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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 8:30:07
I'm taking 100 Lamictal and 30 Abilify. When I hit 200 on the Lamictal, I'm going down to 15 Abilify. So far, things are looking up. The voices that I assumed were due to some sort of psychosis have largely vanished; I get them now and then, but its not as a often and the intensity is greatly reduced. Non-medical interventions (therapy, prayer, etc.) are more effective now that the Lamictal is at a higher dose.
Still, I think I'm starting to realize just how depressed I was/am. Does that make sense? I've been diagnosed with psychotic depression before, and I think I have a mild case of it that has li8ngered on far too long. So, I'm thinking add in a small dose of Prozac. I'm sleeping a bit too much and I'm kind of still feeling weighed down and slow. I figure, OK, reduce the Abilify to 15. Add in Prozac, which effectively doubles the Abilify b/c of a drug-drug interaction. Keep the Lamictal at 200 (it'll be at 200 by the time I see my shrink).
Am I overmedicating? I have a new place (its taking me forever to move in, though, lol) and I really want to be able to enjoy it and build a better life for myself. I don't doubt that there are serious psychosocial stressors/issues involved in my problems, but I also think psychotic depression is generally seen as an endogenous depression, right? So meds should be more effective than if I was feeling down because of my life situation?
Now that I've experienced some relief, I really want to take it all the way to remission, or at least as close as I can get to remission w/o huge drug costs or major side effects. I already take a number of supplements daily, so I think I've got my bases covered in the nutritional side of things.
Thoughts? This will put me at 3 meds. I was hoping to keep it to 1-2, but whatever; relief is what I'm really after.
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2011, at 10:58:58
In reply to Lamictal success; Prozac?, posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 8:30:07
CE didn't you just get the home recently? Doesn't it take at least 30 days anymore to close? Or did you say your's was paid for in cash? Anyway lots of stress in moving. As for the depression to me you sound like you're doing a lot better. And one med change at a time. Doesn't lamictal also act as an anntidepressant? If so I'd take it slow. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 11:08:01
In reply to Re: Lamictal success; Prozac? » Christ_empowered, posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2011, at 10:58:58
I moved home in June. We closed a little over a week ago. We got the apt. free and clear, but the house (the main part) is mortgaged.
The Lamictal is helping. The more I think about, the less I want to add something, especially since I don't even know how the 200 will feel. That coupled with the reduced Abilify dosage might be just the ticket.
Posted by herpills on September 12, 2011, at 12:37:47
In reply to Re: Lamictal success; Prozac?, posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 11:08:01
> The Lamictal is helping. The more I think about, the less I want to add something, especially since I don't even know how the 200 will feel. That coupled with the reduced Abilify dosage might be just the ticket.
I say wait until you find your Lamictal dosage and you probably won't need an AD, unless you're having major depressive episodes. You might not even have to go up to 200...
herpills
Posted by Zonked on September 12, 2011, at 13:31:07
In reply to Lamictal success; Prozac?, posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 8:30:07
Hmm. I'd be cautious reducing the Abilify... I just wouldn't want you to have to do that, have your psychosis worsen and have to go up again. May I ask, did your voices first appear after you were exposed to APs or before? I know that has nothing to do with your question... If you are feeling well, I'd keep what you're already taking the same. If you need a bit more antidepressant effect, starting with a small dose of Prozac would be fine, I think. You're adequately protected from mania (if you're prone to that) and psychosis with what you're already taking. Best of luck, z.
Posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 13:55:25
In reply to Re: Lamictal success; Prozac? » Christ_empowered, posted by Zonked on September 12, 2011, at 13:31:07
hey. I think the 200 target dose for lamictal is reasonable. I feel much better on 100, but I imagine 200 would have some kind of depression-preventing as well as depression-treating effects. Here's hoping, anyway.
I've had psychosis since I was a teenager, before the antipsychotics were used on me. I think Abilify would be less likely to cause tardive psychosis since it doesn't cause much upregulation of D2 receptors. Abilify is the only antipsychotic I've taken long term.
Posted by Zonked on September 12, 2011, at 16:21:03
In reply to Lamictal success; Prozac?, posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 8:30:07
I'm glad to hear you're feeling better... and glad for your sake that Abilify exists. I also hope that one day, they'll find a drug that stops psychosis without adversely affecting the dopamine system at all. Congratulations are in order for you.... my depressions are really severe, I can't imagine what it's taken to deal with voices on top of that. For what it's worth, now that the worst of the nicotine withdrawals are over, I find myself pretty stable and able to experience happiness. It's tempting for me to want to optimize, but I think I'll give it more time. I am relearning how nondepressed people live life. It's a weird journey that's for sure... How long has it been since you've felt this good?
Posted by Christ_empowered on September 12, 2011, at 16:30:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal success; Prozac? » Christ_empowered, posted by Zonked on September 12, 2011, at 16:21:03
I'm glad you're feeling and doing better. For me, I've never been this "normal" or stable in my entire life. I was one of those people who started out as an anxious, weird kid and grew into a mentally ill adult. I understand what you mean by having to learn how to functio once your symptoms have been adequately addressed. For me, its like being normal for the first time ever. What do I do with myself now? I mean, its a blessing, but suddenly I realize how much of my life has been lost to madness and I don't quite know what to do with the rest of my life.
This is the end of the thread.
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