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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Fi on January 21, 2004, at 11:14:19
Stangely, apparently this condition is officially recognised in the UK but not the US, so not sure if anyone else on this board will have had this diagnosis. Its having short episodes of depression (around a week or so) every few weeks, without any manic phases.
I have just started on lamotrigine, which is known as an anti-epileptic but has been used a bit in both bi-polar and unipolar depression, and my consultant says it can be useful in the recurrent episodic depression. It does have the risk of particularly nasty skin rashs, but the state I'm in I would give anything a try.
And I'm delighted that maybe there is a way not to struggle through yet another bout every few weeks.
Anyone else's experiences (meds or otherwise) welcome.
Fi
Posted by sac on January 21, 2004, at 11:26:42
In reply to recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine, posted by Fi on January 21, 2004, at 11:14:19
I am Bipolar II and mostly suffer from recurrent difficult to treat depressions with a few bouts of hypomanis here and there. It is now becoming a popular belief that even recurring depressions can fit the bipolar spectrum category of affective disorders. My main problem is the recurring depressions despite being on anti-depressants. I have been treated with various mood stabilizers to prevent to relapses and am now on Lamotrigine. Your physician made a good choice in recommeding that to you. The rash should not be an issue as long as you titrate up VERY slowly with this med. ie. 25 mgs. first week, 50 mgs. 2nd week, 75 mgs. third week, etc. till you reach the final dose your doc recommends. Good luck, give it a try.
> Stangely, apparently this condition is officially recognised in the UK but not the US, so not sure if anyone else on this board will have had this diagnosis. Its having short episodes of depression (around a week or so) every few weeks, without any manic phases.
>
> I have just started on lamotrigine, which is known as an anti-epileptic but has been used a bit in both bi-polar and unipolar depression, and my consultant says it can be useful in the recurrent episodic depression. It does have the risk of particularly nasty skin rashs, but the state I'm in I would give anything a try.
>
> And I'm delighted that maybe there is a way not to struggle through yet another bout every few weeks.
>
> Anyone else's experiences (meds or otherwise) welcome.
>
> Fi
Posted by SLS on January 21, 2004, at 16:14:38
In reply to Re: recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine » Fi, posted by sac on January 21, 2004, at 11:26:42
> The rash should not be an issue as long as you titrate up VERY slowly with this med.
I agree. It is best to use the titration schedule recommended by the drug manufacturer.
- Scott
Posted by rod on January 22, 2004, at 6:30:26
In reply to recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine, posted by Fi on January 21, 2004, at 11:14:19
> Stangely, apparently this condition is officially recognised in the UK but not the US, so not sure if anyone else on this board will have had this diagnosis.
Jup, I also have this diagnosis. Its my "major" diagnosis. I am also taking Lamictal which helps a lot. I am also from the EU. I also take Neurontin, Lexapro and Solian (Amisulpride). But this still doesnt do the trick. No remission at all, but it helps.
greetings
Roland
Posted by Maxime on January 22, 2004, at 10:47:26
In reply to recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine, posted by Fi on January 21, 2004, at 11:14:19
Fi, wondering if you are Dove?
Maxime (Mouse)
> Stangely, apparently this condition is officially recognised in the UK but not the US, so not sure if anyone else on this board will have had this diagnosis. Its having short episodes of depression (around a week or so) every few weeks, without any manic phases.
>
> I have just started on lamotrigine, which is known as an anti-epileptic but has been used a bit in both bi-polar and unipolar depression, and my consultant says it can be useful in the recurrent episodic depression. It does have the risk of particularly nasty skin rashs, but the state I'm in I would give anything a try.
>
> And I'm delighted that maybe there is a way not to struggle through yet another bout every few weeks.
>
> Anyone else's experiences (meds or otherwise) welcome.
>
> Fi
Posted by Fi on January 27, 2004, at 8:35:40
In reply to Re: recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine, posted by Maxime on January 22, 2004, at 10:47:26
Posted by Fi on January 27, 2004, at 8:39:11
In reply to recurrent episodic depression/ lamotrigine, posted by Fi on January 21, 2004, at 11:14:19
Many thanks for replies- helps a lot. Fortunately, looks like now I actually have a pdoc (none before and now have seen 3 in one week!) they are well organised- increasing slowly.
Lots of sympathies and best wishes to those struggling on with it despite meds. Hope the good periods inbetween are a bit refreshing and not too overshadowed by awareness of recurrence round the corner.
Fi
This is the end of the thread.
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