be quick, apt tomorrow, some advice

[suzy]

I want to change from lithium


What is the best one to go to saying that i have more lows and never any highs?

 

[suki1066]

hi there
in answer to your question.... you just stated it very clearly..

do you remember for how long you are down and how long you are stable that info may help.
why go you want to come off lithium?

 

[Affective]

I want to change from lithium


What is the best one to go to saying that i have more lows and never any highs?

I have read that Lamictal (Anticonvulsant Moodstabilizer) has Antidepressant properties.

 

[suzy]

I have been on lithium for over 2 years and getting downs so why should I stay on it, it is hard to persuade them to let me change but I think I have a good chance tomorrow when I tell her I had another down.

Hate feeling flat on lithium, why not try something new and if it fails I will go back lithium


fingers crossed for tomorrow, will keep you all updated


oo in answer to your questions my downs can be a few days, a week or longer.

 

[BP2]

I asked to start with Lamotrigine as I don't, or at least I didn't, think I suffered too badly with the highs.

The only time I have been anything close to truly manic was when I was on high doses of Venlafaxine and that was easily resolved by reducing the dose but only to hit a low.

I have found that Lamotrigine is a fairly potent anti-depressant even at low doses but I do seem to be particularly sensitive to medication.

Problem I have at the moment is I am having mixed dysphoric episodes so pdoc now wanting me to come off it and try something else.

No weight gain and few if any side effects from my experience.

Really miffed at having to stop it to be honest.

Good luck.

 

[Affective]

Suzy have you ever considered an Antipsychotic? Some have moodstabilizing effects and can help with depression. Abilify is one of them.

 

[suzy]

yeah I am on 2.5mg of olanzopine, gradually been reduced from 20mg

 

[suki1066]

good luck today hope all goes well for you x

 

[suzy]

I can go on lamotrigine but then I read up on how a rash could develop and be fatal It is really making me unsure about changing now. Not picked up the meds yet. I think I would prefer to go serequel (Quitiapine)

Anyone else get really unsure of the side effects you could get? I had a NEW docter again, and it was his last day. So the meeting was rubbish and he was saying my downs are a normal part of life and not depression. I think he just agreed the change to get rid of me

 

[BP2]

I always worry about the side effects - god knows how many days or weeks I had the Lamotrigine before plucking up the courage to take one.

I am now in a similar position with the Seroquel - had the tablets for over a week and still haven't taken one. And I have only been asked to take 25mg a day to begin !!!

From what I have read I wouldn't worry about the rash. If you show any signs of a rash/fever etc then stop the Lamotrigine and seek medical attention. From what I have read it causes no problems so long as you do not ignore it.

I think the side effects of my Seroquel are a bigger concern!!! But of course I would not be saying that if I was in the process from switching from Seroquel to Lamotrigine

Good luck with whatever course of action you decide on.

 

[megirl]

I was on lithium which helped with the highs however the depression was problematic there fore they changed lithium to epilim (sodium valporate) which did help the depression ever so slightly.

 

[suzy]

what are the side effects of seroquel?

I was on valporate before lithium but it made my hair start to come out.

 

[Affective]

what are the side effects of seroquel?

I was on valporate before lithium but it made my hair start to come out.

I was on Seroquel for a few days. It made me very tired and I had to stop because it made my heart hurt.

 

[TOONAFISH]

suzy i was on the same thing and i was totally bald at the back of my head, and they kept telling me it was the anxiety or that i was pulling it out. grrrrr. i knew it was the drugs.

i take lamotrigine and i have had no side effects with it. x

 

[maudikie]

maudikie

I cant tell you what to take. one medication suits one person and another suits another. The person to decide on your medicationis thepsychiatrist. If you don't feel it is working then get another appointment, andask if you can change the medication. Accepting the illness is an important part of helping yourself, and if ou are unable to work in the open market, then find a hobby tat gives y ou satisfaction.Best wishes. I hope you can get settled.