Good choice? Lamictal rather than Lithium?

[dippy1]

Hi, hoping for some answers from anyone with insight. I've had a relapsing/recurring depression which has never really resolved since a major bout 3 yrs ago. My p.doc feels that a mood stabiliser is needed and talked about either Lamictal or Lithium... I was scared by the sound of Lithium so went for Lamictal but now I read how many weeks it'll take to build up to a useful dose and I'm not sure I can wait that long.... any thoughts?

[Princessdaniella]

People do not react or respond to the same medication as everyone else do. Your body may be completely differant to others who are using this, there are many factors seperating people from getting the same effect.
Lithium had to points that I remember however I am no longer taking it.
I had a severe tremour on lithium to the point I was un able to even hold a glass of water, lithium always made my hands uncontrollably shaky.
The other was my thyroid levels which had to keep getting tested because lithium is known to put them off.
Keep an eye on both of them and you should be fine
besty of luck

[ILADVOCATE]

I know that from what I was informed by my psychiatrist (that would be reflected by the information on the medication website) a working dose of Lamictal is 150 mg. and it has to be titrated at a 25 mg. a week dose. I only found it effective at that dose as well and it took a higher dose than that to work in full. However once it did I found Lamictal more effective than lithium on mixed states and it was more tolerable than lithium as regards cognitive side effects, sedation and the like and did not require monthly blood tests. I do know that Lamictal is more effective on depression than mania and for some people that's helpful and for others its a drawback but each person responds differently to each medication.

[dippy1]

Thanks for all the answers. It's good to get different angles on these things. I'm up to 50, soon to be 75 of Lamictal, meantime the Reboxetine was increased three weeks ago and seems to have kicked in well now. Mood better and hopefully the Lamictal might keep it that way. From what people have said, I'm happy I chose Lamictal now. Nursegirl, I know what you mean about being a walking pharmacy; I'm now on Reboxetine, Citalopram, Quetiapine and Lamictal, plus Temazepam at night and the odd diazepam :-z  Hoping if things stabilise to be able to cut back on some of this....think the Citalopram will be cut back first.

[SurfRake]

My reaction to lithium was so negative - nausea, dehyrdration, headaches - I stayed away from any medication for many years despite being diagnosed with BP1.

I've been on Lamictal - ramped up to 300 mg/day over three-week period - since 2005 and have found it the most effective med against manic spikes and, remarkably, sinking into bouts of heavy sadness.  I consider Lamictal the best of the six meds I've taken.

[Honeysucklerose]

Truly depends on your diagnosis. I was always freaked out by the idea of Lithium. But after 4 years of trying every other combination of meds. I found a doctor who finally helped. I am living successfully with my husband and 2 young boys. I am fully functioning, respected member of my community. Which was NOT the case before this med combo..(2 1/2 years ago) I take 900 mg Lithium and Effexor 75mg. Yes, I did the testing...but after 6 months everything was stable.  So I test every 3 months now. Lithium helped stabilize me. effexor helped with my deep depression. However, I did gain weight and weaned off Effexor. the lithium may be all I need now! Have to see! Good Luck!

[Sue357]

I am also on Lamictal ( 200 mg).  I also am on other meds as well. I am having some anxiety and depression again.  Diagosed with mood disorder/ possibly bipolar 2.  My pdoc wants to ramp me to 250 and then possibly 300.  What is the normal dosage.  I have written you before so I hope you remember what other meds I am on.  I don't want to post here as everyone time I do, someone comes back with a comment about being on too many meds, walking pharmacy, ect.  Thanks for any feedback you can give.