Just need to know I'm not alone.

[Darkestlight]

So they started me on Lamictal a wk and a half ago. I feel more depressed than ever. I've taken lamictal before and it seems to help at obviously higher doses. Most of you know with Lamictal you have to start out slow. So I'm still on 25mg right now due to start 50mg in a few days. I don't know if I should contribute this(worsening depression) to the Lamictal or just say that it's not had enough time to work.
What helped you all with your depression?

Lamictal is the only mood stabilizer that i know of that has anti depressive properties.
I'm just so bad right now. Not to the point of suicide or anything. I have a Daughter and another on the way so that could and would never be a option again in my life.

[kathy434]

I just noted the date.  Baby is already born by now.  Congrats.  But anybody else who is struggling with these conditions, work closely with your pdoc and ob-gyn.

[kathy434]

First off, you are pregnant.  Your psych doc. is gauging your meds for this condition.  You must be in contact with the doctor frequently.  He knows best how to handle your meds.  It takes a while for the Lamictal to build up in your system and he may add other meds too, but, you are pregnant and he has to think about the baby too.  So work with your doctor and ob-gyn.  Ask him lots of questions so you understand everything and know you and the baby are safe.

[ILADVOCATE]

The mood stabilizer I take now is Clonidine and I wouldn't reccomend it as a starter because it has a fair amount of side effects although it works for me. One reason its not in use much for this purpose is because it can sometimes make depression worse but in me that's not a problem. Everyone reacts differently to every medication. I could list what mood stabilizers have worked for me and which are generally in use but as to which ones work better on the depressive aspect of bipolar that information would be on the websites listed on the links page. Best to look at that as its clinically valid information you could bring to your psychiatrist. One person's experience may be just that.

[Darkestlight]

I agree I need to reach a good dose then make a decision. I'm just wondering is there any other meds that work well for depression? What have you all taken that helps?? I was on antidepressants before without a mood stabilizer and they made me MEAN! I just dont want to feel this way anymore ya know.

[ILADVOCATE]

I have not heard of Lamictal worsening depression. But it needs to be at least 150 mg. for you to even begin to see an affect so symptoms will return in the meantime including depression. If at a full dose of Lamictal you still feel depressed or if the depression worsens then you can discuss the issue with your psychiatrist then. There are other options as regading mood stabilizers but they are less in use. They are all listed on sites on the links page. You can look them up for more information but don't make a decision as regards the Lamictal until you have a full dose for a while.

[Darkestlight]

Thanks, I'm due July 5th. Like I said I've taken lamictal before so i definitely know it takes a bit to build up. I'm really afraid that I wont get much benefit from 50-100mgs a day. I was on I think either 200 or 400mg a day when i wasnt pregnant. They arent wanting to increase me past 100mg  i think, but atleast it will be in my system for after i have the baby and will be easier to go up on ya know.

Thanks again.

[Venora Moonwind]

HI there. It will take about 4-6 weeks to get the full benefit of the lamictal. Give it some time and if you still continue to be depressed then speak ton your doctor.
Congrats on the new baby. When are you due?
Blessed Be
Venora