Is anyone on Lamictal for Bi-Polor, BPD or depression/anxiety?

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
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I was just prescribed this for Bi-Polor I and anxiety/depression.  Psychiatrist said this is being used more for Bi-Polor and anxiety. depression as well as an anti-seizure medication.  Is anyone on this?  Right now, I am on Remeron, and it seems to be working great.  Psychiatrist said Lamictal was longer lasting, but I think I will stick with the Remeron.
2
Well I googled remeron , because i only heard of it once before. Not sure it's popular among Bipolars. Anyways, welcome, you said you are BP I , well it notes on a site I looked at that you should warn your doc if you have manic-depressive disorders. So I kinda wondered about that, also it noted to watch for increased anxiety and panic attacks as a symptom. I honestly would try lamictal, there are a few people on here who take it, and it seems to work for them. I have no experience with either, I am sorry.Are you on a mood stabilizer as well. When were you dx? take care, sorry that didn't help too much. Just wanted to say welcome! Although I think you may have been on here before.
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Hi, Rianna!

Just so you know, BP I is nothing to fool around with.   Being on just an antidepressant is a very bad idea - mood stabilizing is a MUST.  Antidepressants can increase or cause manic episodes.   how's your mood doing?   I know, I know, if you are manic, you say "great"!  No problems!

Seriously, you need to be on at least a mood stabilizer or antipsychoticor combinatio of the two.  The difference between type I and II is that type I has psychotic episodes, i.e. hearing things (voices, singing, someone calling your name frequently), smelling things like burning, or other things that aren't there and seeing things, most commonly is shadows,but can be scarier things if left untreated.  An antidepressant alone is very likely to push mania to this point.

I know everything works differently for everyone.  Lamictal is excellent as an antidepressant effect in BP, better than Remeron, and does have some stabilizing too, but it's usually used with another mood stabilizer and/or antipsychotic because it's not very strong against mania, and can in some cases induce it.  But, thats not to say that's what will happen to you, we're all different.  Bottom line, listen to your doctor.  Ask questions if you dont understand, that's thier job to explain and help you.   Come here and ask, and research online too.  The more ou know the more you can help yourself as well!  

I do take it, with two other stabilizers and an antipsychotic and welbutrin.  It's great for depression!  Better than antidepressants!

Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

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I am thoroughly confused, which is why I hate labels..such as Bi-Polar, etc. Too much confusion, wrong diagnosis and different opinions. I spoke to the first Psychiatrist yesterday on the phone who did a thorough evaluation (with two other Resident Student Psyhiatrists) and I told him what the other Psychiatrist said about being Bi-polor and he said he felt the other Psychiatrist Dx was incorrect and felt that the time they took to evaluate me while I was in the hospital - that I was not Bi-polar, but did have major depressive episode and anxiety (GAD). He said during their evaluation, that he did not believe I fit in the diagnosis of Bi-Polar, and that I should stay with the Remeron if it is working. I have been on it for about two weeks, and so far, so good! I also don't feel I fit the criteria for Manic Depression. Thanks for your responses everyone!
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Rianna, if you have not experienced a manic episode lasting a week or more, you shouldn't be labled as BP, ESPECIALLY BP I!!!!  BP I is full blown mania with psychotic epidsodes - (hearing voices, people calling your name, seeing shadows or even scary things, smelling things that aren't there).   BP II is less, it's hypomania but still bad enough to make you do bad/foolish reckless things.

Here's a test that is very helpful in helping you see whether you do fit the criteria, it is more detailed than the standard list that is always in the symptoms part of mania.

http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening_intro.asp


Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

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Thanks PsychNurse, I really appreciate your quick and kind responses. I will check out the link you gave me. I know right before "that time of the month" I often get a little elated and feel really good for a day or two, but I don't feel the need for decreased sleep or recklessness or anything like that. I know right after "that time" that I do get depressed more so often than usual. I don't think I have ever had any "spending sprees" or the other descriptions, although at times, my thoughts do race..but not enough to interfere with daily life, work, etc. I will check out that site. Maybe I have a mild verson of BP II if there is such a thing? Or maybe I have a mild form of Borderline Disorder..
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If nothing like what you mentioned has happened, you are probably not BP at all.  Mood shifts before and after periods are completely normal. 

Of course I have to say that that test doesn't officially diagnose you, but I think it can be pretty self evident.   Your new pdoc  sounds like he is on the ball!

Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key