Anyone taken Lamictal/lamotrigine for depression?
To any reading this - these meds are not to be ordered and taken without consult of a psychiatrist and preferably a pharmacology specialist/physician.
I am a drug rep and have sold SSRI's but I am also a bipolar 2 recovering alcoholic who went to a dual diagnosis treatment center and they got me straightened out. Not every one has to go to a treatment center but I saw some people go on and off all of these meds while I was at treatment because they had various reactions and interactions.
I developed the rare rash that can kill you on Lamictal within the first dose - fortunately I was there with 24 hour care and it did not get bad at all. The rash is a major concern in the first week and should be monitored closely if any concerns arise. However, Lamictal has great antidepressant qualities and is the bipolar/mood stabilizer of choice for those with depressive bipolar. Supposed to have few side effects.
A proper diagnosis is important. Taking antidepressants alone when you are bipolar can trigger mania and/or uncontrollable urges in alcoholics. This is how I suffered for about the last 3-4 years. Plus the Zoloft could not combat the anxiety because the alcoholism had screwed up my neurotransmitters and unless I was very drunk - I had some level of anxiety. The Zoloft was spinning the alcoholism beyond my control.
I went to psychiatrists who were not trained in dual diagnosis and they had no clue I had freaking bipolar. I am a classic case of bipolar 2 with depression being the main issue. Have had it since childhood.
Best of luck but do see a specialist and keep searching until you find one who can help. If you really have a chemical imbalance it will be VERY difficult to maintain sobriety through no fault of your own. But if you find the right medicine "cocktail" you will be AMAZED at how much easier it is and how normal you can feel.
I had not felt normal in years. I take zoloft and depakote. I do have some fatigue with the depakote but compared to the other issues I had it is minimal.
To any reading this - these meds are not to be ordered and taken without consult of a psychiatrist and preferably a pharmacology specialist/physician.
I am a drug rep and have sold SSRI's but I am also a bipolar 2 recovering alcoholic who went to a dual diagnosis treatment center and they got me straightened out. Not every one has to go to a treatment center but I saw some people go on and off all of these meds while I was at treatment because they had various reactions and interactions.
I developed the rare rash that can kill you on Lamictal within the first dose - fortunately I was there with 24 hour care and it did not get bad at all. The rash is a major concern in the first week and should be monitored closely if any concerns arise. However, Lamictal has great antidepressant qualities and is the bipolar/mood stabilizer of choice for those with depressive bipolar. Supposed to have few side effects.
A proper diagnosis is important. Taking antidepressants alone when you are bipolar can trigger mania and/or uncontrollable urges in alcoholics. This is how I suffered for about the last 3-4 years. Plus the Zoloft could not combat the anxiety because the alcoholism had screwed up my neurotransmitters and unless I was very drunk - I had some level of anxiety. The Zoloft was spinning the alcoholism beyond my control.
I went to psychiatrists who were not trained in dual diagnosis and they had no clue I had freaking bipolar. I am a classic case of bipolar 2 with depression being the main issue. Have had it since childhood.
Best of luck but do see a specialist and keep searching until you find one who can help. If you really have a chemical imbalance it will be VERY difficult to maintain sobriety through no fault of your own. But if you find the right medicine "cocktail" you will be AMAZED at how much easier it is and how normal you can feel.
I had not felt normal in years. I take zoloft and depakote. I do have some fatigue with the depakote but compared to the other issues I had it is minimal.
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