Bipolar Type II Support Group

Hi all,

I am a 24 year old female recently diagnosed with Bipolar II after years od being treated for depression and anxiety unsuccessfully. My psychiatrist started me on Lamictal, and when I hit 50 mg, it was like somebody turned on my "normal" switch. I felt better than I had in years (minus those awesome hypomanic days).

Then, he increased the dose to 100mg, and everything spiraled straight to hell again. In fact, I'm cycling harder and faster, it seems. He said it is okay to go back down to 50mg, but everything I read says that the target dose is 200mg. Also, I am worried that going back down after being at 100mg is going to make things worse. And now I am doubting myself, wondering if those two weeks of normality on the 50 mg were just part of the cycle and NOT relief from the medication. I'm not currently on any other medications, except ativan as needed for anxiety, which has been about 3 times a week now (WAY high up from about twice a month).

Has anybody else had similar issues with Lamictal? Has anybody had any changes when they take 50 mg twice a day as opposed to 100mg once a day? What did you do with your dosage? Does anybody find that it works for you on such a low dose?

I'm seriously losing hope here. I'm tired of feeling good for a little while and being teased by the medication, thinking it might actually work this time. It is to the point where I hope that if they can't fix me soon, they can just put me on something that will zombify me so that I can just function without feeling and stop hurting people I love.

Jes

I take Lamictal, but have not had your experience with it. In fact, I have been taking 400 mg per day.

I completely understand about preferring to be a zombie, as opposed to being normal. I prefer it, because I am tired of riding the bipolar seas and being miserable. Besides, my mood swings are almost always depression and I can't handle any more of that.

Hi Jes My name is Stacey I have just been diagnosed with Bipolar after 12 yrs of being treated for depression. I have only started a low dose so far but things seem calmer in my mind for the first time in a long time. My Pdoc said it is entirely possible to be on alow dose and for it to help me. I would trust your doc and try to move back down. I understand it being scary and not wanting things to get worse, but unfortuanately it takessome trial and error to find your cocktail that works for you. i think everyone is different. Best of luck to you. We are here in the interim if you need to talk. Hang in there!

Stacey is right. Your doc should try to keep you on the lowest dose of your medication that gets YOU the desired results. Everyone's body chemistry is different and responds differently to the dosing. Please don't loose hope! Communicate openly with your doctor, tell him/her everything you are feeling! That is SO important! We are all riding this coaster together, so hold on tight...and don't be scared, you're NOT alone!