Posted by catmint on February 21, 2003, at 1:25:23
In reply to Question about starting Lamictal w/ Depakote?, posted by wcfrench on February 20, 2003, at 16:25:16
> Hi
>
> How is everyone? I am getting ready to start Lamictal and am currently on 2x500mg Depakote nightly, and my pdoc suggested that I stop Depakote and wait a week before starting the Lamictal. What do you think about that? Couldn't I start it sooner, I don't want to be without anything for a solid week (plus the weeks it takes for Lamictal to be effective)... ? Life is dealing me so many events and changes and I don't want to be five different people during these times!! I'm sure you all know what I mean.
>
> I am stopping the Depakote because I have been craving all junk foods, chocolate, sweets, and have been pigging out and not getting full at all, a drastic change from before starting it, plus I am more on the "depressed" side of Bipolar II and I think Lamictal has a better reputation as a mood stabilizer/antidepressant. If anyone has thoughts on this I would love to hear them!
>
> Any advice very welcomed.
>
> Take care all,
> CharlieCharlie,
I stopped Depakote and waited a week before starting Lamictal. You don't need to worry about the effects of Lamictal kicking in, you most likely will notice it right away. It gives many people an initial boost that feels really good, but also be aware that it will level out and you will need to increase the dose slowly. Many of us on Lamictal have had irritability during the first few weeks and some insomnia. Be patient, stick with it and above all else, start on the lowest dose possible, even the kiddie size pills if necessary (to avoid a rash). I started at a mere 2.5 mg. and am now at 45 mg. 3 1/2 months later.As Ritch said, you may need a benzo to help you along, provided your doc. will prescribe one (mine won't). Coming off Depakote and staring Lamictal can leave you quite edgy for a while.
I was a lot less irritable on Depakote, but way too depressed to continue. Lamictal is a phenomenal drug for bipolar depression, there's a trade off though. I personally would much rather be a tad bit irritable than depressed any day.
Hope this helps,
::Amy
poster:catmint
thread:202227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/202367.html