[Floradelic]

Hey there!

I'm bipolar II and have so far only been treated with antidepressants (Cipralex 5mg/ Trazodone 50mg). I got Seroquel at the hospital, but it basically knocked me out and the Valproic acid made me so nauseaus.....which is a problem, as I am underweight already. Now I just started taking Lamictal two weeks ago and my starting dose was 10 mg, now up on 15. Has anyone else here extreme sensitivity to medications? I am on baby doses of everything....and it took me months to get the Trazodone up to 50mg. Cipralex I can't take more than 5mg as I might swing back into mania.

So far I've only had one true manic episode, but I've been cycling rapidly from mild depression to hypomania since my early teens. Some years ago I first started to have major depressive episodes and anxiety attacks, then two years ago my first manic phase, which lasted several months. In retrospect the treatment with Sertraline might have triggered the manic phase....but I've so far not had any success with phase stabilizing meds.

As my psych knows that I'm very sensitive towards mood altering medications he started me on 10mg of Lamictal and sees me going up to 50-75mg max. And hell I had headaches on 10mg....but they vanished by now. So anyone else here being on an extremely low dose of Lamictal? Also could it trigger another manic phase?

Thanks!

[kaliope]

I am very sensitive to meds too...I usually get the contact your dr immediately side effects. it took three years to find the right meds for me. very frustrating. good luck.

[THE16THDOCTOR]

I'm super sensitive to meds too. I cannot handle any antipsychotics like seroquel or latuda. I had to find out the hard way. However I am in 300 mg of lamactil which did def level out my moods. With minimal if any side effects and considering how bad I tolerate the rest it was a relief. I take lexapro too and my dr believes the 20 mg dose is too high for me even. I started low with lamactil and for me did not trigger mania. I had this starter box with enough for a month that increased the dose every week or two till I got to 150. I def didn't have any mania but everyone is different. Personally I've found that medication to be a delight I really hope it works for you.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I, too am sensitive! Antipsychotics like Seroquel, abilify and Geodon gave me very bad side effects. My Pdoc knows this because I told her recently. I haven't seen her too long but shes amazing. You just have to have a good relationship with your Pdoc, who will listen to what you need and make decisions based on how you've done in the past etc. I suggest making a list of what you've tried and how it worked, side effects etc....that way regardless if you see a new Dr in the future...YOU have that record.

[~Christina]

My Daughter has BP I .. She is super sensitive to any kinda med across the board psych or not. She only on 75 mg of Lamictal and shes very stable. She toughed out some side effects the first few weeks.

Welcome to PC

[Crazy Hitch]

I started on it a while back at 25mg.

I've been increasing by 25 mg per week.

I am currently on 200 mg. my pdoc wants me going up to 300 mg.

I think we're all a little different and I have no doubt that your pdoc would have taken into consideration your past experiences and any other meds you may currently be on.

Be well.

[Floradelic]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah Christina that is about the dose my pdoc is aiming at for me. 75mg max. When I see what amounts other people take I fail to believe it....but then that's completely from my perspective being super sensitive. I wished my body would take up food as well as meds lol.....constant battle to keep my weight. Interestingly enough tho I am resistant to anesthetics. Last time I had a minor surgery they just kept administering doses....and it took thrice as much as they thought I'd need. Stuff just doesn't put me asleep....ah well