Lamictal And Irritability Resource

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Is my increased irritability due to Lamictal? I'm on a Prozac, Strattera, Lamictal combination. The first 4 weeks, I only had Prozac and Strattera, and it showed to be working out fine. I added Lamictal 5 days ago, in which I am only taking 25 mg. I've sensed an increase of dramatic outbursts, and irritability in the last couple days. I was wondering if it was possible that it could be the Lamictal so early in the treatment or am I just going downhill?

michele replied: "No. ~Dr. B.~"

Pico replied: "Irritability is one of the side effects of Lamictal. It's possible that's the problem. It may go away after awhile. If not, just talk to your doctor about getting on a different med. I take 200mg of Lamictal and have had no problems with it. Maybe I'm just lucky..."

What kind of meds are best for Agitation/Irritability? I get agitation/irritability from my Zoloft. I take zoloft 100mg every day for panic attacks and it works excillent for that. I've had agitation/irritability problems ever since starting the zoloft. I don't feel like stopping the drug since I don't want to relapse. I also have a dx of Asperger's disorder which it could be related to as well but don't know. The doctor wrote me a script for Risperdal 0.5mg which I have taken for about 3 weeks now and has modertately helped. I'm afraid to adjust the dosage because of the risks associated with anti-psychotics. I refuse to take Lithium or Depakote or Tegratol because of the risk of toxicity. I also refuse to take Lamictal because I don't want to develop a rash. I know I should try them to see but I don't think I will even follow that advice. Any help would defintatly be appreciated. Thank you in advance. If you have any other questions please ask and I will respond with futher details. Thanks... Andy...

Rockford replied: "Zoloft increased my irritability too. I would try a different SSRI that makes you calmer like Lexapro. I gave up on SSRIs and now take a mood stabilizer. I'm afraid to take anti-psychotics for fear of getting dystonia. And I'm like you, I refuse to take Lithium for fear of killing my thyroid. I wouldn't mind trying Lamictal and probably should, but the fear of getting that rash is too much for me. I already was burned my skin once at work and the fear of aggravating my skin again is too much for me. I'm on topamax which is a mood stabilizer. It worked really good in the beginning for my anger, but not anymore. I think it was better before because I was on the high blood pressure medication Atenenol before which is a beta blocker. It slows your heart down a bit and makes you feel calmer."

ღ lovethemusic ღ replied: "Please consider finding a mood stabilizer that you will tolerate. I know you don't want to do them, but Depakoe and Lamictral are excellent drugs which will greatly help you. I don't want to sound like a TV ad, but talk to your doctor about mood stabilizers."

jung_girl1961 replied: "The fact is nothing works better than a good ol' Benzodiazepine (Valium, Xanax, Ativan)... but doctors are reluctant to prescribe them!"

Odd Stuff replied: "Sounds like you have more problems trying different meds due to what you have heard in others or what you read are the side effects. I have been on Lithuim for over ten years. I have never had problems with this drug. I tried Lamictal went off it due to cycling into a manic episode so rapidly. Never a rash. I know several people who use these drugs and they have never received the side effects that are listed or talked about. Take a chance it's your mental health that you are talkin about. Good Luck,"

mystique133333 replied: "Wow, those are some serious drugs, I took zoloft at one point for depression and it made me so irritable that no one could stand me, so now I take prozac which works pretty good for the most part, I am on a very low dose because I need a bit of help taking the edge of life off, but I have also heard that paxil and valium are also good for anxiety. You should talk to your doctor and maybe he/she can adjust your medications, tell all of you symptoms and see if something else can be worked out. Good luck."

erin c replied: "You seem to know alot about prescriptions. How much do you know about the pharmacutical industry? Panic attacks and aspergers- who diagnosed you? I worked in the medical feild, and let me tell you, they'll give you meds for anything. How about some alternative therapies? Your goal should be to wean yourself off meds, not get on more. You can do it. I would suggest some spiritual medication, like prayer, and seeking answers to why you are suffering so much. Im not saying it's all in your head, I dont know, but it seems like on more than one occassion, Ive witnessed people trying to drown sadness away with a med high. Maybe you have a legitimate reason to feel panicky, anxious, aggitated and irritable. Dont repress your feelings, that is the #1 cause of turning to drugs, even prescribed ones. There are more healthy ( and enpowering) ways to deal with the stressors of life. And you'll feel alot better about yourself when you realize you can handle things when they come your way."

Complement to Prozac to take away irritability? Hello, I have been taking Prozac, Lamictal and Xanax for a while now. I have learned how to keep stable. I have experienced a lot of irritability over the years (I think it is from the prozac). I do not want to switch from prozac right now. Are there any prescription drugs that would complement the drugs I am taking to take away the irritability? Thank you :)

Marie12@3 replied: "You need to try and get off all these medications instead of taking more."

teresagayle@rocketmail.com replied: "you are on some good medicines. but if you do not wean yourself off the prozac soon none of them will work properly."

Will I experience withdrawal if I stop taking Lamictal right away? I've only been on 25 mg for 5 days.? I think Lamictal is causing my body chemistry to go out of wack and want to discontinue it. I've been having increased dramatic outbursts and irritability after the first couple of days. Would I experience any withdrawals after 5 days of taking it on a 25 mg dose?

Liz replied: "They would probably be minimal since your body really hasn't had a chance to get used to it yet. You do need to talk to your doctor though. There's a reason s/he put you on it in the first place and you haven't even taken it long enough for any side effects to have stopped yet."

Stephen replied: "Unlikely as dose is small and duration of expposure is short. But let you doc know what you are ding (phone call)"

I have bipolar and panic disorder...does Lamictal worsen the panic? I have suffered from depression most of my life. Recently my doctor changed my diagnosis to bipolar disorder and started me on Lamictal. Since then, I have had daily anxiety/panic attacks. I'm uncertain if the Lamictal is working, because being in a panic state heightens my moodiness and irritability. I am so frustrated!

starrynight1 replied: "An anti-epileptic drug showing promise for bipolar disorder is lamotrigine (Lamictal), which was originally derived from an antimalarial drug. It appears to be beneficial for both depressive and manic phases. It also may be effective either alone or in combination with other drugs for rapid cycling. The most common reason for withdrawing from the drug is development of a rash, which occurs in 10% of patients taking lamotrigine. Other potential side effects include nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, and sleepiness."

tammy m replied: "i'd be inclined to try talking to your doc again coz everyone reacts differently to their medication. I was misdiagnosed for years, but since they got it right and found the right meds, i do all right. Good luck and keep perservering."

besidemyself replied: "I've just started Lamictal and am up to 100mg. I'm loving life in the mornings(after taking my Lamictal at bedtime) and by evening I'm almost ready to blow my brains out (not seriously yet, really) I've never experienced such rapid cycling as this including agitation, anxiety, irritability and even rage. These are the little known "rare" side effects not listed in the box papers but I discovered with extensive net research. The good news is that these effects are supposed to pass with most people. Hoping that I'm one of those lucky people, I'm still sticking with it because the up side of it during most of the day is literally like coming back to life for me. The buzz on the net is that this stuff is worth the trouble once you get used to it and get your dosage right. Even the time of day you take it can make a difference. But really, give it a chance before you write it off. I still am. Good luck!"

How to get your doctor to prescribe stronger meds? Right now I'm on lamictal @ 25mg/day for anger/anxiety/irritability issues. Unfortunately it's not doing much. I have taken klonopins in the past as a teenager and they worked pretty good. How do I confront my doctor with the question of prescribing me stronger medication like clonzapam (klonos). I said how DO I CONFRONT HIM. Not why. Learn to read.

Jackolantern replied: "ASK HIM WHY..... HE'S THE ONE WITH ALL THE YEARS OF MEDICAL SCHOOL. MAYBE THERE'S A GOOD REASON...."

Michelle N replied: "Hey there, I have the same problem, I have sleep issues, I have asked for something to help but the doctor refused! And last week she only perscribed me one week of Klonopin, and it was the lowest amount, It helped but I was scared to ask for more, I dont want her to think I am a addict or something. I am also in the Lamictal, I am up to 3 of the 25mg a day, I dont really notice a difference yet, it has been a month since I started it. I want to wacth your question to see how to ask for different stuff too, good luck!!"

ANONY MOUSE replied: "i would strongly advise you to lose some of your faith that you have in the pharmaceutical industry, there are more ways to deal with anger/anxiety/irritability issues than with a drug. Klonopin is much more effective than the lighter crap they hand out, but for problems that are possibly able to be conquered without the chemicals (as most of them are) i would suggest eliminating the sources of stress...... get lots of exercise, eat a balanced diet (without proper nutrients our bodies will not produce the natural versions of chemicals alot of these drugs try to replace. synthetically. learn to meditate. take up a few new interests, there are a million plus topics and things to do in this world rather than voluntarily administering to yourself a chemical leash, cuz after all is said and done your gonna get yanked around by that leash somday and your not gonna like it. *note that although i hold no degree from a university, i was a heroin addict from the age of 19 to 27, i have three years clean, and have become stable in ways i didnt think were possible "for me" and no im not pushing no twelve step garbage on ya, i am pushing straight edged clarity and clear minded self controlled enlightenment your way....... take it or leave it for someone else. but if you insist on convincing your doc, i would look up some of your diagnosed problems in the dsm4 or three (diagnostic statistic manual) this is what the doctors base their diagnostics and treatments on when it comes to psychological disorders. once you know what symptoms a person that takes Klonopins usually had in order to get such a thing then you will probably want to take try and remember what you learned in drama class"

How long will my lamictal/lamotrigine withdrawl last....? I was prescribed lamictal by my family doctor to deal with my irritability...having nothing to do with bipoloarism, but more to stabilize my moods. WORST decision of my life. I was moved up to a total of 150mg and that is when I felt the worst. I had no grasp of reality and my emotions...and I felt like I was on drugs all of the time...I decided to stop taking it cold turkey because I couldnt take the way I felt anymore...Anyways...these past two weeks of withdrawl have been insane. I have had panic attacks every day...all day...I have a feeling of psychosis and anxiety. I feel as if everything in my life is going nowhere and at times feel completely suicidal and hopless. After reading online, i know that this is a common way to feel after withdrawing from lamictal...I just really want to know how long its going to last. Today was definently the worst day so far,,,and I know that this is tkaing its tole on my boyfriend, since he is the only person in my town right now who I can talk to. I'm going to start going to a new dr soon...but i just need some reassurance and an idea of when my psychosis is going to end...because this is NOT me.

grammy replied: "I feel for you I think you should have gone to a doctor and gone off slower you do have the right to say no more you may have had more help I can not help you with your question I would see a doctor ASAP just to stabilize I understand how some drugs make you not feel"

best anti-depressant - irritability? Hello, I have been on Prozac, Lamictal and Xanax for quite a while now. The combination has kept me stabilized for years. I have also experienced a lot of irritability. I am wondering if there is another anti-depressant that I can 'substitute' for prozac. I don't want to mess up the success I've had with the combination of drugs I am taking, but I need something to take care of the irritability.

sadday4bowling replied: "ask your doctor"

Tiffany B replied: "um well i take prozac for depression and it also makes me irritable but i take serequel at night to balance my mood swings and everything and it works pretty good!"

Lamictal questions, please help if you have experience? Im debating whether to go on Lamictal or try Cymbalta again. I stopped the Cymbalta when I became pregnant, my son is now 2 months and my symptoms are: mood swings, irritability, stressed OUT, depression, ANXIETY, always thinking and usually about negative things...my psych thinks maybe Im bipolar II? I wouldnt doubt this but again, what if I just have PTSD and anxiety?? Ive had a troublesome life not to mention been arrested twice for alcohol related instances. Im trying to pull myself together for my son but not sure what exactly is wrong with me. Question about lamictal...I take YAZ birth control...I have read there are some problems with the two?? Any knowledge here? Also, does lamictal help calm peoples anxiety and constant worrying?? Any sexual side effects like on Cymbalta and other anti-depressants?? Any input about this medication will be helpful, thanks!

shekilledhim replied: "Oh, I'm on Lamictal and Yaz - it's a GREAT pill for controlling mood swings and depression (and there's no harm in trying it even if it doesn't help), it's just annoying that it takes so long to work. No side effects for me (but it may RAISE your libido!). As for the Yaz thing - it doesn't affect the birth contol (yay!) but it makes Lamictal slightly less effective. You'll just have to take more to get the desired effect! Just talk to your doctor about it first, he'll have a better opinion on it, lol."

Debbie V replied: "I discontinued Lamictal because I was in the hospital and needed to prune the # of meds I take every day. The doc put me on it several months ago, but I never really felt any different. IMO, anxiety is best handled (I've tried everything) by Paxil and xanax. Neurontin is a good mood stabilizer. My son, 18 uses this old med--called Carbatrol. It REALLY balances his day (mood). He's bipolar, ADD & PDD. I was on cymbalta for a long time, and experienced a "normal" period of time. Stopped working, had to change, you know the drill. TX Mom"

Emily replied: "I was on Lamictal for 6 months and it made me panicy and nervous all the time (well, more than before), and it made me feel like my skin was crawling. However, medications affect everyone differently. My dad was on the same medication and it did wonders for him. I say give it a try, and stay in touch with your doctor, and if you don't like it, stop. No one can know how medications are going to affect you, because every one has a different brain chemistry (I've been on a LOT of meds, in case you couldn't tell.)"

Viola P replied: "I have never been on either...but if your son is 2 months, then its normal for your hormones to start getting this way again...its just your body's way of saying "hey..theres no baby anymore inside". As far as bipolar..dont worry, you would be surprised at how many ppl have this and just eventually learn to accept it and acheive their problem..it may be a slow process, but it will get better i promise. Now yaz, my bestfriend takes and said she hated it, and within the first month switched to something else, my sister also. Now for Lamictal, just so you know...(your dr. may not have told you) this can take several weeks to 4 months before the side affects kick in and the dr. is able to determine if its right for you..and in my opinion, thats not safe. so if you seem fine at first, take a breather b/c it may get worse on you by taking it. And finally Cymbalta, (duloxitne) has a very good similarity to the symptoms you listed above..including decreased sexual appetite, and loss of orgasimes. but, it does however help with depression. so in my honest opinion, just quit the meds all together..and see what happens. If you still feel your depression and things like that, then i would start with Lamictal first since you were on that before you had your baby. Try it out for a few weeks to 4 months and just see for yourself if they really do have any harmful side affects and if they dont, then keep taking it. If it does have side affects that your not comfortable with, they get off it and wait about 2 weeks then try cymbalta again..and with this if you feel your sexual appetite worsens again, then go to your local store (like walmart) and go in to the medicine part and hand the physician your medicine (cymbalta) and just ask him to tell you what over the counter medicine do they have to increase your hormones that is safe to take while taking Cymbalta and he will go find one for you. Hope i was helpful and good luck with yourself as well as your 2 month old!! =)"

What are some other alternatives to Lamictal for Bipolar II Disorder? I was prescribed Lamictal and it was great at first as I was slowly increasing the dosage; my moods were stabilized and my irritability was gone. However, when I hit the 100mg mark, within a week I developed a lot of the side effects listed as "rare." Early awakening, exhaustion, hallucinations, eye blinking, etc. My Psychiatrist's nurse (I call her the gatekeeper) is being very unhelpful, and doesn't believe that the Lamictal is causing this, but it all started after I was on the drug. I am now only taking 50 mg daily and 50 of Seroquel to help me sleep. The Seroquel does put me out for 8 hours but I am still exhausted like before and have developed HUGE black circles under my eyes and am really pale. I feel terrible. Maybe I should try out for the casting of Twilight..... :) Anyway, I need some advisement on this because I feel so frustrated with the lack of assistance. When I told the nurse today that I didn't feel any more energized after finally getting adequate rest she said "maybe you're getting too much sleep." AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!

Kate replied: "Call your psychiatrist's office tomorrow and when the nurse gets on the phone with you, instead of telling her your symptoms, just tell her that you want to be patched through to your doctor. If she says that you can't speak with them right now, then tell her to take down your name and number and give it to the doctor and ask them to call you back as soon as they get the chance. Don't relay your concerns to her, because as well meaning as she may be, she's just a nurse. (Not to hate on the nurses out there, you are all extremely hard workers and most are highly dedicated to their jobs.) The psychiatrist is the mental health professional, though, and they are the one who you need to take your concerns to directly with regards to your medication side effects. As far as alternatives to Lamictal to stabilize bipolar II moods, there aren't a whole lot. There are fewer medications used to treat bipolar II because it lacks the manic features of bipolar I, and most mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar I (Lithium, Depakote, Risperdal, etc.) are for the treatment of manic phases. Since you don't have truly manic phases, these medications would not really do you any good, and in fact the side effect profile of these meds is so intense that you would not want to be put on them even if they could be helpful. Lamictal is a relatively "low intensity" mood stabilizer, in that it has the fewest and least dangerous side effects. If it was helping your mood at the dose you were on before the side effects started, maybe you should stay at the 50 mg dose, and stop taking the Seroquel (or take less of it). I do not know, since I'm not a psychiatrist. This is something you should discuss with them... and not their nurse. Be pushy if you have to. Be a pain in the butt. Make the nurse put you through with your doctor, or make her take a message. If the doctor doesn't call you back that day, call them first thing in the morning the next day and repeat yourself. Say, "I called in yesterday but never got a call back, I really need to speak to my doctor. Did you give them my message?" Do not let them drop your name on a desk full of paperwork and shuffle you around until you get lost. Too often patients who aren't #1 priority (read: not suicidal) get shuffled around and don't get the attention they deserve simply because the doctor is so busy. If your doctor is too busy for you, maybe you should consider finding another one. Either way, you absolutely have to be your own advocate to make sure you get the attention you need. Good luck!"

strongsister replied: "Hey...yes AAAAAARRRGGGG!!!! I want to shake your nurse. She is not LISTENING. I take Lamictal for Bipolar 2 disorder. Now for me, it has been great. But I am obviously different, and I am at a much higher dose. I left you this website ( and it's rather dry, I'm sorry) but it does give other options. I cannot believe you are not being taken seriously. I say take a look at the site and bring your Dr. a list of questions. It doesn't sound like it is working for you, and nobody should look like they are from 'Twilight.' Seraquel is great...but I use the time-release version, it seems to help quiet my mind during the day. Anyway, there are tons of options. You sound just hilarious btw, and I really hope you maintain your wonderful sense of humor through this. Hope I helped. x"

Hideki replied: "LOL, because getting too much sleep will definitely form black marks under your eyes. The tiredness thing happens to me, too. I will usually get 7-8 hours of sleep on a good day (I'm 15; This probably isn't the best amount of sleep to be getting at my age), and about half the time I will feel like I got 5-6 hours of sleep. I don't know why it is, but it just sort of happens randomly to me."