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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Carrie02 on August 1, 2006, at 12:02:49
I've been on Lamictal at 200mg/day for abount 3 years for Bipolar II. I am beginning to doubt if I was actually bipolar at all to begin with, or just depressed and in a really bad environment (in an abusive relationship). For the past three years, in addition to the Lamictal I have also been on 40mg/day of Paxil.
I want to get off the Lamictal completely, and eventually the Paxil as well. Which one should I do first? I'm wondering if staying on the Paxil while stopping the Lamictal could help prevent some of the rebound depression that I've heard of. Does this seem possible?
Also, does anyone have a recommended reduction plan (how many mg/day for how long) or any other advice/warnings? Thanks!
Posted by ClearSkies on August 1, 2006, at 15:29:37
In reply to Getting off Lamictal, posted by Carrie02 on August 1, 2006, at 12:02:49
Hi Carrie - your doctor would probably know best how and which medication to taper off of first. Have you discussed going off the Lamictal with your doc?
ClearSkies
Posted by psychosage on August 3, 2006, at 13:20:03
In reply to Getting off Lamictal, posted by Carrie02 on August 1, 2006, at 12:02:49
Why do you think you are not bipolar? You just think you have depression? What does Lamictal do to you that you are not happy with?
Posted by Carrie02 on August 3, 2006, at 13:27:35
In reply to Re: Getting off Lamictal, posted by psychosage on August 3, 2006, at 13:20:03
I think I have depression and that the hypomanic-y symptoms were the result of PTSD (which I was being treated for at the same time I was put on Lamictal). I don't have any huge complaints about the Lamictal, but the lack of short-term memory and trouble getting my words out are really starting to bug me. I'm also on Paxil, and I feel that if I were truly bipolar, I would not be able to tolerate an SSRI. My real motivation is that I'm beginning to become afraid of the long-term effects of a mood stabilizer, particularly if it is unneccessary.
This is the end of the thread.
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