Thanks jkeys...

Your doc is really bringing you up slowly on your Lamictal. Still, this can make the difference on whether or not you'll be able to tolerate it, so it's good in the long run. Lamictal not only helps with bipolar depression, but also helps to control mania. Handy! Seroquel is also approved for both now, too.

Please remember that while drugs can work wonders, they are not the best treatments for bipolar. The best tools in the toolbox are the fundamental practices of good health...good nutrition, plenty of rest (eight hours at NIGHT), and daily excercise. The last is important not just because it will help your mood (nothing better!), but also many of the drugs we take for bp can encourage significant weight gain. I know it's hard when you're depressed...if you can't do them now, work on one at a time, save the big one for when you start feeling a little better. Getting on top of this is very much a game of making as much progress when you can, because sooner or later will come a period when it seems to fall apart---but at least you're a little farther up the road.

Be patient and do what you can to make a little progress each day. Tomorrow at lunch, take a fifteen minute walk. Increase your time a little each day, and pretty soon you're there! Little steps at first. I know it seems slow, but they will add up to feeling better sooner than you think!

DJ