Lamictal & other anti-convulsants question

Hi Cam,
Here I go again with the "questions" again
If a person was mis diagnosed as Bipolar-II(mild) during a major marital upset triggering the behaviour which was mistaken for Bipolar behaviour, then turns out that person really wasn't after all just really upset at that time, and have been on anti-convulsant/seizure meds, what if any, type of effects and long term damage possiblities be?
Like if a person was given a med that never needed it such as the type I mentioned, and also did not have epilepsy, how would this effect them or would it not in anyway.

Another bothersome question, does Klonopin, Ativan and the other "benzos" cause memory loss? I mentioned that to my pdoc and he said it has been known to cloud memory, but then naturally after I am out to the parking lot, I realized the questions I should have asked like, is this memory loss permanent? I mean it has been great in things I'd like to forget, but since I have been on Lamictal and the other 2 I am finding that I even have to think how to spell very simple words before I write, or arrive someplace with no recollection of how I got there, not really that but I'll feel that there was some time warp type of occurance. If this is medication related what is the possible culprit?
And the last is what I asked above, if a person does not require anti-seizure type meds how would they feel while on them?
I know you are busy and I think these Lamictal questions may have been asked in the past, I "forgot" so forgive me if I have posted them in the past.
Boy, am I glad you are back, tee! hee! we are certainly blessed having Cam back to help answer drug questions

Thanks ahead of time
"darkeyes"

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

Is there anyone that may know an answer to this? I think Cam is busy or away, till then has anyone here been on Lamictal?
Looking forward to hear from anyone who has
DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

darkeyes - I do not know of any longterm problems associated with taking psychotropics (including anti-epileptic drugs) when there is no permanent mood disruption.

There is a condition known as a "brief psychotic reaction" in which a person may appear to have one or the major psychiatric disorders (eg schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, et.), but the symptoms last a relatively short time (eg 6 months). Brief psychotic reactions are often misdiagnosed as a first break or "triggering event" of a major psychiatric disorder.

This is the point that my expertise begins to fade, as I am not able to clinically follow-up those who've had a reversable psychiatric condition (these people don't need medications, therefore they no longer need me). Maybe DocJohn has seem some of these cases.

As for taking medications, I have seen no differences in health issues between those who have taken (or are taking) psychotropics for a continuing condition and those who were mistakenly given drugs when they were not necessary. Ordinarily, I only see problems when the wrong drug is given to a patient that has been misdiagnosed. For example, I have seen "manic switches" in a couple of people who had been misdianosed as having major depressive disorder, but actually did have bioplar disorder. I have seen no similar long term consequences in people who have mistakenly be given mood stabilizers. Although, I am only speaking from my direct experiences. Other health professionals may deal with these people, but I have not had the occasion to here of these cases.

Most drugs that cause memoy problems (like benzodiazepines) do so in a way that involves "state-dependent learning"; it is easier to remember something when you are in the "state" (simialr mental mood and similar environment) in which you learned it. Benzodiazepines slow dampen neurotransmission, so you are not able to retain as much information when learning something while the benzo is acting in your body.

Lamictal™ (lamotrigine) is a little different. It seems to interupt certain aspect of cognition, but again, only when the drug is acting in your body. As time goes by, your brain does seem to compensate for these Lamictal-induced memory lapses.

In both cases above, I have seen no real proof of any long term cognition problems once these drugs have been stopped. I have seen those who have abused benzodiazepines for years who definitely seem to have comprehension problems, but you do have to work at getting to that level.

I hope that I was able to answer your qustions. If not, repharase them and I'll give 'em another go.

- Cam

Thanks, Cam
Fortunately I have no need of a worry of ever getting hooked on the "benzos", I prefer being awake and alert (though often I am not, ha!ha!) I have met people though that have gotten hooked on them.
My present pdoc and former one, would only prescribe 15 tablets at a 4-6 week visit, so with that amount of time lapse and only 15 tablets makes me feel confident that the pdocs (at least mine) take good care not to get patients hooked.
He says that it is possible that I amay get off of all meds. being that my case of Bipolar -II is so mild, we were suppose to try it this summer but mom's major health issues worsened and now lives with me (major stress) so the doc wanted to just wait, especially this happening after my father died last year, doc says too many things on my plate at the present time but we will definately give it try but very gradually. I presently take 200mgs of Lamictal a day total, and Ativan if really having anxiety at nite that would prevent me from getting adequate (sp?) sleep, the Klonopin if I should feel a panic attack coming, I've only had 3 for the first time this year, so maybe I may be able to be drug free again in my life, and stop losing the "old memory"
Thanks again,
"darkeyes"

Hoping all is well with you, please take care

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

DE- Good luck, a drug holiday is worth a try. To be safe, just be sure to have someone around that will be able to notice any changes in your behavior as you become and remain drug-free. - Cam