I am happy with the stabilizing caused by a newer drug I tried and take: Lamicta

Just to stay current on me-I finally started to take daily lamictal. I did not have any side effects. I do not experience weight gain (Great weight gain of seventy pounds on all every other bi-p med-relieved this hasn't gone on and been taking it since April 3 2007) I am in happiness for the success. It feels wonderful to be stable again. I was off all bi-p medicine while dieting and losing the large amount of weight- 70lbs. I came so so close to getting put in the Mental hospital last year. I was also having swelling in the extremities from the depokote and zyprexa. I started often having angina from being up to 219 pounds and even though I was mentally stable, was not totally well in all systems of body and mind. For those B-P;'s that are at the end of their ropes you may want to re-read this reserach what Lamictal pros and cons are and make a final decision. I do believe that it is a choice you should make carefully.

I'm glad you found something that works - I just titrated to 100 mg of Lamictal...

I'm glad that it's working for you. I've been on it ( along with other meds) for several years at 300mg. It seems to work well for me. I don't think there are any side effects from it either.

I am glad the lamictal is working for you. It has been a miracle drug for me. Prior to taking the lamictal, I had not felt this even keeled for a long, long time. I titrated up to 100 mg/day and for now am staying there since it seems to work. In fact, I have hardly been back to this board since it first started working as I am in a rush to try and do things because I am afraid it will stop working at some point and I will not have made enough good use of my time. I guess I am afraid the reprieve is only temporary. Recently I have relaxed a little more and tried not to worry about the depression and hypomania returning.
I wish you well and hope we both keep doing well.

I'm glad to hear things are working out, I also think that's terrific that you have had success with the weight loss, I have much admiration for you and your willpower.
I've been on Lamictal (200mgs) for a few years now, when it was approved for bipolar treatment, I always have been amazed how epilepsy meds can be used for other disorders besides what it's original purpose was for.
I'm wishing you lots of luck with continued success.
Take care,
DE

(((((((( razeljenny )))))))))))