Posted by SLS on December 6, 2008, at 8:27:13
In reply to Re: Abilify as Monotherapy for Depression?, posted by Cady on December 6, 2008, at 7:39:20
> I started reading this post because I had the same question myself (does Abilify work as a monotherapy for bipolar depression?).
>
> I had ultra ultra rapid cycling caused by taking Zoloft for depression. I switched to Lamictal, but the cycling persisted, even after giving Lamictal way too much time to work and going up to 400mg.
>
> I started on 5mg of Abilify two weeks ago, and it has already stabilized my mood and greatly reduced my depression, hypomania, anxiety and irritability symptoms.
>
> So I am thinking about discontinuing the Lamictal now and taking only Abilify if my doctor approves (my new smarter doctor, not the one who gave me Zoloft).I need both Abilify and Lamictal for me to respond to treatment. I currently take 200mg of Lamictal. Perhaps you could stay at 200mg for awhile before stopping it altogether. Then, you'll know how much it might be necessary to take it. The "sweet spot" for Lamictal for most people is 200mg. It acts more as an antidepressant than as a mood stabilizer. If you decrease the dosage of Lamictal too fast, you will probably get a rebound depression. In other words, although 200mg might be perfect for you, dropping down from 300mg to 200mg too quickly might bring on a temporary depressive reaction.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:865262
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/866982.html