Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Medication For Bipolar Depression
My Psychiatrist is telling me I have Bipolar depression. With the exception of the crying spells I do have all the other symptoms. I am currently taking seroquel, wellbutrin, setraline, clonipin and gabapentin. She wants to wean me off of Gambapentin and start me on Lamictal. The side effects scare the crap outta me. Can I just adjust my seroquel dosage? My goal was to possibly get off these drugs as lately I ve been feeling more tired than usual ( I m 60). Your thoughts?
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
Hi,
Lamictal is a very effective medication for treatment of lamotrigine. Even though there are side effects that can occur, the benefits of Lamictal outweigh the risk. Moreover, Lamictal will be started at the lowest dose and slowly treated up to minimize side effects and improve tolerance.
Even though Seroquel also works for Bipolar depression, it is not as effective as Lamictal and has the potential for causing more side effects like confusion, memory loss, etc., especially in the elderly. So it is best to discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist and start Lamictal as prescribed.
The most important side effect of Lamictal that is concerning is the occurrence of a rash that can worsen to a condition called Steven-Johnsons syndrome. So please be advised to discontinue Lamictal and contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of rash while on Lamictal.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
Lamictal is a very effective medication for treatment of lamotrigine. Even though there are side effects that can occur, the benefits of Lamictal outweigh the risk. Moreover, Lamictal will be started at the lowest dose and slowly treated up to minimize side effects and improve tolerance.
Even though Seroquel also works for Bipolar depression, it is not as effective as Lamictal and has the potential for causing more side effects like confusion, memory loss, etc., especially in the elderly. So it is best to discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist and start Lamictal as prescribed.
The most important side effect of Lamictal that is concerning is the occurrence of a rash that can worsen to a condition called Steven-Johnsons syndrome. So please be advised to discontinue Lamictal and contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of rash while on Lamictal.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....