Bipolar Medication Woes

For an unknown reason, my Lamictal stopped working for a few months.  I do have some ideas on why this happened, but to be honest, they are not great explanations:

1. I really got off track with my dosage for a few weeks. It was hard to remember what I had or had not taken. I tried a variety of ways to deal with this. I have special pill boxes and reminders. I did everything that was needed.  (I got back on track quickly and it seemed like things were getting better. )

2. I have more stress in my life than normal. This can definitely make it harder for my meds to work effectively.  ( I use my Health Cards Treatment Plan for trigger management and dealing with stress.)

3. I had a different bottle of Lamictal. I don’t take generics as they don’t work for me, but the bottle was definitely a new [ Read More ]





Posted on February 15th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: About Julie, Lamictal, Medications

Generic Bipolar Disorder Medications

As may of you know if you’re a regular to this blog- I had a very bad reaction when I changed from brand name Lamictal to to generic Lamictal (lamtrigine.) Others made the switch just fine. If you have switched over from your brand Lamictal to generic Lamtrigine and have noticed a difference in the efficacy of the drug, there are many blog entries under the Lamictal tab to the right that explain generic bipolar drugs in great detail. You can also ready my story- it was quite a saga! But it has all worked out.  My mother who takes Lamictal had no problems and has stayed on the lamotrigine. I went back to brand Lamictal and am very happy with the results. No matter what you take, knowledge of generic bipolar disorder drugs is essential!

Julie

 lamictal

 viagraThis [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and Medication Side Effects

Oh the itching! If you follow this blog you know that I tried generic Lamictal for my bipolar disorder and then had to go back on brand Lamictal. Well! Since there were little meds in my system, I’m having major side effects from going back on the Lamictal!

I itch! I really itch! And it’s not the rash that comes with the drug. It’s internal like little squiggly creatures are crawling under my skin. It’s like they are amped up on caffeine! They itch.

I also have neck issues that make it difficult to find a comfortable place for my head when I try to sleep!

These are normal side effects and will go away. I was talking with a friend last night and we agreed that it’s such a fine balance between the side effects and the efficacy of the meds! For me, these side effects are uncomfortable, but definitely worth [ Read More ]





Posted on February 23rd, 2009 | Category: Lamictal, Medications

Generic Lamictal (lamotrigine) for bipolar disorder

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 [ Read More ]





Bipolar and Lamictal (generic Lamotrigine) the Thread on My meds are working….

I just did a post called My Meds are Working- there are some fantastic comments under the post. I have learned a lot from readers.

Here are the facts on generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine). There can be problems with the generic formula. This does not mean it won’t work for you- it does for many people. It does mean that you will need to monitor your moods once you switch. It’s a gradual change if the meds are not working- it seems to be around five weeks.

I really want to stress that generics are good things in many ways- costs, availability, etc. But as people with bipolar disorder, we have to take charge of our own health care. If you use my Health Cards treatment system, it’s a good idea to read your normal card while you take the generics.

Doctors can prescribe ‘brand’ Lamictal if the generics don’t work for you. I can’t believe [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder: My meds are working!

Hello to Everyone,

Wow, thanks so much for the nice comments. It has definitely been a tough week. I made it to all of my appointments- saw all of the people I said I would see and basically kept functioning, but work definitely suffered. I started with the correct meds two days ago and I’m already feeling better.

I receive a lot of blog comments with questions. Please feel free to offer tips to the person asking the question  as I think that we all have ideas on what can help manage this illness- and advice for those we care about people with the illness! I will answer all I can in the next week.

I will be back in action soon. I know the new meds will really help. I have a book proposal due, lots of email to answer and an article to write for BP Magazine. I have to get myself in [ Read More ]





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