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Bi-Polar 2 and Meds

34 replies

Yemenite · 21/10/2012 09:15

Hi - I am pretty new here so forgive me if this is something that has already been discussed. I have been diagnosed with Bi-polar 2 (hypomania and depression). I don't completely agree but willing to try anything and believe anything at this point. have one child (3 years old) and the first sign that something was wrong was PND. Then I got pregnant again a few months back and wanted to jump off a bridge. I miscarried and went all mental for a week or so - and now they are insisting I take the new Meds (Seroquel) for mood-stability. I don't like the side effects but I do like the feeling they give me. Does anyone take a mood stabilizer that doesn't increase appetite or make you feel completely zoned out?

Thanks.

OP posts:
FunBagFreddie · 24/10/2012 13:05

Sorry, * was meant to be Yemenite*

GoddessofSuburbia · 24/10/2012 13:54

I haven't had any weight issues with lamotrigine (lamictal) either, and I understand how important it is to you as I also had an ED in the past which still on occasion rears it's ugly little head. Lamotrigine is fab, ime, as I've said before! I wouldn't say that it will cancel out the effects of seroquel, as until your off it completely you'll still have the drug in your body, and thus enjoy [hhhmm] the side effects. Once you are solely on lamotrigine though, you'll be able to lose the weight you've gained just like anyone else. This was the case with someone I know, who's lost 3 stone and counting from a combination of having their meds changed and sensible eating/exercise.

Are you doing the slow titration up to a therapeutic dose of lamotrigine? It seemed to take ages for me, but it's well worth it. I haven't had any issues, apart from shakey hands. PITA on occasion, but better than being fat and/or mad!

I take generic lamotrigine and branded lamictal, depending on what the pharmacy has in stock, and there is honestly no difference in terms of therapeutic effects. I was told the reason for this is that at my dosage, branded ones cost the NHS about £90. Generics cost about £5! [hshock]

The only difference in my experience is that branded lamictal is dead easy to swallow- I think it has a better coating. Generic lamotrigine, especially the diamond shaped 100mg tablets dissolve in your mouth faster, and get kinda stuck in your throat if your not careful. Take it from me, that is not a pleasant taste experience. Not as bad as the time I got artificial cherry flavoured soluble ones mind...

FunBagFreddie · 24/10/2012 14:16

I noticed a massive improvement in mood within the first 2 weeks of titration with lamotrigine.

I don't get diamond shapped ones, they are little white round ones and very powdery. Artificial cherry flavoured soluble ones [hshock] I never knew such a think existed!

Yemenite · 24/10/2012 15:29

Thanks a lot guys.. I feel a bit calmer about the Lamictal now. Seroquel seems to be helping a little but I've only been taking it a week. As for the titration, I reckon that I will be going up slowly with the dosage as the psych says it will take a month before I really start to notice a difference, hence leaving me on the Seroquel in the meantime I presume (and so as not to kick off on a hypomanic episode too I presume.....?)

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FunBagFreddie · 24/10/2012 15:34

You have to titrate slowing with Lactimal, there's a small risk of getting a very serious skin rash as a side effect if you don't, so they're very careful about it. At least my psychiatrist was.

FunBagFreddie · 24/10/2012 15:35

I meant slowly. God, I should just accept the fact that I can't multi-task!

Yemenite · 24/10/2012 15:38

I gotcha!

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Yemenite · 24/10/2012 15:40

Checked prescription - starting at 25mg so yes, slow titration. I am only on 50mg of Seroquel but I am also really tiny and drugs have a huge effect on me!

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Yemenite · 25/10/2012 10:01

Ok new question - I don't think I can handle these meds - is it feasible to control my feelings without drugs? I am also having psychotherapy and couples counselling.

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