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 ]
If you read my blog below, you can tell I’ve really had trouble lately in terms of getting my work done. I always have struggles, but I use the ideas in my books and just keep going. When it’s hard for me to even sit down, then I know something is not right physically.
My friend Sherri called last night and said, “Are you ok! I just read your blog and I’m worried about you!”
Hmm.. I didn’t mean to sound that bad! But it has been pretty bad. I have many ways to figure out what is wrong when I’m having mood swings- the first is to check the triggers. I know that troublesome relationships cause me a lot of trouble- which leads to mood swings- book deadlines that are too intense can also make me quite ill, but I always keep working.
This time, nothing is going on. There are no triggers. Yes, [ Read More ]
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 [ Read More ]
I honestly think that switching to the generic Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has made me more tired. I know it has increased my other side effects. As I’ve said in a lot of other posts, it’s working exactly the same as Lamictal in terms of mood swings. Which is good! But I am not myself physically. I am sure this will end, but it’s definitely proof that generics are not the same as the original product in terms of the non active ingredients. If you look under the Lamictal category on the right, you can read some great discussions on what it was like for those of us who went from Lamictal to generic Lamotrigine!
I wonder who else has had trouble changing to a generic? I’m not even sure if trouble is the right word as the meds are working, but I do know we should get more information [ Read More ]
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. [ Read More ]
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 [ Read More ]
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