[Mapleleaf]

Hi everyone! I posted a thread in the introduction section. Briefly, I suffer from chronic depression and anxiety, perhaps some cyclothymia or BP2 (very weak if so). I currently take 200mg of generic Lamictal. In the past, I have taken Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Pristiq. All of them had too many side effects for me, specifically sexual ones. Around 2 years ago, I was working in an abusive environment and developed severe depression, anxiety and IBS. I got onto Lamictal through titration up to 150. I got out of that work situation, most of my depression/anxiety cleared up and my IBS went away. Some of this could have been the work situation and some could be the Lamictal.

I find that Lamictal is hands down the best medication I have taken because it does just enough to keep me balanced but does not have too many side effects for me. Last year, I had a bit of SAD, so my psych bumped me up to 200. For around 8 months, I was very apathetic, unmotivated and uninterested in my relationships. I used to be a runner, but I wasn't interested. I almost completely checked out of my marriage and just watched a lot of tv.

I believe that some of this has been that I am on too much Lamictal. But before Christmas, it was almost like I woke up and realized what was going on. I have forced myself to do more things, focus on my relationships, stop watching tv and exercise more.

So my question is this: should I ask to titrate back down to 150 or have I made it through the 200 fog and should continue? I see my psych near the end of February so I am just trying to come up with a clearer plan before my appointment.

[*Laurie*]

For me, it's sometimes hard to know symptoms that are caused by depression and symptoms that are caused by med side-effects.

It's great that for the most part, Lamictal is helping you. Right before Christmas was about six weeks ago...how are you feeling now? If you're still feeling apathetic, yes- I would tell your pdoc.

[Nammu]

Talk to your doctor about it. I found lamictal to make me too apathetic so I quit, but it sounds like 150 was a sweet spot for you.

[still_crazy]

many (most?) psych drugs can cause apathy. The anticonvulsants, the antidepressants, and of course...the antipsychotics...tend to be the worst offenders.

[Mapleleaf]

It's also hard for me to tell what's causing it... but the fact that I am aware of it and am lacking self control with food, etc, points to the medication for me. I am betting my psych will want to add a med, but I am hoping to just go back down to 150. I am concerned about the depression/anxiety and the irritability (which I am expecting a great deal of) that will come with going down. If I miss one day, my irritability goes through the roof, so I am worried what going down will do.

[Nammu]

Missing a day causes a drastic drop in the blood level, just lowering it won't do that but ya gotta remember to take it daily

[Mapleleaf]

Hi Laurie - I am actually feeling a bit anxious now, but that is a spiraling issue that I am aware of. I was triggered and am working my way out of the spiral. I still feel a bit apathetic, but I think I broke through most of it. Which is why I am considering staying on 200.

I have gained about 6-7 pounds since the summer but that is mainly from the apathy and lack of self control and exercise. I am leaning towards going down to 150 at this point. My appointment is still not for 2 more weeks so I have more time to think about it.

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

For me, it's sometimes hard to know symptoms that are caused by depression and symptoms that are caused by med side-effects.

It's great that for the most part, Lamictal is helping you. Right before Christmas was about six weeks ago...how are you feeling now? If you're still feeling apathetic, yes- I would tell your pdoc.

My doctor had me on 375mgs of Lamictal. I lowered myself down to 225mgs. I still don't have panic attacks, side effects, or depression, so there is that. But it's a double edged blade because it balances my emotions too well. It leaves me nearly flat affectively.
I attempted to go down to 150mgs but Panic attacks started happning like clockwork so I had to go back up to 225.
When the first rough draft of my book is done, I plan on getting off of it for awhile and just use Ativan to control the panic attacks for a few months to go over my book.

[newtus]

Sounds like a solid plan, DT. Does ur pdoc know about the lowering? I dont know why itd be an problem either way tho.