[pepper2009]

I probably shouldn't ask this but I've been wondering. I see many members list the medications and amounts that they are on. I am doing well and have been stable for a few years with some mixed episodes that were fairly mild considering. I don’t feel like a zombie. My head is clear. However, it seems like I’m on a lot. I am on 400mg Lamictal, 400mg Seroquel, and 200mg BID Gabapentin. Is that a lot or does it really matter if I’m doing well?

[~Christina]

I've seen many people on your combo ,its pretty common .. an AP and a mood stabilizer, Neurontin is used for nerve pain but also is being prescribed a lot for anxiety.

As long as its working that is all that matters

[Ruftin]

If it's working for you, you're one of the lucky ones!!

[CANDC]

The thing that many people here at Psych Central (PC) do is consult with your doctor. Tell them any symptoms or side affects you are having. Tell them any problems like lack of sleep or weight changes.

If you are curious there is an article at PC that describes seroquel doses at and above the range you mentioned
Bipolar Disorder Medication Spotlight: Seroquel (Quetiapine) | Bipolar Beat

Typical Dose
Most patients take Seroquel two or three times each day. For bipolar disorder, your prescriber is likely to start you on a low dose (perhaps as low as 25 to 50 mg twice a day) and then increase your dose by 50 to 100 mg per day until you are taking between 300 and 400 mg daily. (If you have low blood pressure, poor liver function, or are elderly or in a weakened condition, your prescriber may ramp up the dose even more slowly.) Depending on how well it works at these levels, your prescriber may keep this as the maintenance dose or raise it. The maximum dose listed by the manufacturer is 800 mg per day, but prescribers may use more than that in certain situations.. As always, follow your prescriber’s advice and instructions.

In another study
Lamictal: Miraculous? Not Quite | Psych Central Professional
Lamictal was found to work best in connection with other medicines. In the study doses were from 100-400mg.

If you are stable and in a good place, perhaps the old saw is the best advice:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[bigblackdog]

Originally Posted by pepper2009

I probably shouldn't ask this but I've been wondering. I see many members list the medications and amounts that they are on. I am doing well and have been stable for a few years with some mixed episodes that were fairly mild considering. I don’t feel like a zombie. My head is clear. However, it seems like I’m on a lot. I am on 400mg Lamictal, 400mg Seroquel, and 200mg BID Gabapentin. Is that a lot or does it really matter if I’m doing well?

So are you doing well or doing well because of the treatment?

Are you seeing a pdoc? Maybe you could have a conversation with your pdoc about whether you could taper on some of the meds?

you did not say what your diagnoses are?

[pepper2009]

Originally Posted by bigblackdog

So are you doing well or doing well because of the treatment?

Are you seeing a pdoc? Maybe you could have a conversation with your pdoc about whether you could taper on some of the meds?

you did not say what your diagnoses are?

I am seeing a pdoc and T. I am rapid cycling BP and have social anxiety. The med's are a huge help but I also have several other coping mechanisms.

I will read that link CANDC. I don't know any BP people in RL so I had to ask. I feel less like a freak now.

Originally Posted by pepper2009

I probably shouldn't ask this but I've been wondering. I see many members list the medications and amounts that they are on. I am doing well and have been stable for a few years with some mixed episodes that were fairly mild considering. I don’t feel like a zombie. My head is clear. However, it seems like I’m on a lot. I am on 400mg Lamictal, 400mg Seroquel, and 200mg BID Gabapentin. Is that a lot or does it really matter if I’m doing well?

It takes what it takes to get your bipolar symptoms under control. Everyone is different with different drug tolerances. If your cocktail is working for you, then you go girl...or boy!

I list my cocktail to show what's working for me. Seeing others helps me see other possible drug combinations. It also helps others to see what I'm talking about. I'm also lazy and get tired of writing Lamotrigine over and over!

I'm suppose to be taking other drugs for anxiety but I don't like how they make me feel, so I don't.

[Wander]

I am on a lot of meds (see below) and my head is clear. Even the Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Klonpin (Clonazepam) don't make me cloudy or sleepy. I feel thankful for this.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm on 3 pills 1x a day Zyprexa, Prozac and Lamictal at bed. I use to be on two meds but insurance refuses to cover it. So now I'm on 3 pills. I'm not good normally with meds so we aim for 1x a day.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Im on a lot and working on changing that. Really, everyone is so different...it just depends on what works for you. Some people only need one medication to control symptoms and others need multiple drugs. Right now I have brain fog but I don't know if its other things going on or meds.

[BlackSheep79]

I'm also on 400mg of both Lamictal and Seroquel. I tried coming off of Seroquel and instantly went into a mixed episode. I'm also on some meds for anxiety for my OCD and GAD but the Lamictal and Seroquel keeps me as close to stability.

[foxwillow]

My Psychiatrist has me on 9 different meds. But I am BiPolar, PTSD, Agoraphobia, depression and bulimia. I am a real mess...