[TicTacGo]

Hi all.

I’ve been put on a variety of meds and it has become apparent that things are not as clear-cut. My mood will not stabilize no matter what we do, so I’ll likely get a mood stabilizer.

(Likely bipolar and not resistant depression, as the latter apparently remains constant while my mood goes up and down.)

I’ve been on lithium. A few unpleasant side effects- not prepared to go back there unless everything else has been tried. I’ve also been on lamotrogine and seemed to gain weight. I’d try it again before lithium.

What else would my doctor possibly put me on? I know that the lamotrogine would be a possibility, but what else?

Thanks.

[Guiness187055]

Depakote

[Deejay14]

Tegretol

[childofchaos831]

Abilify is what I use. Some of the newer antipsychotics are used as mood stabilizers.

[Blue_Bird]

I'm on Trileptal as a mood stabilizer and to help with my eating disorder

[TicTacGo]

Thanks for the replies.

I guess it is likely she will choose one of the above mentioned if we rule out lithium and possibly Lamictal.

BTW do you need regular blood testing for any of those?

[still_crazy]

trileptal or lamictal. sometimes, if you're on other drugs, even gabapentin can be helpful...I wouldn't try it as the main treatment, though.

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by TicTacGo

Thanks for the replies.

I guess it is likely she will choose one of the above mentioned if we rule out lithium and possibly Lamictal.

BTW do you need regular blood testing for any of those?

My doctor does blood testing once in awhile for the Trileptal, the only thing that really has to be watched for is sodium levels because it can cause them get too low which is not good. She does this maybe 2 or 3 times a year, more if I need my dose adjusted. I had previously been on Depakote and then Lithium before that. Out of the 3 I've had the least issues with Trileptal and it has been helpful.

[TicTacGo]

Update:

My doctor has put me on Lamictal. We are slowly (emphasis on slowly) tapering up from 25 mg to 200 mg.

This would now be my 6th medication, which I will discuss with her next time because this is honestly ridiculous. Six?
-> Antidepressant(s)- yes help with OCD and mood to some extent though on 3 of them.
-> Mood stabilizer- yes, that is clearly necessary.
-> Antipsychotic #1- Seroquel does help me sleep with the nasty side effect of having me eat everything salty or sweet I can get my hands on. She has lowered it to 50 as 100 mg is not even an efficient (therapeutic) dosage with regards to mood stabilizing.
-> Antipsychotic #2- Fluanxol was prescribed for body dysmorphia about a year and a half ago, but wouldn't the antidepressants help for that?

I see potential for at least the Fluanxol to be dropped and the Seroquel to be phased out. four is still a bit much, but better than six.

[*Laurie*]

Six...actually, that's not many. Unfortunately.