Posted by Maximus on January 30, 2003, at 0:00:23
In reply to Lamictal Causing Hypomania, posted by JackD on January 29, 2003, at 19:35:59
> Has anyone here been thrown into Hypomania by Lamictal? My pdoc wont believe me because Lamictal is a "mood stabilizer" and thus could not cause this.
Hi JackD,
Yes Lamictal can definitely induce hypomania//mania. Lamictal is a mood stabilizer for the **bipolar depression** only. It sounds odd? Fact is and it has been proven that Lamictal does not protect bipolar people against mania.
Almost all bipolars need another mood stabilizer for the mania such as Lithium. When you think to a mood stabilizer, think to a cap, a barrier against mania OR bipolar depression. But not both (mania and depression), well not completely. Example??? Lithium and Depakote, they are great for acute mania, really. But they are weak, not really effective to prevent bipolar depression.
For the record, i take Lamictal. I think it is a miracle drug (for me anyway). But i still have to take a low dose of Lithium with my Lamictal to keep at bay the anxiety, irritability and hypomania. And believe me it does the trick wonderfully.
So, i suggest that you see quickly your doctor. If you take an antidepressant, you might need to lower its dose or remove it completely. Or like i said before add another mood stabilizer with the Lamictal should do the job very well.
These days, the keyword for many many types of mental illness is: COMBO.
Good luck!
Max.
poster:Maximus
thread:138226
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030125/msgs/138272.html