Bipolar Support Group

Post edited by: CPFClev1, at: 01/18/2009 13:51

First of all, welcome! We're glad to have you on board. Right now I take 300mg Lamictal and 150 Zoloft for the depression. I take 15mf of the atypical anti-psychotic Zyprexa and 150 mg of Trileptal. Ambien, 12.5 if I am having difficulty with sleep. For the most part, the Zyprexa and Trileptal put me under. As far as side effects. There are none with the Lamictal, but there is a life-threatening rash you can develop unless it is gradually introduced. I started at 25mg and upped it 25mg each week and had no problem. The Zoloft can cause hypomania so I take the Zyprexa to keep my mood level. The only problem with that has been weight gain. 30lbs. the past year. Ugh. But I think if I just knuckle down I could take some of that off. The weight gain is an exchange for stability, so I live with it. The Trileptal is for anger/rage mangement. When I get hypomanic, I get very edgy very quickly and can lost it. It has been working very well for me. Main side effect is drowsiness so I take it at bedtime.

Hope this helps

Hi uppitywoman and thanks for the prompt answer.

Should I understand that you use Lamictal as a mood stabilizer similar to Lithium.

For the most part Lithium was good for me but the following issues-You could not: work out too much; stay in open sun; have a lot of perspiration; get dehydrated; eat a diet with less salt (I have some blood pressure and I would like to eat less salt. I like and I understand that working out 30min/day is very healthy and does relief your stress and Lithium made it difficult for me to work out without causing me all of the above mentioned.

Have you had any of the above problems/restrictions with Lamictal?

What did you mean that "Zyprexa and Trileptal put me under".

Also how effective is Trileptal for anger management. For this purpose do you take Trileptal daily or you take it only when you feel the rage is coming? Thanks CalPomFar

Post edited by: CPFClev1, at: 01/19/2009 07:41