[Netflixandcry56]

I’m currently just came off carbamazepine I was on it since 2013 and didn’t really feel it was working (I was wrong as I came off it re intro mania) but anyway it wasn’t doing anything but sending me into a depressed state and it altered how my other drugs (saphris and fluvoxamine) we’re working I find since I’ve been off it they work much better

But my anxiety is out of control i can barely leave my house and my moods r rapid cycling so as much as I wish I could do without another drug to the mix I feel I need one

Some I have been looking into are

Lamictal - which was the main reason I wanted to switch but I’m so scared of the rash side effect I don’t know if I can even handle taking it but I have severe depression episodes and I’ve read it’s amazing for that

Gabapentin- I’ve read great things on what it’s done for anxiety and I rely on clonzapam to get me thru the day and if this could get me off it and help my mood swings

I’ve tried lithium and valproic acid and haven’t been able to tolerate the side effects

My dx are
Bipolar 2 with severe depression episodes
Bpd
Severe gad/social anxiety with ocd tendencies
And anorexia

Any replies and experiences would be a appreciated

[WishfulThinker66]

You shouldn't be shopping for medication. This is a decision for you psychiatrist and mental healthcare professional to be making. I can't say enough that you ought not to be doing so yourself. Leave this for those who have an education in this. They will make a decision based on numerous factors evidence based not anecdotal. Please, please, please.

[IrisBloom]

I'm sure you know to discuss this with your doc. It is good to be informed about your meds and it's ok to ask the doc about trying something new.

I was having severe mood swings and my antidepressant didn't help so I asked about lamictal. It is the best med I've ever taken. Bear in mind that the list of side effects are possible, not probable. I've had no rash or any effects except peace of mind.

But again, discuss with your doc.

[Jester's Rags]

Lamictal is a great medication. I am on 200mg of it along with 1200mg Lithium for mood stabilizers. Lamictal is usually titrated up slowly to avoid side effects. I was on Depakote years ago, but this combo of Lamictal/Lithium is way more effective for me.

What side effects were you experiencing on Lithium?

[Netflixandcry56]

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

You shouldn't be shopping for medication. This is a decision for you psychiatrist and mental healthcare professional to be making. I can't say enough that you ought not to be doing so yourself. Leave this for those who have an education in this. They will make a decision based on numerous factors evidence based not anecdotal. Please, please, please.

I’ve gone through 11 years of doctors shoving whatever pills they want down my face and making me feel horrible now I do my research and present it to my psych doc I like to know what I’m getting into before putting something in my body I’ve been on over 20 psych meds and it’s been hell

Originally Posted by Jester's Rags

Lamictal is a great medication. I am on 200mg of it along with 1200mg Lithium for mood stabilizers. Lamictal is usually titrated up slowly to avoid side effects. I was on Depakote years ago, but this combo of Lamictal/Lithium is way more effective for me.


What side effects were you experiencing on Lithium?

I can’t quite remember it was a long time ago now I just remember coming off it because the side effects were to much

Originally Posted by IrisBloom

I'm sure you know to discuss this with your doc. It is good to be informed about your meds and it's ok to ask the doc about trying something new.


I was having severe mood swings and my antidepressant didn't help so I asked about lamictal. It is the best med I've ever taken. Bear in mind that the list of side effects are possible, not probable. I've had no rash or any effects except peace of mind.


But again, discuss with your doc.

Ofcourse this is just my pre research
I really wish I could get past the anxiety about the side effects of lamitcal

[88Butterfly88]

I'm currently taking Lamictal and it is helping me. Depakote worked even better for me but I had to go off it due to side effects.

[sarahsweets]

It's good to research medications and have a general idea of what you were looking for. Just so long as you realize the doctor has the medical degree and you do not. I can tell you that with Lamictal the rash side effects are not as common as you think. I do not know the statistics but I do know that you have to go up on the Dose very very slowly. I have been on Lamictal for about 14 years and it's been wonderful.

[Caprinaholic]

I just started Lamictal. My psychiatrist did warn me about the rash but said that it's very rare, and titrating up slowly will allow you to catch it early if you do have a reaction.