilizer on board 100% would be a bad idea. Anyway, point(s) being, hang in there and try the pdoc's office even if you think it probably won't help-- because you never know, and that 'just might as well call' call has saved my butt a few times.

You're doing great (try and give yourself an eenyweenie bit of credit at least),

m

[beetle]

I really hope it works for you soon beetle! I assume you're taking it at night? If not, that may be a good idea. My pdoc has me on 100 mgs 3x a day. He says he sees better results splitting doses like that. Maybe run it by your pdoc and see what he says? Best of luck!

Yeah, I take it right before bed. I have some pretty depressive symptoms on this stuff too. I'm either not at the right dose, haven't been on it long enough, or it just isn't for me. But I've been through this crap enough to know that ya gotta wait it out.

[beetle]

Hey beetle,

I'm sorry that it's been rough so far, trust me that I know how painful it can be to shuffle through things when you're so tired that you could just lie down on the floor mid-step for some relief-- major kudos for sticking with it this far. Can you call your pdoc to see if you can get in earlier (do they have a cancellation list?) because if she was the one to cancel last time, they should be able to try and help you out. I do think you're doing the right thing by waiting it out, but I wonder if she could up your WB or something to help a little bit faster and help your energy levels? Whoops- I'm seeing that you've got BP in your Dx, so maybe upping an AD without a mood stabilizer on board 100% would be a bad idea. Anyway, point(s) being, hang in there and try the pdoc's office even if you think it probably won't help-- because you never know, and that 'just might as well call' call has saved my butt a few times.

You're doing great (try and give yourself an eenyweenie bit of credit at least),

m

I can't believe this stuff is actually activating for some people. I wish.

The BP thing is a maybe. I was diagnosed BP around 17. I eventually felt that Dr. was a quack when he never mentioned monitoring my lithium levels and when I asked him he said it wasn't necessary. I quit seeing him, struggled through most of my early adult life and then found myself back in a shrink's office at 29. Since then, no definitive dx of BP. Mostly just depressive symptoms.

Anyway, getting off topic. Yeah, uhm... lamictal...

I was thinking about seeing if there were any cancellations.

[scatty]

I was thinking about seeing if there were any cancellations.

That sounds like a plan. Let us know what pdoc says.

[beetle]

I was thinking about seeing if there were any cancellations.

That sounds like a plan. Let us know what pdoc says.

No cancellations. The guy answered me so fast that he didn't even look to see if there were any. Sounds suspect to me but whatever.

I'm really not that thrilled with this doctor. But it's such a pain trying to get in with a new one. Usually takes at least three months as a new patient. Plus most of the pdocs within reasonable driving distance, who are in my insurance plan network, are at the same clinic. What good would it do to transfer to another Dr. in that clinic? Ugh, it's so frustrating. It shouldn't take over a month to get another appt. when the Dr. cancels on you at the last minute.

Now I'll run out of lamictal 7 days before I can get in there. So I'll have to screw around with having them call in a script and making yet another trip into town to pick it up. I live in the country and nothing is close by. So when they do shit like this to me, it means more trips, more gas and more frustration.

And to top it all off my douchebag neighbors are doing more stupid noisy shit. It's just never going to end with them. Of all the people that could have bought that place...

[scatty]

beetle, sorry about your situation. I know the frustration of having/finding/keeping pdocs. Clinics, wait times, 5 minute appointments. It all comes with the territory I guess. Could you possibly ask for the pdoc to call you directly? Maybe leave a message after hours for some pdoc to give you a call and advise? I like calling and leaving messages after hours. I am non confrontational (usually.) I went to a clinic for a long time and got dicked around and having to start over, losing my records, all kinds of fun stuff to add to the crazy!

Your neighbors should move right next to my mother, I think they'd get along great! I hope you can figure something out. Maybe just go down to the clinic and wait..and wait...and, well, you get the picture.

[beetle]

beetle, sorry about your situation. I know the frustration of having/finding/keeping pdocs. Clinics, wait times, 5 minute appointments. It all comes with the territory I guess. Could you possibly ask for the pdoc to call you directly? Maybe leave a message after hours for some pdoc to give you a call and advise? I like calling and leaving messages after hours. I am non confrontational (usually.) I went to a clinic for a long time and got dicked around and having to start over, losing my records, all kinds of fun stuff to add to the crazy!

Your neighbors should move right next to my mother, I think they'd get along great! I hope you can figure something out. Maybe just go down to the clinic and wait..and wait...and, well, you get the picture.

I think I'll try to call and leave her a message or talk to her assistant or something. There's more that needs to be discussed than my next 5 minute appt. will allow.

It's just that the people at the front desk at this clinic seem rather unhelpful. I don't know, I get a weird vibe from them. It's like they're tired of dealing with all the crazy people or something. I've not gotten that feeling at other doctor's offices.

[beetle]

beetle, sorry about your situation. I know the frustration of having/finding/keeping pdocs. Clinics, wait times, 5 minute appointments. It all comes with the territory I guess. Could you possibly ask for the pdoc to call you directly? Maybe leave a message after hours for some pdoc to give you a call and advise? I like calling and leaving messages after hours. I am non confrontational (usually.) I went to a clinic for a long time and got dicked around and having to start over, losing my records, all kinds of fun stuff to add to the crazy!

Your neighbors should move right next to my mother, I think they'd get along great! I hope you can figure something out. Maybe just go down to the clinic and wait..and wait...and, well, you get the picture.

I think I'll try to call and leave her a message or talk to her assistant or something. There's more that needs to be discussed than my next 5 minute appt. will allow.

It's just that the people at the front desk at this clinic seem rather unhelpful. I don't know, I get a weird vibe from them. It's like they're tired of dealing with all the crazy people or something. I've not gotten that feeling at other doctor's offices.

So apparently, in this office there is NO way to make contact directly with the pdoc, outside of appointments (not even a voicemail). I am directed to leave a message with her assistant and when they transfer me, I get a recording about this being the med tech and a bunch of instructions about refills or some shit. Well, that's only part of my problem. I need to get some info to the fucking pdoc prior to my next appointment which is already over a month over due. Fucking hell, this clinic sucks ass. I go ahead and leave a message asking for a call back. Nothing today. Maybe tomorrow but I won't hold my breath.

WTF does it take to get decent mental care? It's like you seriously have to be at the point of wanting to kill yourself before they'll take notice. And yeah, on and off now, I've been there. But then that'll just get me locked up in some hospital.

Damn, I'm really not feeling good. Maybe I should start another thread since all this has nothing to do with Lamictal anymore.

[beetle]

Well, I was able to get a sooner appointment (today). And I'm off the lamictal and on to trileptal. Ya know, I'm starting to wonder about this pdoc. It's seems like she wants to ramp things up way too fast, not give things enough time or go to a higher dose than may be necessary.

I mean, I've been feeling like shit on the lamictal but It's only really been just shy of a month on 100mg. I mentioned to her that I thought the therapeutic dose is somewhere between 100mg and 200mg. Thinking we might increase and see what happens. But she said she would have expected me to see some kind of improvement by now and since I haven't, there was no reason to continue lamictal.

Oh and she said there's no problem with stopping it cold turkey. Huh? Maybe I haven't been on it long enough at a high enough dose but I thought stopping an anticonvulsant cold turkey could potentially cause a seizure, even in people with no history of seizures. This coupled with the fact that part of her strategy is to increase my Wellbutrin from 300mg to 450mg has me a little worried that I might spazz out.

Now, from everything I've been reading here and elsewhere, lamictal is a "sweet spot" drug. I don't think we gave it nearly enough of a fair trial. After all that titration and the exhaustion I've been feeling on it, we didn't even try to increase it and see if it might pay off. Fucking hell.

Goodbye lamictal. I barely knew you.

So, she keeps pushing depakote. I'm rather freaked out about depakote. Plus I have a horrible phobia of needles. Yeah I know, when you're nuts sometimes you have to deal with shit to find something that makes you feel better but still... I don't know if I can take constantly getting stuck and taking something that could make me diabetic. Isn't that worse than being fucking mental? Put it this way, I've put off and totally avoided medical and dental procedures for fear of the needle.

I guess we'll try the trileptal. Reading up on it a bit, I see that it's a "friendlier" version of tegretol. I was on tegretol briefly as a teenager and really couldn't use that experience as any kind of basis.

Oh and here's a good one. During my first appt. with this pdoc we went over all of the meds I've tried in the past and in what combinations and I told her that I felt I was running out of options. And then she beamed at me with a confident and reassuring smile and said "there area always options."

Today during this appointment she tells me that "we're running out of options." So, after a trial of abilify and lamictal we're now running out of options?