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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by b0rderline86 on April 1, 2007, at 10:04:18
My diagnosis is borderline personality disorder, i am currently being treated with 20mg of Lexapro (escitalopram) and 50mg of Largactil (chlorpromazine).
The lexapro was a life saver for the depression side of things, and the largactil does help somewhat with anxiety but i use it mainly for night time agitation...i have moderately rapid cycling moods that include aggression, immaturity, impulsiveness, suicidal ideation, agitation and some playful childish over excited phases where my thoughts run too fast to even listen too. All of the above can occur in one day. My moods are very much mainly centred around the down and anxious side of things.
So my next step is to find me a good mood stabilizer. During the last 4 hours i put into researching different chemicals, i have concluded on Lamictal(lamotrigine).
I'm interested in any experiences people have had with lamotrigine and any information they have on it.
Ill keep u posted,
B0rderline86
Posted by Quintal on April 1, 2007, at 11:00:18
In reply to Lamotrigine for Borderline PD., posted by b0rderline86 on April 1, 2007, at 10:04:18
I have similar problems to you borderline, my pdoc threatened me with that diagnosis for a while and I do have some traits. Here is my RemedyFind rating of Lamictal that I think might give you an idea of how things take can shape.
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Xanadu (192) Rating Updated!
Durham, United Kingdom
8/18/2005 8:57:36 PMEffectiveness: 8
No Side Effects: 8
Ease of Use: 9
Long Term Use: 9
Cost Effectiveness: N/ALamotrigine-Potential for Anxiety & Mood Disorders
I have been given a provisional diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, I also suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. I have been prescribed lamotrigine to stabilise my mood and hopefully reduce anxiety.I started lamotrigine at 50 mg and the notorious rash appeared within four days of starting it. I asked my psychiatric nurse for advice and we both agreed that it would be best to continue with the treatment as I was feeling well and had no other symptoms.
The rash was not irritating, though it spread to over my abdomen and down to my right knee -- that particular rash looked like prickly heat and was raised and pink. I also had a different type of rash along my right elbow and up to my wrist which was flat and looked like dark flecks of blood beneath the skin.
The rash lasted for approximately two and a half weeks, and disappeared two days after increasing the dose to 100 mg daily. I do take the antihistamine levocetirizine (Xyzal) for hayfever anyway, but I decided to take chlorpheniramine (Piriton) in addition to that in an attempt to reduce the rash. I'm not sure if it really had any effect, since the rash appeared to fade of its own accord.
I understand why the manufacturers and most doctors advise patients to discontinue lamotrigine at the first sign of any rash, however, I think that this may be mainly down to the fact that doctors fear that they will be sued if they do not give this advice. In reality I think that most people who get the rash develop the non-serious form and have nothing to fear. The real danger signs are when you have the rash and start to feel flu-like symptoms.
Up until now I have yet to feel any effect from lamotrigine. Actually, only today have I felt a subtle change -- I can't quite describe it and in fact it might not be related to lamotrigine at all, but I'm hopeful that this drug will be useful either as a monotherapy, or at the very least I'm hoping it will form the backbone of my medication regimen.
Apart from the rash, which was transient and non-irritating, I have had no other side effects from lamotrigine. It is among the most tolerable medications that I have ever taken.
I will continue to update this review as the dose increases or if any developments occur.
UPDATE 1:
My dose has just been increased to 200mg daily, with no aparent beneficial or adverse effects. Lamotrigine does not seem to be having any effect at all now. I'd like to increase the dose up to the maximum, however it is unlikely that my psychiatrist would consent to this (he is ultra cautious), and I am losing hope and patience with this medicine; and psychiatry in general.
UPDATE 2:
After four months of taking lamotrigine I feel that I can now say it is the most effctive anti-depressant that I have ever taken (and believe me I have taken a very broad selection). I haven't had a major depressive incident since I started taking it, which is very unusual for me. I'm quite impressed and pleased with the result. I was getting quite skeptical at one point.
The only residual side-effects are impaired memory and concentration. However, I feel that the beneficial effects of lamotrigine outweigh its disadvantages.
UPDATE 3:
One year on and lamotrigine is still having a benificial effect on my depressive tendencies, but little impact on 'highs' or impulsive spending. We tried raising the dose to 300mg, but I felt spaced-out and extremely irritable, agitated and had severe insomnia. I felt like killing someone and had persistent sucicidal thoughts.
All of these side-effects disappeared when we reduced the dose back to 200mg daily.
Dosage Strength: 200 mg. tablet
Frequency: 0.5 dose 2 x a day
Total Length: 1 year
Brand: Lamictal
17 members found this review helpful.
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Posted by b0rderline86 on April 1, 2007, at 11:23:26
In reply to Re: Lamotrigine for Borderline PD. » b0rderline86, posted by Quintal on April 1, 2007, at 11:00:18
That was a fantastic overview, everywhere i am reading online im hearing great reports, except for people freaking out about the rash. I read and have re-heard that titrating the dose up slower can avoid the rash completely.
In a very general term Lexapro has improved my depression and social anxiety alot. The Largactil has also helped with my night time agitation. The only major symptom (that medication can actually help me with) is my rapid mood swings.
I think once i have begun that stage of recovery i can get back into some real therapy.
as each day passes i feel im gettin just that little bit better, only when im in a normal mood tho.
Once again thanx for the input.
:D
Posted by Joe Bloe on April 1, 2007, at 15:46:53
In reply to Re: Lamotrigine for Borderline PD. » Quintal, posted by b0rderline86 on April 1, 2007, at 11:23:26
I'm a big fan of low-dose Lamictal (25 mgs per day) to help with a mix of ADD, major depressive disorder (in remission!), and anxiety disorder.
I would not increase the dosage (and see no need to) as I am doing so well on this low-dose. I'm finding it far superior to Prozac, which it replaced, due to its low side effect profile.
Posted by b0rderline86 on April 1, 2007, at 20:30:44
In reply to Re: Lamotrigine for Borderline PD., posted by Joe Bloe on April 1, 2007, at 15:46:53
great! im hearing more and more good things about this drug, and im only considering a low dose to augment my current anti depressant, lexapro. Hopefully that will help with my moderately rapid cycling moods as well. I'm going to talk to my doctor about going on it today. I hope he agrees with my findings! i dont want to end up on the dirty old lithium or the instant ageing effects of a valproate.
Posted by b0rderline86 on April 2, 2007, at 1:53:09
In reply to Re: Lamotrigine for Borderline PD., posted by Joe Bloe on April 1, 2007, at 15:46:53
Well i went to see my doctor today with great hope of being put on lamotrigine for my borderline personality disorder. i thought it would be an excellent add on to my current lexapro and largactil regime. Unfortunately it is not prescribed as a mood stabilizer on label in australia, and i would have to pay the full price. Which i wont.
So after much discussion me and the doctor decided to give Tegretol(Carbamazepine) a try. I'll start my first dose tonight. I am prescribed 200mg. does anyone have any personal experience with this drug or know anything about its effectiveness in borderline personality disorder?
All input would be greatly appreciated. I feel let down about not gettin lamotrigine so i need some good news. Either way i still want to hear what u know.
b0rderline86
This is the end of the thread.
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