[Cocinella]

Probably a weird topic, but still. I always wanted to know what it is that I'm eating (meds). So with more problems or new ones to come I'm thinking what can be done in my case.

Since I'm experiencing restlessness with Abilify, but lowered the dose of Lamictal, which made me feel blank, maybe increasing the Lamictal from 100 to 125 will make Abilify side effects go away, such as restlessness.

I am always asking everything to my pdoc, the thing is my situation is quite complicated. With cyclothimia I guess I have problems with anxiety as well. Mood swings pretty much went away, but anxiety is still an issue. Hopefuly, some good combo will come to me soon. Or if not combo, just a proper dosage

Stay well and healthy!

[optimistic_dolphin]

while you are adjusting med, does your doc know?

[Cocinella]

No, no Dolphin I am not adjusting my med's. I am just thinking about what to do to adjust it...I mean what to increase and decrease. And to mention options to my pdoc. To ask her about it, what she thinks of (for example) lifting my lamictal. But NOO I am not trying anything by myself, no way.

I am just reading about side effects, comments, forums etc., and the properties of meds

[~Christina]

Are you using coping skills while you try to find a med (s) to help with your anxiety?

[r010159]

Lamictal does not have any tranquilizing effect. It is more activating.

[TheatreKid]

Originally Posted by r010159

Lamictal does not have any tranquilizing effect. It is more activating.

Is it really? I found it made me pretty sleepy when I took it, even after being on it for a year.]

I experienced increased anxiety at the beginning on Abilify too, and the thing that got me over it was routine, routine, routine.

[Cocinella]

Lamictal did made ma flat yup, and Abilify gives me energy.

Yea, I noticed that only routine keeps me balanced, like going to work, go home, eat, sleep, then do some chores bla bla bla....stuff like that.

But I don't want to live like this. Cus the spontaneous things are the ones that are really great, travelling, etc., and I want all that. So I'll talk to my pdoc about this fear of change cus before, a change made my mood swing, now it makes me nervous, not neceserally anxiety like feeling, but nervous.

Hugs to you all**

[pawn78]

Originally Posted by r010159

Lamictal does not have any tranquilizing effect. It is more activating.

Actually this is not true. For some people Lamictal can cause drowsiness, or make them feel emotionally flat. For others it can be activating, and even cause trouble sleeping.

I am in the latter camp, as Lamictal is activating for me and gives me energy, so I have to take it in the morning. Some people get drowsy, relaxed or even dizzy from Lamictal and it is better for them to take it at night.

Common side effects of lamotrigine include:
Dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness... And also paradoxically: insomnia! Go figure.

[r010159]

Originally Posted by TheatreKid

Is it really? I found it made me pretty sleepy when I took it, even after being on it for a year.]

I experienced increased anxiety at the beginning on Abilify too, and the thing that got me over it was routine, routine, routine.

I guess it does affect some people that way. This is just the first time I have heard of that side effect.

[Anneinside]

I am on Abilify and take propranolol for the restlessness and anxiety it brings. Propranolol is a beta blocker, generic. I take propranolol ER 60mg daily, at night. It works for high blood pressure, anxiety, and akathisia.

[wiretwister]

abilify hiped me up with increased anxiety , had to quit it