I would like to get off my meds.

[brett3959]

I take a drug called lamictal. Prior to taking Lamictal I was extremely tired depressed ,agitated and snappy under stress. I have no enjoyment or interest in anything  including my work which I use to enjoy. My only interst is the bible and going to church. I had and  still have to a lesser degree racing thoughts and trouble concentrating. I have always had attention or zoning out issues since I was a child but I had always been happy. My Doctor presribed Lamictal a little over a year and a half ago, and it helped with both the racing thoughts issues as well as my depression. We started with 25mg and increased over time to 400 mg a day. One 200 in the morning and the other at 3;00 p.m. and my depressioned lessoned. However recently my depressioned worsened, so he added trazedone which I could not tolerate and then we tried Lexapro  both made me feel worse so I stopped both after a week. He doesnt recommend me getting off the lamictal. However I would like to get off Lamictal. F.Y.I.  I also have to take atenolol and pravastain for  Hypertrophic cardio myaopathy heart conditoin and Ambien for sleep. What can I do to get off the lamictal? I would rather br happy and deal with the racing thoughts than the depression.

[Darkestlight]

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer and the only one with antidepressant properties.  What you must learn about bipolar is a lot of times you have to try different meds to get the perfect combination that will work for you. I can completely agree with this.  I am not a doctor, but i dont think getting off the lamictal will help you be happy and in the end probably make it worse.. I also take lamictal, have for years. Sometimes things need to be added to get you stable. It's just the way it is. I have to agree that you need to speak with your doctor about how you feel. Don't give up on meds cause one isn't working well. There are others. Unfortunately I don't know ANYone who can manage bipolar on their own without meds. I tried for a few yrs on and off and my life always went straight to the toilet.

[Germur]

This is a good question for you Doctor and not this forum.  If you don't like your doctors treatment plan, seek out another professional who can evaluate your situation and make changes that will benefit you.  I had quite a few doctors until I found one with a great track record in dealing with bpd.  He was able to change my meds until my mood swings disapeared.

I will pray that the Lord will give you guidance in helping you come up with the perfect plan to add stability to your life.  Take care of yourself.