[glowsinthedark]

took my first 2 mini mini doses of lamictal - a major feat for me. was a bit sick to my stomach both days but that could have been a coincidence. have also been itchy but thought that could be a coincidence also (anxiety LOVES coincidences!). but then last night the bottoms of my feet and my palms started to get this super itchy-burning feeling followed by hints of hives all over my body. I've had this before and it's gotten unbearable, never could figure out what caused it though. I don't think it's necessarily from the lamictal, but it just really freaked me out. My fear of the rash is overblown and slightly ir(rash)ional (get it?), but the anxiety is real and it's too much. My health phobias/anxiety almost always trigger depression, which I'm already experiencing :/ The worst catch 22 when it comes to meds.

So, what else can I do?

I don't feel like I need an anti-manic agent. I have been on the depressed/anxious end of the spectrum for a while now and have never experienced full-blown mania. Obviously lamictal makes the most sense, but what about an SSRI + a low dose of lithium? Something to get me out of this darkness and just a little something to keep me from flip flopping all over the place?

What do those of you with mostly depression/anxiety do?

I too had anxiety over "the rash".... but also the brain can manifest your physical worries. Have you googled lamictal rash images? That helped me a lot. And if you are experiencing something that you've experienced before....then you most probably will be alright.

The first weeks on lamictal are the worst for it takes so long for the therapeutic dose is arrived. Can you get something for your anxiety?

Bipolar and SSRI doesn't mix well without an effective stabilizer in effect just yet. It's a golden ticket to hypomania.

Hang in there sweety.

[glowsinthedark]

well now you're just tempting me! (re: ticket to hypomania). My writing is SO boring right now, I would give anything for some sparks.

how did you deal with your anxiety? I have looked at lots of pictures (yikes!) and am somewhat comforted by the fact that the bad rash isn't really an itchy sort of rash, but I don't like that it can start with symptoms as vague as fatigue and headache - my two best friends.

I can't stop imagining getting the rash and cursing myself for taking such a risk (it's actually very similar to my don't get on an airplane logic). I know I take a bigger risk everyday when I get in my car, so thinking this way is nonsense, but there it is. I guess a part of me still believes I can get over this if I just keep trying hard enough, so why risk dying or becoming permanently blind over a med? (What's the saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? ugh, that's me).

Originally Posted by glowsinthedark

well now you're just tempting me! (re: ticket to hypomania). My writing is SO boring right now, I would give anything for some sparks.

how did you deal with your anxiety? I have looked at lots of pictures (yikes!) and am somewhat comforted by the fact that the bad rash isn't really an itchy sort of rash, but I don't like that it can start with symptoms as vague as fatigue and headache - my two best friends.

I can't stop imagining getting the rash and cursing myself for taking such a risk (it's actually very similar to my don't get on an airplane logic). I know I take a bigger risk everyday when I get in my car, so thinking this way is nonsense, but there it is. I guess a part of me still believes I can get over this if I just keep trying hard enough, so why risk dying or becoming permanently blind over a med? (What's the saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? ugh, that's me).

After seeing a few doctors over everything growing on my skin (lol)....I just did everything to avoid thinking about it n

[Victoria'smom]

What about trying just abilify, zyprexa or Quetiapine? Have you seen a psychiatrist yet?

[glowsinthedark]

i was under the impression those meds are more for the manic side of things (?) maybe i'm wrong about that...

I am in the process of finding a new pdoc (was in this short-term program thing that has ended, so need new therapist too).

[hahayeahtotallylol]

You need to understand, Most drugs for this disorder are to stop mania.

If you need a boost, try Wellbutrin. Although with your anxiety it may be too much.

[Victoria'smom]

Abilify, I know is used to treat depression. The other two are for mono therapy bipolar. There's also symbyax for mono therapy.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by glowsinthedark

i was under the impression those meds are more for the manic side of things (?) maybe i'm wrong about that...

I am in the process of finding a new pdoc (was in this short-term program thing that has ended, so need new therapist too).

I take Abilify for depression.

[Sunflower123]

I thought Lamictal was the medication where you have to watch for the rash because it's a serious side effect.

[Guiness187055]

It's a shame you feel that way because lamictal is a great drug for a lot of people

[glowsinthedark]

So I decided I would check in with my dr about the itchiness and tiny hives and then try it again. She told me that it definitely could have been from the lamictal even at that small dose and to wait a week but if those symptoms return then it means I'm allergic and will have to stop.

I know it's stupid but I'm very close to just taking more Zoloft, just for a little bit to pull me out of this.