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sugahorse1
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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 04:42 AM
  #1
I have been on Lamotrigine for years now. About 6 months ago we increased my dosage to 300mg.
I was still struggling a lot with depression, and at times major suicidal thoughts. I saw a different pdoc, and he agreed to increasing the dose to 400mg.
This was about a month ago. Still no improvement, possibly even worse. Having little meltdowns, the odd suicidal thought, feeling worthless and alone, and over-reacting over pretty small things.

Has anyone experienced Lamotrigine making the depression worse?

Am I really wrong in wanting to stop this medication?

I am BP 2, but hardly ever have hypomania, so I am really not too worried not being on a mood stabiliser. I actually think I may just be suffering from MDD and not BP.
It's the depression I need to kick.
I am so disillusioned and upset that meds are just not helping.

I have taken myself back to 300mg the last few days. I intend to titrate at 100mg/week until I'm off it

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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 06:25 AM
  #2
I am sorry that you are feeling bad. Considering that you have been on this medication for years shutting it down over a month does sound rather fast. Your body may possibly struggle without this in your system. Please get in contact with your P'doc and tell them how things are going for you.
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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 08:18 AM
  #3
I don't really have a pdoc. Was referred to a mental health team by my GP, saw the Pdoc once, he upped me from 300 to 400mg, and discharged me back into the care of my GP (Who does not amend psych meds, but will only issue repeat prescriptions for what the pdoc has already prescribed)

I am not sure what to expect, I am not sure if this is a temporary hypomanic decision, or if I am knowingly going to be self harming by putting my body through a tough time

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Current dx: Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

Current Meds: Epitec (Lamotrigine) 300mg, Solian 50mg, Seroquel 25mg PRN, Metformin 500mg, Klonopin prn
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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 08:30 AM
  #4
I wish I had a clear answer for you. Is there any way you can see a "real" pdoc? I'm on 400mg Lamictal and often wonder if it's doing much at all. One idea that I'll toss out is that sometimes we're on a med and don't realize it's helping us until we stop taking it.

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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 09:09 AM
  #5
My husband started having severe memory and cognitive problems on lamictal when his dosage was raised. After a bit of research, I found that it is a known side effect for some people. The pdoc reduced the dose and things improved somewhat, but basically we worked toward getting him completely off of it because the memory was never quite the same again.
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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 10:47 AM
  #6
My memory is terrible - short/medium term, but also continuous brain fog and I just can't think on my feet.
@BethRags - I don't believe it's helping at all. I have some really terrible days, where I recon it can't get any worse, so maybe I am one of those few people where it just doesn't work.

@ArtleyWilkins - did your husband eventually stop Lamotrigine altogether?

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Current dx: Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

Current Meds: Epitec (Lamotrigine) 300mg, Solian 50mg, Seroquel 25mg PRN, Metformin 500mg, Klonopin prn
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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 11:29 AM
  #7
Quote:
Originally Posted by sugahorse1 View Post
My memory is terrible - short/medium term, but also continuous brain fog and I just can't think on my feet.
@BethRags - I don't believe it's helping at all. I have some really terrible days, where I recon it can't get any worse, so maybe I am one of those few people where it just doesn't work.

@ArtleyWilkins - did your husband eventually stop Lamotrigine altogether?

Strange...I, too, have been having memory problems since starting Latuda. I figured it was just a coincidence, but perhaps not.

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Default Jan 21, 2020 at 04:32 PM
  #8
Yes, he is no longer on any psych meds. Doing well.
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Default Jan 22, 2020 at 02:44 AM
  #9
You should slow your taper a bit more . Lamictal is actually a seizure medication. You don’t want to take a chance. Just remember if you decide to go back on it you will need your Pdoc to start you back at 25mg and tritate up

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Default Jan 22, 2020 at 05:57 AM
  #10
@christina - thanks. I do hear you. I am just so impatient and frustrated. I just want it over and done with now. I am angry that the drug considered a wonder drug for Bipolar Depression, has not helped me. I know it is wrong, but I am honestly so tempted to just throw them all in the bin :-(

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Current dx: Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

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Default Jan 23, 2020 at 01:18 AM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by sugahorse1 View Post
@christina - thanks. I do hear you. I am just so impatient and frustrated. I just want it over and done with now. I am angry that the drug considered a wonder drug for Bipolar Depression, has not helped me. I know it is wrong, but I am honestly so tempted to just throw them all in the bin :-(


Maybe drop 50mg a week? I have heard of people having
Seizures stopping it to fast. ... you have stuck it out this long what’s another couple weeks ?? In the grand scheme of things it’s not much.

Make sure people in your life know your dumping it so that if something happens or they find you they will beable to let Doctors knows what’s going on at least and can better treat you. I hope nothing happens but better to be safe

Take care

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Default Jan 23, 2020 at 11:24 AM
  #12
Thanks Christina,
I have told a few people, but they are all unfortunately overseas (I have no one here in this new country ) - if by some chance someone got hold of them, they'd at least be able to feed back.
A part of me is obviously scared of what withdrawals can happen, and another part of me just says F**k it - what will be, will be

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Current dx: Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

Current Meds: Epitec (Lamotrigine) 300mg, Solian 50mg, Seroquel 25mg PRN, Metformin 500mg, Klonopin prn
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Default Jan 24, 2020 at 07:49 AM
  #13
IMO lamictal without an antidepressant is useless.

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Default Jan 25, 2020 at 12:52 AM
  #14
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post
IMO lamictal without an antidepressant is useless.


But a large majority of Bipolar people cant take a AD due to it flinging so many into a Mania hell ride.

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Default Jan 27, 2020 at 11:14 AM
  #15
@sarahsweets - interesting. I've been on an anti-depressant on and off while on Lamictal. Can't tell you if it helps or not

Since Saturday evening I am now down to 200mg Lamictal. Feeling OK. Maybe a bit like I'm floating and dissociated, but not too bad. I also tend to zone out quite a bit. Yesterday it felt like my tongue was too big for my mouth, and I literally struggled to talk. Otherwise I think I'm ok. I feel a bit more alert/reactive too

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Current dx: Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

Current Meds: Epitec (Lamotrigine) 300mg, Solian 50mg, Seroquel 25mg PRN, Metformin 500mg, Klonopin prn
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Default Jan 29, 2020 at 07:52 AM
  #16
How are you doing ???

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