Posted by Ritch on July 25, 2002, at 19:17:21
In reply to Re: Depakote, Lamictal - Mitch and Geezer, posted by Fuscia on July 25, 2002, at 11:44:08
> Hi Mitch,
>
> I was curious about the interaction as well and this is what I found at the rxlist monographs for valproate and lamotrigine.
>
> "DEPAKOTE (Divalproex sodium) is a stable co-ordination compound comprised
> of sodium valproate and valproic acid in a 1:1 molar relationship and formed
> during the partial neutralization of valproic acid with 0.5 equivalent of sodium
> hydroxide."
>
> Lamotrigine
> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lamotrigine_cp.htm
>
> "Valproic acid (VPA), however, actually decreases the clearance of
> lamotrigine (i.e., more than doubles the elimination 11/2 of
> lamotrigine),
> whether given with or without EIAEDs.Accordingly, if lamotrigine is to
> be
> administered to a patient receiving VPA, lamotrigine must be given at a
> reduced
> dosage, less than half the dose used in patients not receiving VPA."
>
> "If taking Valproate concerning Lamactil (lamotrigine): In a steady-state study involving 10 healthy volunteers, the elimination half-life of lamotrigine increased from 26-70 hours with valproate co-administration (a 165% increase). The dose of lamotrigine should be reduced when co-administered with valproate.
>
> Addition of Lamotrigine to a multi-drug regimen that includes VPA: dosage
> reduction. Because VPA reduces the clearance of lamotrigine, the dosage of
> lamotrigine in the presence of VPA is less than half of that required in its
> absence."
>
> And other stuff of interest:
>
> "CNS Effects: Sedative effects have occurred in patients receiving valproate
> alone but occur most often in patients receiving combination therapy. Sedation
> usually abates upon reduction of other antiepileptic medication."
>
> Geezer, I hope all goes well with you. As Mitch said, the worsening depression when attempting to lower Depakote could be just a withdrawal symptom as your brain tries to readjust, so hang in there. If you do try the Prozac again (assuming you have stopped taking it), and you still want to try it, then start out at a much lower dose than the recommended starting dose, which I believe is 20mg. Start out with 5mg or 10mg instead. This should help prevent the nausea and dizziness.
>
> Take care, Fuscia
>
Hi,Thanks for detailing that. That will be helpful information later on.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:113330
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113725.html