Quote:
Originally Posted by BirdDancer
Absolutely Lamictal and Geodon were effective for my depression, without an antidepressant!
I have bipolar type 1, and I must say that hypomania and mania are stronger features of my bipolar disorder than depression, but I have had more than plenty of depression, too. Also in my case, traditional antidepressants were not helpful in any positive way. They always either made me manic or have rapid cycling. Lamictal is activating for me, but hasn't been as prone to make me rapid cycle. With proper anti-manics also in my mix (i.e. an antipsychotic), Lamictal's effect creates a good balance for the depressive side. I happen to only need 100 mg for that, but I know most people need more.
I am no longer on Geodon, but it served me well for a number of years. Both Lamictal and Geodon were comparatively side effect friendly for me. While on that combo (actually also with Lithium), I was able to diet and lose 40 lbs, and maintain that weight loss for quite a long while. Only when Seroquel XR was added did I experience any weight gain again. I had to switch from Geodon to Seroquel XR because of akathisia. But I only got akathisia from Geodon years into taking it. Perhaps many never get akathisia from it.
Good luck with your upcoming combo! I hope it serves you well 
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Thank you! I got akathesia on a higher dose of Geodon but since tapering down it stopped. The Remeron helped me sleep, so that's another issue I'll have to discuss with my doctor. Did you take anything else for sleep while on Geodon and Lamictal?