Archive for the ‘Medications’ Category
Sunday, February 8th, 2009
Bipolar Disorder and Medication Woes: Generic Lamictal ( Lamotrigine)
This is a long newsletter as it is a long story about bipolar disoder and genetic medications!
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Have you noticed that bipolar disorder can sneak up on you in so many ways? I’m always amazed when it sneaks up on me and I get sick no matter how carefully I manage the illness. For the past few weeks, I’ve had a terrifically difficult time working. I have also been really hard on myself. I kept saying, “What is wrong with me! Why can’t I just sit down and finish this book project! It’s only about 20 hours of work and then I can get another book deal! Why am I putting off something that completely affects my future?” This went on for weeks. I just assumed I was being lazy. But I know I’m not a lazy person!
I also found myself spending a lot more time alone – and I’m a very social person. My brain just seemed to shut off. I floated around a lot. There was little creativity and I had trouble sitting down. I then had trouble with anger and got mildly manic a few times. I started to twitch and felt really itchy. And still… I was hard on myself for not getting things done!
I got out of the house and saw friends- but everything was a struggle. I used all of the tips in my books and that kept me functioning. Soon, I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. I was so restless. But I was also super tired! Then the depression started. It was the kind of depression where I not only felt hopeless, I cried a lot and had trouble completing tasks. I have been like this many times in my life, so I kept going, but it was hard.
Finally, I went to visit a writing friend of mine a few hours away from my house. I had anxiety on the way there and had trouble deciding if I should spend the night or come back and sleep in my own bed. I couldn’t sit and then started twitching again. I alternately felt ok and then anxious. And then it hit me…. it had to me by meds. If you have been following my medication situation on the blog, you will know I switched to generic Lamictal in December. This is actually called generic Lamotrigine. When I got back from my friend’s house- I had such a bad downswing I had to call my mom, my coauthor John, my insurance company and my doctor to help me. They all agreed it was my meds.
I did a LOT of research to make sure the generics were fine. I was told they have the same active ingredients, but that the way they metabolize in the body can differ with each person. The active ingredients may have been the same, but the way the medication went into my body didn’t work. I’m now back to my Lamictal and am starting to feel better. I also feel relief that it wasn’t me- it was the bipolar. This is the reversal of the typical, it’s not you, it’s me! Ha ha.
Generics work for most people- my mom is on generic Lamictal with no problems. There is a long discussion regarding this topic on the blog. If you go to the right menu and click on Lamictal, you will see the entries and comments.
I wrote this long newsletter for a few reasons- first, we have to be so vigilant (as do the people around us) and notice the signs of illness way before they go too far. I had been doing much better work wise for almost a year, so when it got tough, I should have seen that there was something wrong. Also, isolating myself is not the real me and I am very rarely tired. There is a long list of what I could have seen. I also knew in my heart that generics were not right for me as I am ridiculously sensitive to medications. The person with bipolar disorder and the people around that person are the best tools for managing the illness. When I got out my Health Cards and looked over my symptoms, I saw so many signs that I was ill. I wish I had opened them sooner!
I am doing quite well these days. It’s great. Now I can finally get my book proposal done and be proud of myself!
FYI: The brand Lamical is made by Glaxo Smith Kline. It’s an anti convulsant that is especially effective for treatment resistant depression. It also helps my rapid cycling, hypomania, OCD, psychotic and ADHD symptoms! This is why I got so ill with the generic lamtrigine. Whether you take Lamictal or the lamotrigine works for you, as it does many people – it truly is a miracle drug and I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.
Julie
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http://www.bipolarhappens.com/hcnl.php
A final note: I want to reiterate that I am not against generic medications at all! I just want all of us to monitor symptoms very carefully whenever we change meds or try new meds. We know our bodies best!
Tags: Bipolar Medications, generic lamictal, generic lamotrigine, generic medications bipolar, Lamictal
Posted in Lamictal, Medications | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
I’m really struggling today. I swear I would do anything just to get rid of these constant mood swings. I have friends with bipolar disorder who have a lot of normal days- by normal I mean that they aren’t in some kind of mood swing. I rarely have a normal day. Today seems to be a mixture of mild depression, worry, lack of focus and a definite concern that my meds aren’t working correctly. I have a big writing project due and it feels like climbing Mt. Everest even though I only need a few more days to get it done.
Every day since I came back from a trip to Texas and Florida has been difficult. Not it a bad way- in other words I didn’t have a terrible depression when I got back- but there is always something to deal with. I just feel physically uncomfortable and can’t seem to find a good place to sit down and write.
I wrote Get it Done When You’re Depressed to deal with times like these. I use the tips daily- right now I’m ‘working with a friend.’ I traveled south to Eugene, Oregon to see a writer friend of mine who also has bipolar disorder. So she understands me! She writes her own books and also edits manuscripts. She’s very good- and she struggles the same way I do. These darn mood swings really affect our ability to work the way we want to.
So, I’m struggling today- that doesn’t mean I have to struggle tonight. It’s 4:30 PM and it’s starting to get dark. I know that I will feel so much better if I get work done- and if I have a plan ready for tomorrow. I constantly remind myself that this is an illness. I have no desire to be depressed and restless- it’s an illness. I can get better and I always do!
Julie
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Posted in Lamictal, Medications | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Hi Julie,
I was taking generic Lamictal for 4 weeks during December, but around Christmas the side effects-headache, anxiety-became too much on 50mg. I know you’re not a doctor, but in your experience do these subside over time. I’m a street musician in Portland and just getting turned on to your bi-polar crusade. Your work looks pretty amazing.
Regards,
Ted
Hi Ted,
Well, side effects are so tricky as they depend on the person. For example, I take 500mg of generic Lamictal (also called generic Lamotrigine) and have more side effects when my dose gets too low!
The normal Lamictal dose is 250mg- but that is just an average. What matters is that it works- the dose depends on the person taking the meds.
My first question would be just that- did it work? If it did, you may want to wait out the side effects if you can- if they are even moderately tolerable. It’s such a great drug when it works, but the side effects can be tough. I had them for three months until they got better. Mine were severe neck stiffness and breathing problems. Now I get the restless legs and twitching! It is an anti epileptic drug, so it makes sense it would really affect our nervous systems. If the side effects really are impossible to live with, you have some options.
If you are well enough to function in terms of bipolar- then you can talk to your doctor about going onto a lower dose until you can tolerate the side effects and then very slowing going up in dose. You have to be really careful about going down in dose though as withdrawal can be tough and painful!
This is definitely something to talk about with your doctor. I would have a list of questions to ask so that you can get the most out of an office visit. I don’t suggest doing this on your own as you need to be closely monitored for mood swings. I went down too quickly once and got super depressed.
It can take many months for a medication to work and many months for the side effects to lessen. Sometimes, they don’t go away and you have to switch meds. I hope your side effects can get better as Lamictal is such an amazing drug.
Good luck, maybe I will see you when I walk around in Portland!
Julie
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Posted in Lamictal, Medications | 1 Comment »
Saturday, January 17th, 2009
I’ve written a lot about Lamictal and Generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine) the past few months. This is the drug I take as do many other people with bipolar disorder. One reader commented that she couldn’t sleep when she was on Lamictal. That was a side effect I had not heard. Other people have had the same problem- here is a comment from a reader:
Hi Julie,
It took nine months before I could sleep without some sleep aid. Low doses of Zyprexa or levomepromazin helped.
Lena
Hi Lena,
A friend of mine has had trouble sleeping and her doctor suggested that she use a small dose of Zyprexa. She knows it will work, but she’s scared to feel like a zombie again. She just started a new job. It’s frustrating for her. Others use the Zyprexa with great success. She has to find something that will work for her.
I wasn’t familiar with the other drug you mentioned, so I looked it up.
Levomepromazin is an anti psychotic that has strong sedative effects. I can see how it would work like Zyprexa in terms of sleep. Currently, Levomepromazine is not registered in the USA. In Europe it has been marketed for decades as Neurocil® and Nozinan®.
Nozinan® is also available in Canada.
I also read that it has a lot of side effects in high doses which may be why it’s not used as an anti psychotic in the US. Or, of course, it could just be something economic!
Severe sleep problems are really dangerous for people with bipolar disorder, so if you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor and get more information. Also, make sure your sleep problems are not a result of mania!
Some drugs, like Lamictal produce such unbelievable relief- people are willing to stay on then despite the side effects. Sometimes the side effects are just too strong. It depends on the person. The good news is that side effects often get a lot better if you can make it through the first three to six months.
Julie
Tags: , anti epileptic drugs lamictal, bipoalr illness, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disroder, bipolar illness, bipolarhappens.com, dangerous rash lamictal, dangerous side effects lamictal, drugs, generic lamictal, generic lamotrigine, help with lamictal, julie bipolar tips, julie fast, julie fast bipolar tips, juliefast.com, lamictal and twitching, lamictal dosage, lamictal excellent drug, lamictal is lamtrigine, lamictal problems, lamictal questions, lamictal side effects, lamictal teenagers, lamictal troubles, lamictal withdrawal, lamotrigine, lamtigine, manic depression, medication problems, medication side effects, medication trouble, mood stabilizer, neck lamictal, problems with lamictal, psych drugs, psychiatric drugs, rash lamictal, son on lamictal, what are the side effects of lamictal? should I try lam, what is lamictal? Lamictal kids, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Lamictal, Medications | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
Hi Julie,
I just read all the blogs and comments on Lamictal (and the generic) and they really answered a lot of questions for me. First off, and I know you’re not supposed to do this, but my daughter had some left over when she tried it so I used those up before I refilled my prescription. I noticed a couple of different things that happened to me while taking her prescription but I blew them off not even thinking about them until I read the blogs. The first one was a twitch I got in my left hand when using the computer mouse and the second one is the rash that I got on my chest just above the breast. I am very thankful that all of you talked about the Lamictal side effects. The only thing is these symptoms didn’t show up until I used my daughter’s prescription. Could it have been because of the age of the pills? Everything else about them is the same as mine. I just wasn’t sure if there is an expiration date on them or not but this is my only explanation of these 2 symptoms. What do y’all think?
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
It’s always best to talk with your doctor regarding the rash. There is one serious rash, but very few people get it- I know of one who had to stop the drug out of the hundreds of people I know who take Lamictal. The rash is often benign and can be treated with benedryl. Defintely call your doctor though and just give them an update. I have to stress that a mild rash is very normal. A rash that really itches with oozing sores like poison ivy is not ok! I still get a lot of itching from the drug, but I live with it. I always say it’s best to check in with a health care professional. My coauthor Dr. John Preston is my source of info, so I’m lucky I can call him with all of my questions and he mentioned that most are benign.
Remember, I am not a medical doctor!
As for the twitching- you should see me when it really gets going! It’s pretty comical. It’s very uncomfortable- especially in the legs. I know it means my dose is not correct. There is NO question that my side effects increased when I had to start the generic Lamictal, but the meds are working and that is all that matters to me. I’ve found that the side effects calm down over time.
Regarding taking your daughter’s pills, I use my mom’s pills if I forget mine. She is on Lamictal as well. I say it’s a lot better to take what is there than to go without! The age of the Lamictal is a question you can ask you doctor or pharmacist. If you switched between regular and generic that may be the problem. This is beacuse the way they make the pills can be differnt and we absorb the drugs differently. I assume my body will adjust.
I love this drug as you know, but the side effects can definitely be strong. But not as strong as Zyprexa for example. I can live with them.
Thanks for your question and definitely check in with your doctor about the rash if it continues, spreads or oozes! Mine comes and goes so I can live with it!
Julie
Tags: , anti epileptic drugs lamictal, bipoalr illness, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disroder, bipolar illness, bipolarhappens.com, dangerous rash lamictal, dangerous side effects lamictal, drugs, generic lamictal, generic lamotrigine, help with lamictal, julie bipolar tips, julie fast, julie fast bipolar tips, juliefast.com, lamictal and twitching, lamictal dosage, lamictal excellent drug, lamictal is lamtrigine, lamictal problems, lamictal questions, lamictal side effects, lamictal teenagers, lamictal troubles, lamictal withdrawal, lamotrigine, lamtigine, manic depression, medication problems, medication side effects, medication trouble, mood stabilizer, neck lamictal, problems with lamictal, psych drugs, psychiatric drugs, rash lamictal, son on lamictal, what are the side effects of lamictal? should I try lam, what is lamictal? Lamictal kids, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Lamictal, Medications | 2 Comments »
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Well, I have been traveling for a week- first to Texas and now in Florida. It has been great, but I have had a lot of sleep and medication problems.
I am really uncomfortable as I write this- I have what I call the Lamictal twitches and I feel like I’m going to crawl out of my skin. I hate it. I’m pretty sure I took my dose this morning, so this is odd. It’s amazing how uncomfortable these side effects can be. It’s hard to live with sometimes- but the Lamictal is worth it for me.
Actually, I should say Lamotrigine as I am now on the generic. Who knows if the side effects worsened because of the medication change. I have not seen a change in my moods, so that is all that matters. There is a big discussion on the generic Lamictal on the blog- if you go to the right side menu and click on Lamictal, you can see all of the entries.
OK. I have to stand up or I am going to twitch out of my chair!
Julie
Tags: , anti epileptic drugs lamictal, bipoalr illness, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disroder, bipolar illness, bipolarhappens.com, dangerous rash lamictal, dangerous side effects lamictal, drugs, help with lamictal, julie bipolar tips, julie fast, julie fast bipolar tips, juliefast.com, lamictal and twitching, lamictal dosage, lamictal excellent drug, lamictal is lamtrigine, lamictal problems, lamictal questions, lamictal side effects, lamictal teenagers, lamictal troubles, lamictal withdrawal, lamotrigine, manic depression, medication problems, medication side effects, medication trouble, mood stabilizer, neck lamictal, problems with lamictal, psych drugs, psychiatric drugs, rash lamictal, son on lamictal, what are the side effects of lamictal? should I try lam, what is lamictal? Lamictal kids, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Lamictal, Medications | 3 Comments »
Sunday, December 28th, 2008
Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine is an anti psychotic drug (also known as a neuroleptic) used to treat psychosis and psychotic mania.
It’s called an atypical antipsychotic as it is a new class of drugs with less side effects that the old anti-psychotics such as Thorazine and Haldol. Zyprexa is known for weight gain- an average of 20 pounds per person, but I definitely know people who don’t gain weight at all.
Zyprexa is used to treat bipolar disorder mania and psychosis – (and schizophrenia.)
I have seen it work miracles on people who are very ill. It’s hard to find a balance between the benefits of the drug and the side effects- but for many, the benefits are what matters. I have a friend who was on the drug for two years to keep her mania and psychosis in check. It definitely kept her out of the hospital- but she felt over drugged and gained weight. I am so incredibly proud of her for staying on it. She is now stable and no longer needs a high dose of the Zyprexa.
I just saw her today and she said, “I’m staying on it Julie. I can’t get sick like that again.” She looked so great today. I’m glad to see doing so well!
Julie
Tags: Abilify, anti anxiety, anti convulsants, anti depressants, anti psychotics, antianxiety, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, Ativan, bipolarhappens.com, Depakote, Effexor, julie fast, juliefast.com, Klonopin, medication side effectrs, meds, mood stabilizers, Olanzapine, Prozac, Risperdal, Seroquel, tegretol, Valium, Wellbutrin, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com, Zoloft, Zyprexa
Posted in Medications, Zyprexa | 1 Comment »
