June 2007
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June 2007
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Of Like Minds is now Mood! Over 175 articles on: Help support Mood --
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 Medication profile:Lamictal® can smooth mood swings |
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you read these? Essential information
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Many of those who live with bipolar disorder have found that Lamictal (Lamotrigine) helps to make moods swings fewer and further apart. And, prescribed with or without other mood stabilizers, it does it without adding to the weight gain typically found with the others. Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant that spreads out the episodes of depression and mania of bipolar disorder. It does not ease the actual symptoms of the depression or mania and therefore is usually taken in combination with other medications that do, such as lithium. Although approved for bipolar I, Lamictal has been found to be effective as a treatment for depression and bipolar disorder of several kinds, especially bipolar II. Although it has not been found to be effective for treatment-resistant depression, doctors often prescribe it for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Lamictal, made by GlaxoSmithKline, was approved as a maintenance treatment for bipolar I in 1994. How does it work? How do I take this medication? Follow directions carefully. If you forget a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your doctor who will probably decrease your dose gradually over two weeks or more at approximately 50% per week, the manufacturer's recommendation.
There are other medications that have names similar to the brand name for lamotrigine. Be certain that you receive lamotrigine and not one of the similar medications each time you fill your prescription. How fast does it work? What do I need to tell my doctor Tell your doctor if
What
are possible side effects? The risk of non-serious rash is increased when the recommended initial dose and/or the rate of dose escalation of Lamictal is exceeded. In clinical studies, about 1 in 1,000 adults had severe, potentially life-threatening rash. The risk of rash may be increased by
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Therefore, it is important that the dosing recommendations be followed closely. If you stopped taking Lamictal because of rash, you should not go back on the drug, unless you and your doctor decide the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Lamictal is not likely to case weight gain. Tell your doctor if any of these or other side effects are severe or do not go away:
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serious side effects Drug interactions Lamotrigine is often combined with Depakote {Valproic acid), but with adjustments to its usual doses. Depakote significantly increases lamotrigine levels, and therefore, lamotrigine begun at half the usual dosage provides the same therapeutic effect as the recommended dose for someone not taking Depakote. So, someone taking Depakote might be instructed to begin taking Lamictal at 12.5 mg per day, while others might begin at 25 mg. The combination without this adjustment increases the risk of serious side effects. How can I save
on my prescriptions? Most insurance plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), will cover treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. Check with your insurance company to find out. If you don't have insurance, the Health and Human Services division of your county government may offer mental health care at a public mental health center that charges people according to how much they are able to pay. If you are on public assistance, you may be able to get care through your state Medicaid plan. Many drug companies have prescription assistance programs for people who may have problems paying for their medicines. GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Lamictal, has an excellent patient assistance program for this medication. They also provide information about other resources that can help you. Related articles
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