Posted by Emme on December 4, 2003, at 15:17:03
In reply to Re: lamictal and anxiety--what to add or lose?, posted by metalflipflop on December 4, 2003, at 14:35:48
Hi Liz,
First of all, the therapeutic dose seems to vary enourmously from person to person. Some people do well parking it at 75 or 100 mg. Some need hundreds. So you'll be sort of feeling your way with it.
The first time I tried Lamictal, I hit pay dirt at 75 mg. It was great. Then I got a rash and we stopped it and decided to try it again at a super slow titration.
The second time I didn't have the same great results at 75 mg. We've kept inching it up and I'm now at 375 mg. The benefit is that when I hit about 300 mg, my therapist observed that I'm more consistent, less up and down. It's doing something, evening me out, and I'm tolerating it pretty well. The problem is that I'm still down. I still have hideous depression. So my hopes of Lamictal monotherapy aren't looking too good unless it kicks in after I hit 400 mg.
A lot of people seem to need augmentation. Right now I'm trying selegiline for AD effect and I have atenolol and clonazepam for anxiety. I also occasionally use a dash of seroquel for anxiety. I have found seroquel very helpful with lamictal-induced insomnia.
My pdoc has had such great results with Lamictal for a number of patients. I'd encourage you to stick it out if you can. If you're jumping out of your skin, it sounds like you need something to help with the anxiety/jitteriness. Are you taking anything now? Does your pdoc have any suggestions? Good luck.
Emme
> hi emme,
> if you don't mind my asking, how much lamictal do you take? do you feel that it pulled you out of your depression, and at what point did you start to feel good effects? i hear such good things about it that i am willing to go slowly, wait, and be patient. the problem is that i am literally pulling my hair out, and it's hard to be in a good mood with so much anxiety.
> thanks!
> liz
poster:Emme
thread:286351
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/286557.html