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lamdough
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I've been on Lamictal for a few weeks now but I'm not so sure about it. I guess this is still a transitive period and I'm only on 50 mg but I feel more crazy than ever. I am only mildly bipolar and have never been violent but at times I feel like punching someone. Also I have been having sexual effects that I am kinda scared about. At times I feel the normal bipolar hyper sexual, but other times (especially when mixed with alcohol) I find myself unable to perform. Is this normal? |
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carmen33
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Hi, lamdough, welcome to the group, first and foremost, stop the alcohol, you can not expect your medication to work like it is suppose too with drinking, I am on lamictal too, and it will take a month or so to get into your system, you have probably been on it now for two to three weeks, as that is about the length of time it takes to move up depending on your beginning dose, I was started at 25, moved to 50, it was two weeks at 25 and then 2 I believe on the 50. Like you I have never been violent, although I will admit to wanting to either punch someone or just slap the living shit out of them.. Lamictal is one of the drugs with the least sexual side effects, but if you are drinking, I can't say, I am and was sober when I started.. alcohol is a depressant. Talk with your doctor about this, but get off the booze, be honest with your doctor too, that you have been drinking with this medication. Did they say bp1 or bp2? I am a bp2 |
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kimminentdanger
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Hi Dough! Like you, I just started Lamictal and am taking 50 mgs/day. I'm just entering my second month, and I gotta say, I DO see a difference. My symptoms are definitely still showing, but I am much more aware of them now, and I have been able to maintain a control that I haven't had in a long time.... I think the alcohol may be a factor in your sexual issues.... Maybe you should try the meds without drinking and see what happens???? Good luck - keep us posted....  "Insanity destroys reason, but not wit." - Nathaniel Emmons
"There's not much you can do or say to phase me; people think I'm a little bit crazy." - Eminem
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kimminentdanger
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p.s. I am BP1 rapid cycling - the doc said that the lamictal should help with my symptoms of depression - I find that's true - haven't found myself severely depressed, but I still experience lots of mania, although like I said, I'm more aware of it now which helps me maintain a certain amount of calmness.... "Insanity destroys reason, but not wit." - Nathaniel Emmons
"There's not much you can do or say to phase me; people think I'm a little bit crazy." - Eminem |
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lamdough
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I'm BP1, I don't think I will actually be able to stop drinking as I am only 22 and am generally quite social (when my mood allows it). I told my psychiatrist about my drinking habits before she prescribed the lamictal. She certainly didn't recommend it but she did still prescribe it. |
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DreamChaser
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Hi Lamdough, I have been on Lamictal for almost a year. It does take quite awhile to progress up to a therapeutic dosage. Drinking is not a good thing to do in excess, and it is doubly bad when you are BP. I will admit to the occassional drink, but I always limit myself to one, and never drink if I am symptomatic. Surely your friends will understand if you don't want to drink. If not, are they really your friends? One thing about Lamictal. It can cause irritability in some people. If this is a new symptom for you, it may be a good idea to contact your Dr. and let him/her know you are having anger issues since you started taking it. Actually, it may be a good idea to let them know anyway. Maybe they can help you eliminate it or get it to a comfortable level. Good luck with getting your medications right. Please let us know how you are getting along.  DC Post edited by: DreamChaser, at: 05/29/2008 07:22 |
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msmom
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H Lamdough--I too am on lamictal, and up to 150 mg after several weeks, with the goal of 200 mg. Lately I've been angrier and had thoughts of seriously hurting various people, although I had that symptom in the past as well. There is a "frisky factor" with lamictal, and remembering how I once had all the sexual desire I could muster with complete strangers, I long for any desire with my husband. To have any sexual feeling whatsoever is a blessed change, however transient it is. It does give me hope that one day I may be "normal" in that respect. Please, please be careful with your feelings. Mania combined with alcohol could easily find you infected with an STD, which also guarantees regret and phychological pain when you hit bottom. Love yourself, Lamdough. Stay on your meds (50 mg is not quite therapeutic, and you WILL get there over the next few weeks.) Lay off the depressant alcohol, or be very sparing in your use of it. Take care! (Now didn't that sound like someone's mother?)
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vrg631
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Hi, Lamdough. I'm new to this community but please bare w/me. I don't know what the heck I am..Bp; bpI; BPII, who knows. No dr wants to give me diagnosis. Either way, I've got all of yall beat. I'm on 400 lamictal and I don't know what I feel or what the heck is normal. I've always been moody and gee I've got 4 kids so naturally I want to 'beat' someone every day, ha. As for sex side affects, never had a major drive so now it's been worse. So we'll see. I don't know if this helps, i just thought i'd stick my nose into the discussion. ha take care and hang in there. vrg |
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