[wildflowerchild25]

So through research I just learned that depakote and lamictal have a MAJOR drug interaction!!! It can cause seizures, restlessness, and tremors, among other things. WHAT THE ****. Why did NIETHER of my doctors tell me this??? Why am I on both??? I am FREAKED OUT. I have a tremor and restlessness, which I thought was from the haldol.

What am I supposed to ****ing DO??? Which one do I tell the dr I need to go off of? I don’t want to stop lamictal, it’s helping with depression and I spend more time depressed than manic. My last hypomanic episode was not harmful. But I have blurred vision from lamictal??

I HATE THIS. I ****ing hate this and I want this ******** to STOP NOW. No more med changes. No more. I can’t take it anymore.

I am So discouraged right now.

Oh man! You are having one hell of a day.
If the tremor and restlessness are/get too bad, perhaps a trip to the ER would be in order. Definitely put in a call with your pdoc(s). Do they have an answering service (where someone answers, then the Dr. is contacted, like some places have for off-hours)?

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I was in a clinical trial combining depakote and lamictal (with lithium) as a proposed treatment for rapid cyclers and it was considered quite safe so while you definitely need to talk to your own doctors, you probably are ok for tonight. Of course that wouldn't help me and I'd probably try to reach someone on call but I really do think it is probably ok.

You've had such a stressful day. I hope you can get some rest soon.

[Guiness187055]

I was on both at one point. No issues whatsoever.

[Wild Coyote]

I hope you have been able to reach an on-call pdoc and/or a pharmacist. I would make sure a pharmacist is commenting as well, as meds are their specialty. The often have insights/knowledge many pdocs do not have concerning metabolic pathways, etc.

I hope you finds answers and are safe.


WC

[emgreen]

It's my opinion that when you go looking for trouble, you'll often find it. Drug companies have to list all POTENTIAL side-effects of meds to cover their butts legally. Since your average person has little knowledge of the incidence of a particular side-effect, they might cause themselves unnecessary panic by trying to self-diagnose low risk "shots in the dark." As WC pointed out, pharmacists are trained to identify problems of the nature you're describing...& it goes without saying, that pdocs are, as well. If you have any doubts, call your pharmacist, or try to get through to your pdoc. It sounds like you're really freaking out.

[wildflowerchild25]

I was freaking out. I’m sorry everyone. I just had such an emotional day. I’m calmer now. I never called anyone because it was late at night. I’m just worried because I do have a slight tremor and my vision is blurred, but that happened the last time I took lamictal on it’s own so that’s probably not a sign of impending doom. Except lamictal might not work for me if I can’t see properly.

I really am sorry. I’m embarrassed by my total meltdown over this. It was just the cap to a terribly stressful day.

You shouldn't feel embarrassed. You have legitimate concerns.

I hope you get the lamcital situation sorted out. I love lamictal, but it's not for everyone. There's no sense in taking something that improves your mood if you can't see anything. It's more dangerous not to be able to see.

[Wild Coyote]

Your concerns are valid! Truly no need for embarrassment.
We care about you.


WC

[HopeForChange]

I can't offer medical advice, but I do know that they can adjust the Depakote and Lamictal dosages to manage that interaction so they can be given together. Also, Haldol can cause tremors and, if you're taking Cogentin with it, that can cause blurry vision. This is just general info, but if you call your pharmacist or doctor, they can give you info specific to your situation.

[Guiness187055]

I once had a doctor say stay of the internet when it comes to symptoms. It starts with a headache and ends in a brain tumor. Best health advice I ever got.

[Shazerac]

Originally Posted by Guiness187055

I once had a doctor say stay of the internet when it comes to symptoms. It starts with a headache and ends in a brain tumor. Best health advice I ever got.

it is possible to Google your way to insanity. I’ve done it. Nowadays when I try a new med I don’t even read the description that comes along with the med. I want to go in with a clean slate and not have a list in the back of my mind of symtoms that “might happen”. I listen to what my body is telling me instead. If I break out in hives or start having projectile vomiting....well then that’s a sign it’s not the med for me.

[99fairies]

When my pharmacist pulls my name up on the computer, there is an entire page with black and red warnings about how most of my meds interact poorly with other ones I'm taking. But it must not be that bad, cuz they still give them to me.