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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by morgan miller on January 18, 2011, at 17:01:45
I understand now why your doctor chose lamotrigine after reading one of your posts describing your behavior and feelings over on the Alternaive board. He is trying to treat your depression and certain behaviors/moods while also trying to keep you from cycling in and out of depressive/manic type states throughout the year. Maybe a lamotrigine trial makes sense hear.
I still wonder if taking something like taking a low dose of Lexapro along with a low dose of lithium would be a better and safer option in the long run.
Have you ever considered psychodynamic individual and group therapy? While I believe that medication is often necessary, these therapies are best for getting to the root cause of some our problems with mood and behavior and helping us to grow and heal so that we don't suffer as much in the future.
How do you respond to exercise and yoga/meditative stretching?
Morgan
Posted by BetweenDreams81 on January 21, 2011, at 10:23:35
In reply to Re: Generic Lamictal (lamotrigine) experiences?, posted by morgan miller on January 18, 2011, at 17:01:45
Hey Morgan,
Just saw this since it was a new thread...sorry for delayed response!
That's my thought for doc's reasoning too. Since this is what he's got me on right now, and I've already started it, think I should probably stick with it for now...and 1 week into knowing him, I feel uncomfortable asking him to switch me when I haven't developed that relationship just yet...but that said it I will definitely be bringing up longterm safety issues the next time I sit down with him in a few months. Just gotta give this a go first. We have already spoken about the xanax though...it just isn't very long acting and I definitely feel it when the effects have worn out, and my brain just kind of spins. funny thing, you never notice just how much anxiety you suffer from until it's gone! lol So, he mentioned cloneazepam (klonopin?) since it is long acting...but I worry that it will keep me in a haze. Can't have that with the type of work I do.
He did mention possibility of lamotrigine/low dose lithium combo if the lamotrigine on its own wasn't controlling the cycles. My mom's response to Lexapro is not that noticeable (IMHO)...but then again she is just on Lexapro alone.
meditation helps...I haven't taken yoga in sometime b/c of an old injury to my wrist and many yoga positions require supporting bodyweight with wrists flexed. Tai chi is something I have thought of starting. Talk/group therapy is something I am open to...is it expensive?
Posted by morgan miller on January 21, 2011, at 13:32:35
In reply to Re: Generic Lamictal (lamotrigine) experiences? » morgan miller, posted by BetweenDreams81 on January 21, 2011, at 10:23:35
>He did mention possibility of lamotrigine/low dose lithium combo if the lamotrigine on its own wasn't controlling the cycles.
This is known to be a very good combo. Maybe you wont have to take as much lamotrigine.
I am thinking once you feel more stable on lamotrigine and also maybe lithium you won't feel the need for a benzo. Especially if you're doing all the good stuff like exercise, stretching/yoga, tai chi.
I think a low dose of klonopin for now would be better, until you are ready to start weening off. Very low doses work for me, but YMMV.
>Talk/group therapy is something I am open to...is it expensive?
It is expensive if you don't have good insurance. It also may be hard to find good therapists. Maybe try to keep it in mind and start looking around? I guess it will be easier once you know where you will be settled for a while. IMO, group therapy is amazing. You usually have to go through your therapist at the practice you are receiving therapy first though, at least that's how it worked out for me. So when you are looking for therapists, try to find a practice where they have a few nights of group therapy a week.
Hope you feel better soon!
Morgan
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