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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by amber_spirit on October 11, 2002, at 13:22:49
I'm currently on
Depakote ER 1000 mg
Lamictal 37.5 mg
Seroquel 75 mg
Synthroid 50 mcgI've been slowly increasing the lamictal as I need it. Basically I feel pretty good then after a few weeks I notice my mood dropping. I up the lamictal and its better for a few weeks.
I kept thinking the mental problems would get better with time but its definitely becoming a problem. I've forgotten to pay bills, thrown my checkbook in the garbage, lost my purse, and am having difficulty teaching my courses (can't find words, can't speak difficulty organizing thoughts). Also I seem distracted when I drive and have had a few near misses.
I keep thinking its the lamictal and maybe it will go away with time. Any thoughts on this? I've tried moving the dosing times of both the lamictal and depakote. I just am not sure where to start.
Is it residual depression or one of the meds. And if it is a med will it go away with time. Also, I've seen a lot lately about thyroid helping mood, energy and concentration. I know even the small does I'm on has made a difference - should I be looking at that?Help!
Posted by Ritch on October 11, 2002, at 23:46:53
In reply to Forgetfulness, impaired thinking becoming a prob, posted by amber_spirit on October 11, 2002, at 13:22:49
> I'm currently on
> Depakote ER 1000 mg
> Lamictal 37.5 mg
> Seroquel 75 mg
> Synthroid 50 mcg
>
> I've been slowly increasing the lamictal as I need it. Basically I feel pretty good then after a few weeks I notice my mood dropping. I up the lamictal and its better for a few weeks.
>
> I kept thinking the mental problems would get better with time but its definitely becoming a problem. I've forgotten to pay bills, thrown my checkbook in the garbage, lost my purse, and am having difficulty teaching my courses (can't find words, can't speak difficulty organizing thoughts). Also I seem distracted when I drive and have had a few near misses.
>
> I keep thinking its the lamictal and maybe it will go away with time. Any thoughts on this? I've tried moving the dosing times of both the lamictal and depakote. I just am not sure where to start.
> Is it residual depression or one of the meds. And if it is a med will it go away with time. Also, I've seen a lot lately about thyroid helping mood, energy and concentration. I know even the small does I'm on has made a difference - should I be looking at that?
>
> Help!Amber,
Remember that when you boost Lamictal while taking Depakote it also *boosts* your Depakote levels.
I have noticed that when I increased Depakote dosage from 125mg-250mg/day (I know that is such a tiny dose), I had some forgetfullness problems and name-finding problems for a few weeks. But, those resolved eventually. I don't know if my brain just found different pathways to reconnect all of the data or not.
You may need to *REDUCE* your Depakote somewhat after a Lamictal dose increase (just to maintain the same Depakote level). I would suggest a Depakote blood draw to see *where you are*. If it is significantly elevated, then you may be in a situation where you are adjusting not only to increased lamictal blood levels, but increased Depakote blood levels.
Mitch
This is the end of the thread.
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