Trinity Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Hi all, I'm Trinity. I'm 55, bipolar (rapid cycling and depressed) and trying to get off my meds. Over the last three years I've gotten off Effexor and 1/2 my Bupropion dose. Currently I'm on 200mg of Bupropion XR and 200 mg Lamotrigine (generic of Lamictal). I'm on a slow taper to get off the Lamotrigine. Started with a 50mg drop about a month ago. My withdrawal symptoms are still here. I've got a seriously weird 'headache' which feels like I've got lead in my head, eyeaches, body aches and rage. I'm a designer and this has really affected my ability to concentrate on my work. In fact I'm going off the Lamotrigine precisely because I can't concentrate on creative problem solving. My design skills, ability to earn a living and my sex life have all taken a tumble since I've been on this stuff--now about 8 years. After being medicated since the 70s, I want to try to live drug free, especially since I found out that Lamotrigine is ineffective for treating bipolar rapid cycling and depression. I'm angry that Glaxo has me strung out on this stuff, but I'm going to preserver and muscle through the next year or so to get off this stuff. Has anyone else here tried to get off Lamotrigine/Lamictal? --Trinity Link to comment
Neuroplastic Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Hello, Trinity! We're glad you've found this forum. I'm sure someone will soon chime in. Meanwhile, if possible, please put your drugs history in the signature - this way it will be easier for the folks to offer you help and advice. 2000-2008 Paxil for a situational depression 2008 - Paxil c/t Severe protracted WD syndrome ever since; improving “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once” Albert Einstein "Add signature to your profile. This way we can help you even better!" Surviving Antidepressants And, above all, ... keep walking. Just keep walking. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 11, 2011 Administrator Share Posted May 11, 2011 Welcome, Trinity. Did you withdraw from the Effexor without a problem? What was your taper like? You're still taking Wellbutrin? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
stan Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 hi Trinity, welcome i know DENSTAR51 was on lamotrigine, he is not very well actually for anxiety 12 years paxil - cold turkey 1,5 month - switch celexa 1 year taper; total 13 years on brain meds 67 years old - 9 years med free in protracted withdrawal rigidity standing and walking, dryness gougerot-szoegren, sleep deteriorate, function as have a lack of nerves, improving have been very little Link to comment
alexjuice Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Welcome Trinity! I am glad that you have found your way here. I have not personally dealt with Lamictal. Bipolar was not a diagnosis of mine. I do know that Lamictal can be tough on the emotions in the taper and after. Of those who I know who got off, the primary symptoms that were expressed to me were uncontrolled impulses towards anger/rage. I hope you have a smoother go of it. I also am curious about your history. Being medicated for 30+ years probably means a lot of medications. Can you share more of your past experiences? Again, welcome... Alex "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 13, 2011 Administrator Share Posted May 13, 2011 Hello, Trinity. I have a little experience with Lamictal tapering. Tell us more and we can talk. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
NoRx4Me Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Trinity, I was on Lamictal (200mg) for 8 years. It took me 7 months to taper off of it. I would go back up by 25mg and see if that helps the headaches, etc. Initially, I went to 100mg pretty quickly but then realized it was too painful and I had to taper slowly. I then went to 75mg for a month, then 50mg, then 37.5, then 25... 12.5, 6.25... There is some good info on Lamictal Withdrawal at http://bipolarblast.wordpress.com/lamictal-redux/ Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 16, 2011 Administrator Share Posted July 16, 2011 Hi, Trinity. How are you doing with your Lamictal taper? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
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