[meekayla]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently really struggling with the decision of whether or not I should give up on Lamictal and switch to a different mood stabiliser.
I've been on it for about 2 months and I'm currently on 100 mg/day. I generally really like it a lot because it's helped me with my depression and it's also done wonders for my derealisation/depersonalisation.
I have none of the usual side effects, but I am considering going off it because I have a permanently stuffy nose. Not being able to breathe properly is really a nuisance, but I am so torn over whether it's enough of a detriment to give up on the benefits. My doctor is very disappointed that I don't tolerate the Lamictal well, but has suggested switching to either Lithium or Tegretol.

Lamictal is the first thing that has worked for me. I am so afraid of switching to another mood stabiliser because there is no guarantee it will work and also because it might have even worse side effects.

If anyone has any advice or experience to offer I'd be very grateful because this uncertainty is really scary and making my depression worse

[Sunflower123]

I guess after 2 months that stuffy nose won't be going away. I don't have any advice for you except talking it through with your doctor. I tried Lamictal and it worked well for me but then I got that rash that they tell you about with practically skull and cross bones is serious and had to come off. Good luck with your decision.

[meekayla]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I guess after 2 months that stuffy nose won't be going away. I don't have any advice for you except talking it through with your doctor. I tried Lamictal and it worked well for me but then I got that rash that they tell you about with practically skull and cross bones is serious and had to come off. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for your reply! I'm sorry you got the infamous rash, that sounds like a nightmare. There's nothing worse than having your hopes smashed like that I've discussed it with my doctor but she says ultimately I have to decide myself, I just make my mind up and change it again about 3 times a day...

[wildflowerchild25]

I'm kind of in a similar position. My med, invega, has caused high prolactin which has caused massive weight gain and prediabetes. But I've been stable for over a year on the combo of invega and emsam. And even before the emsam I haven't had a full blown manic/mixed episode since starting the invega three years ago. So for me, I want to do everything I can to stay on the invega. I'm seeing an endocrinologist next week and I'm going to find out if the hormone problem can be treated. I'm trying to lose weight by eating low carb. When I get my blood work done for the endo I will also find out if my A1C has gone down. And I'm working on being confident despite the weight gain. I'd like to lose about 25 pounds just to fit into my clothes again but I've come to terms with the fact that if I remain on invega I may never be 145 pounds again. To me it's worth it to hold on to stability.

You have to decide whether it's worth it to you. Just so you know, lithium has some awful side effects. Not everyone gets them but most people do. They include tremors, dry mouth, increased thirst, and weight gain, to name a few. You also have to be monitored closely through blood tests to make sure your levels are therapeutic and that you don't go into toxicity. It's a lifesaver for many but lots of side effects.

Is there any way to treat the stuffy nose? Does nasal spray work for you? Like Flonase or something?

[jacky8807]

Just my opinion but i would try to stay on the lamictal. You have found something that works for you first and foremost and that is gold in the BP world. A stuffy nose is no fun but like wildflower said the side effects of lithium or most other meds are usually far far worse
Good luck!

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I've been on it for a few months. 300 mg a day. I love it though it gives me short term memory loss at times

[meekayla]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I'm kind of in a similar position. My med, invega, has caused high prolactin which has caused massive weight gain and prediabetes. But I've been stable for over a year on the combo of invega and emsam. And even before the emsam I haven't had a full blown manic/mixed episode since starting the invega three years ago. So for me, I want to do everything I can to stay on the invega. I'm seeing an endocrinologist next week and I'm going to find out if the hormone problem can be treated. I'm trying to lose weight by eating low carb. When I get my blood work done for the endo I will also find out if my A1C has gone down. And I'm working on being confident despite the weight gain. I'd like to lose about 25 pounds just to fit into my clothes again but I've come to terms with the fact that if I remain on invega I may never be 145 pounds again. To me it's worth it to hold on to stability.

You have to decide whether it's worth it to you. Just so you know, lithium has some awful side effects. Not everyone gets them but most people do. They include tremors, dry mouth, increased thirst, and weight gain, to name a few. You also have to be monitored closely through blood tests to make sure your levels are therapeutic and that you don't go into toxicity. It's a lifesaver for many but lots of side effects.

Is there any way to treat the stuffy nose? Does nasal spray work for you? Like Flonase or something?

Thanks for sharing! I'm sorry you're having such problems, I'm keeping my fingers crossed you'll be able to work it out!
Yeah the side effects are why I'm very very reluctant to try lithium, it sounds unpleasant as hell. I've got a nasal spray that works pretty well for me at the moment, I'm just worried because I can't keep taking it forever

[meekayla]

Originally Posted by jacky8807

Just my opinion but i would try to stay on the lamictal. You have found something that works for you first and foremost and that is gold in the BP world. A stuffy nose is no fun but like wildflower said the side effects of lithium or most other meds are usually far far worse
Good luck!

Yeah I think you are right and I'll try to stick it out. I'm just too worried that whatever I would switch to would be worse in the end. Thanks for the advice!!

[Wild Coyote]

Meds have a lot of potential side-effects and adverse reactions.

You have been fortunate in being able to tolerate Lamictal.
I get the rash and cannot take it. I'd be pretty happy if I could take it and have some nasal stuffiness as a side-effect.

Lithium and Tegretol can each be very toxic in their own way. I have tried all 3 and would choose Lamictal, hands down.

As for naal stuffiness, you have mentioned a nasal spray. Some sprays, as you know, carry warnings for long-term use. Some do not.
Have you ever tried the natural nasal decongestant named "Ocean?" There are all kinds of generic variations of this spray. There are also Neti pot treatments.

If I was otherwise doing well on Lamictal, I'd do all I could to not have to change to a different med.

Just my own experience and opinion.


WC

[emgreen]

I'm on 200mg of Lamictal twice daily & haven't had the symptoms you've experienced. I'm sorry your nose is giving you problems to the extent you might have to find something else. I've experienced a few deep depressive episodes while on Lamictal (I don't know why), & my doctor has told me that Lithium is the "gold standard" as far as mood stablizers go. This surprised me, as it's such an old drug. I've been on it before & found the regular blood testing to be a hassle. Anyways, enough about me...I hope you find some relief from your symptoms no matter what you decide to do.

[Fuzzybear]

I agree with Wild Coyote

[magad687]

Originally Posted by meekayla

Hello everyone!

I'm currently really struggling with the decision of whether or not I should give up on Lamictal and switch to a different mood stabiliser.
I've been on it for about 2 months and I'm currently on 100 mg/day. I generally really like it a lot because it's helped me with my depression and it's also done wonders for my derealisation/depersonalisation.
I have none of the usual side effects, but I am considering going off it because I have a permanently stuffy nose. Not being able to breathe properly is really a nuisance, but I am so torn over whether it's enough of a detriment to give up on the benefits. My doctor is very disappointed that I don't tolerate the Lamictal well, but has suggested switching to either Lithium or Tegretol.

Lamictal is the first thing that has worked for me. I am so afraid of switching to another mood stabiliser because there is no guarantee it will work and also because it might have even worse side effects.

If anyone has any advice or experience to offer I'd be very grateful because this uncertainty is really scary and making my depression worse

I would stay on the lamictal. I take lamictal XR 300 mg and yes,I do have to blow my nose often. But to me , It's return of the depression or blow my nose often. I think you might weigh the pros and cons of it just like I did.

Good luck

[imaginethat]

Would you be willing to take a decongestant? It might be worth it if the Lamictal is working for you. Many other mood stabilizers have worse side effects.

[meekayla]

Thank you everyone!
Hearing your thoughts has really helped me lots to make up my mind! I'm going to try staying on Lamictal and I've set up an appointment with an allergy/nose specialist to figure out a permanent decongestant!

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Sorry if someone mentioned this already but maybe you can try a cold med or nasal sprays? If the lamictal is working then so whatever it takes to stick to it. I've been on it about the same time you've been and it's a godsend. No more rapid cycling or mixed episodes

I'd get with an ENT or allergist to see what can be done to treat the side effect safely and still continue with the lamictal since it is otherwise working well. At least then, you'll know whether there is a safe way to go about this or not, and you won't be stopping the lamictal without really knowing. I wouldn't self-treat the stuffy nose too long without input from a doctor since this may need to be a long-term treatment. You don't want to create another problem.