I’ve been on my medication (Lamictal– generic Lamtrigine) since 2005. Unfortunately, the Lamictal has stopped working three times in the past six years. Well, it hasn’t stopped working exactly- if it did I would be suicidal pretty quickly. I should say that it is not working as well as it usually does.
All medications have an average/recommended dose as a guideline for prescribers. But this is only a start. People have such different brain chemistry that the dosage can be all over the place.
My problem is that I’m on the highest dose as possible for the Lamictal. 700mg. When the lower dose stopped working last year, my prescriber and I upped it to get me out of a really serious rapid cycling depression. (A few mood swings a day- waking up crying in the middle of the night, etc. )
And now it’s happening again. I can’t raise the dose. I use the management plan I write about in my books- I use it 24 hours a day to keep myself going. I do well with my work, have a good time with friends, take a lot of walks with my hiking buddy Sheri and try to remind myself that IT”s AN ILLNESS and it lies to me- just like it lies to all of us. I have a good life.
I know that going through this helps me understand what this illness does to people. I always remain positive that I will keep finding new ways to stay stable.
I’ve been through this before and know I can get through it once again. Isn’t this an odd illness? I can understand cancer, broken bones, pneumonia, concussions and so many more physical injuries- but bi-polar disorder is just so weird!
Julie
I have no insurance and BP meds are very expensive, is the medication assistance for a single woman with BP disorder. I know I don’t qualify for medicaid benefits and so often I go without meds because of the price. Does anyone know where I can recieve assistance?
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear this. I know you work really hard. You have been an inspiration to me. I hope you can find some peace and a medicine that works. This is one of my biggest fears. I have tried a few meds and decided (stupidly so) that my ex-husband was the cause of my illness and I no longer needed meds. As of now, I am back on Lamictal and it is augmented with Prozac to control my severe depression, anxiety, OCD and eating disorder. It is working now and I am starting to enjoy life again. I really hope you can find something to work for you. I know you loved Lamictal and you were my inspiration for trying it. You responded to a post I had last year about my fears with Lamictal. It was very comforting and for the short run, I kept taking it. I know support is necessary when dealing with this illness. I am offering support to you in this difficult time. Good luck and you are in my thoughts.
Hi Terri,
Thank you so much for your comments. The Lamictal has kicked back in- I truly am not sure what happened, but it was awful! I will also keep trying with Lamictal!
I am glad it’s working for you. I’m intered that it’s helping with an eating disorder. Feel free to write more.
Julie
Hi, Julie,
Lamictal helps with the eating disorder because it is weight neutral. I have a really hard time staying compliant on meds that caused me to gain weight. I loved Seoquel, but after gaining 7 pounds in a week after going up to 450 mg, I immediately stopped. Also, the eating disorder tends to manifest starting with the depression and it triggers mania the lower my weight gets. The Lamictal has been a huge help controlling the depression without triggering the manic episodes. Lastly, as with most people with eating disorders, if I can’t control what is going on around me I can control what is going in my mouth. When depression and the anxiety associated with the OCD begins, I feel really out of control. The Lamictal along with Prozac has given me some control back as well as the ability to deal with the external things I can’t control in a much healthier and safe manner. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Good luck. I am glad it is working again. I hope the mild hypo mania ends soon.
Sending good thoughts…. hang in there.
Thank you Mary! I rapid cycle so much it’s hard to know what’s coming the next day. I’ve now moved into a mild hypomania. It’s easy to get seduced by it, but I will keep it under control.
Julie