Posted by urizenbrooklyn on June 5, 2006, at 11:12:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal and thinking, adderall, school, SSRIs, posted by collegegal on June 5, 2006, at 10:23:26
I'm on 200mg of Lamictal currently and it's done well for me thus far, though I've only been taking it for a little over a month. After 25mg I felt a drastic decrease in my anxiety level and my depressive tendencies. Recently despite the upped dose, my anxiety has returned in dribs and drabs, when next I see my doctor I'm going to discuss this issue with her. This may also have to do with the fact that in a month I'll begin an around the world journey and this fall I'll be starting graduate school (and moving). I have a lot on my plate and thus some anxiety is to be expected. Though my manic symptoms are still persistent they're drastically decreased and have a lot to do with my recently erratic sleep schedule.
I'm a playwright and used to believe that my swings helped my art, b*llshit, it's a conveniently romantic idea but none so practical notion. Stabilizing your swings is only going to make getting great grades easier. I found that when I was in college (and consistently overloading) I did best when I kept to a regimented schedule and avoided all nighters. I was self medicating with exercise and cautious, controlled choices.
The reason I decided to start on meds was because my productivity and creative projects were at a standstill; racked with anxiety and serial depression, my racing thoughts only made everything worse. I’ve been in psychotherapy for two years, which has helped, but I reached a breaking point a few months ago, and since starting meds have been better able to work. The idea of starting graduate school with fluctuating moods was terrifying, which I’m sure compounded the problem. The only semester of college I received bellow an A(-) was my last semester, when I was racked with anxiety about finding a job, and my girlfriend (who I thought was the love of my life) dumped me suddenly. I wasn’t able to put it all in perspective, nor focus on my classes as my manic thoughts sent my depressive feeling spiraling out of control
As per Lamictal’s side effects, I've only heard of concentration problems at much higher doses. My libido is at an all time high (which isn't a good thing, as I was sexually frustrated to begin with). I've heard about the sexual side effects of SSRI’s from my friends and family in both positive and negative terms. It's easier on men then women, as a prolonged journey to orgasm can make your typical guy feel like a sex God. For woman, by virtue of the fact that most men are clueless in bed (myself included); this side effect is more problematic.
If you already have an eating disorder, I'd suggest staying away from Depakote. I've heard of many people gaining weight from this drug. Even if the effects are positive, the anxiety over the weight gain (it seems in your case) will only compound the problem
I’m not familiar with Adderall so I can’t offer any advice.
I hope all of this was helpful to you, and that this process goes well. I just turned 25, I wish I had started to deal with these issues when it really got bad, my senior year of college. Best of luck
-andrew
poster:urizenbrooklyn
thread:650415
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060604/msgs/653177.html