[bipolarlady]

I have BP 2 and have been on Lamictal 200mg a day now for approximately 6 weeks. I am also on Sertraline 100mg a day (anti depressant). The problem is I have a great deal of anxiety - ok I have a lot of things going on for me in my family life but the anxiety can be so crippling at times I feel so tense throughout the day, it doesnt ease off.

The doc put me on valium 2mg as and when needed, which was 2 months ago now and I am worried I am getting quite dependent on them as my psych and doc won't give me anything else. I guess the psych is seeing how I go on the Lamictal but its not helping with anxiety, should it?

[Direction]

You probably need to speak to prescribing doc...there are "softer" anti-anxiety medications...

I take an anti-D, anti-A, and I'm currently on 100 mg Lamictal...

[Grace03]

Hi bipolarlady!

I have to agree with Direction..valium as I understand it CAN be addictive.

It would be wise to talk with your PDoc about your anxiety level. There are many meds that can bring anxiety down to a manageable level!

In the meantime, you may want to try deep breathing & relaxation tapes/meditation. Both work very well for me & i have had GAD for 30 years!

Take care

[bipolarlady]

Thanks to you both for your advice. I am due to see my pdoc in 2 weeks time so I will talk to him then. I hate the side effects of valium too if I take up to 6 a day, but havent of late which is a good sign! I don't know why they have held off for so long giving me an alternative anti anxiety treatment??!!! Thanks again

[darkeyes]

Klonopin is good for anxiety. Lamictal is NOT an anti-anxiety, it's an anti-convulsant, but also is an excellent med, for some forms of bipolar, it was released 2003 to be used for bipolar disorder besides epilepsy,and migraines.
Let the do know how you are feeling, there are many alternatives that can be used for your anxiety.
Lots of luck with this, let us know how you make out.
Take care now,
DE

[Direction]

By the way I also take Klonopin...

[Fuzzybear]

Hi bipolarlady,

I just want to wish you good luck with your pdoc visit. Like other posters have said, there are alternative meds for anxiety....It's definitely a good sign that you've been taking less valium lately (2 mg is a very low dose.... I have been known to take more than 6 a day and I'm not addicted.... but of course people vary with their response to all meds) Keep us updated!

Take care,
Fuzzy

[bipolarlady]

Thanks for your kind words Fuzzy

[Nellie]

Lamictal hasn't helped me with anxiety AT ALL, and I have a diagnosis of GAD as well as BP. Usually other meds are used in conjunction with Lamictal to help with anxiety or acute manic episodes (since Lamictal is good for depression but ehhh with mania and anxiety). I was put on Risperdal for that purpose, but I had a billion side effects which were worse than the anxiety itself, so I stopped taking it. Does the valium help? I've heard that for a lot of people, it kinda makes you feel numb...and if you're thinking that you're getting dependent, I don't blame you for wanting to quit it. There are some alternatives, though...Klonopin is supposed to help, also Buspar and others. I'm not a doctor but y'know, being bipolar, you constantly have to be aware and you gotta know what options are available to you.

Your doctor probably doesn't want to take you off it because, like most doctors, they only care about fixing the problem that they treat. But if you're really concerned, MAKE them listen to you and find you an alternative...they'd rather switch you to something else than have you stop taking meds altogether.

[jattitude74]

I was taking klonopin for my anxiety. It worked for a while but my pdoc put me on celexa for anxiety and depression and I also take xanax on top of that on an as needed basis. So far it has been working pretty good.Have also been taking lithium and seroquel for the BP.