Our Pdoc said it was a mood stabilizer, he suggested it to help with my son's depression. We are still considering it.,
--
Mom of 3 boys, the oldest (10 years) suffering with a "mood disorder". He is currently taking Tenex, Trileptal and Melatonin to help. Check out my blog at http://mysonhas2brains.blogspot.com/
Lamictal is an anti-convulsant (anti-epileptic drug or AED) med that is chemically different from some other seizure meds. Many AED's are used as MS's--Tegretol, Depakote, Trileptal, Lamictal. Lamictal also seems to have some AD properties, which is probably why it can be activating for some people. It seems to work well in combination with lithium; perhaps each med enhances the effects of the other. It tends to be well tolerated, although there is a small risk of developing a rash. The rash can be mild or severe. The severe form is called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It is very rare, but it can be life threatening if it happens. Both of my sons developed a rash on Lamictal, but it resolved within a couple of days of stopping the med. SJS can also occur with other AED's, and other meds unrelated to psych meds such as antibx and ibuprofen. Here is a link to information on drugs.com about SJS
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol B, 13 & H, 10 Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
My son's pdoc wants to start him on lithuim he is only 9 years old and to be honest Lithuim makes me nerous. He also is being treated by a Neurology/Biological pdoc. Niether one of them can agree on what mood stablizer to put him on. The Neurologist wants Lamictal, stating that Lithuim should only be used as a last resort. His regular pdoc has me SCARED cause of the rash. Any information you could share would be great. At this point I am so confused!
The rash is not common. I think of all the people I've interacted with here whose kids take Lamictal, only one experienced the rash. It must be started at a low dose however, and titrated slowly to a therapeutic dose. It takes at least six weeks to see results in most cases, but in our experience it was worth the wait.
--
Shelle - 49 in SoCal. Celexa 30mg and 0.5 Xanax as prn Single Mom to Rachel - 12. BP, anxiety. Lamictal 300mg + 50mg Seroquel in the am; 100mg Seroquel in the pm. 7th Grade/Therapeutic School We also have Birdie the love bird - she bites, and Pepper the kitty - she does too
My8 yr old daughter was switched from risperdal to geodon and it failed. Both were causing weight gain and fights over food. We tried to limit food at home and school but she was relentless. Not worried about the weight, but the constant desire to eat became too much. She seemed obsessed over food. We just started lamictal a week ago and are hopeful. Risperdal worked great for 2 years but seemed to become ineffective. Doc said we may go back. Geodon caused more eating and sadness with no improvements in the angry bitter unhappy every day mood. She has moments of fun and happiness but most of the time is pissed off at something. It makes home life difficult and unenjoyable for all. I feel bad for her. Anyone have luck with lamictal?
My son started Lamictal this past summer after being on Abilify for three years and several trials of anti-depressants (SSRI's), against my better judgment. I know he is bipolar II, yet the docs see him as depressed only. They do not have the opportunity to witness him when he is manic, yet this has been witnessed by his school counselor and therapist. Abilify worked wonders for the rages and mania, but did not help with the depression. I fought for Lamictal for a year before we finally found a doc who was willing to try it out for him. He has been on it since last summer. We titrated up on dose very slowly and carefully, and did not stop the Abilify, nor do we plan on it. This has been a literal life-saver for him. He is currently on 150mg. Lamictal + 7.5 mg. of Abilify and, knock on wood, this combination has been fabulous. The addition of the Lamictal even helped to counteract the weight gain of the abilify, and he has lost about five pounds in the past four months with no other changes (after growing an inch). Last year he could not eat in the school cafeteria, go out for recess, or attend gym class. This year he is participating in all activities and even wants to try out for a travel soccer team. He has made some great friends this school year, and has been able to maintain these friendships in a very positive way.
--
Erica; itsafarm Ray- hubby of almost 12 years; couldn't ask for more R.J.- 9, bipolar (officially mood disorder nos) with anxiety; Lamictal, Abilify, Empower, Prevacid, Zantac, melatonin, OmegaBrite Jordan- 9, suffers greatly when her twin brother is in pain
We had used lamictal for almost two years and have seen good results, but recently had to add Risperdal in as well to even out some milder peaks & valleys. I also use Lamictal myself and it is the first med that helped me feel calm, relaxed, and in control of my emotions.
--
Mom to Nicolas (9) -- mood disorder, impulse control disorder (Lamictal, Lexapro) and Tanner, seemingly without any mental health issues:)
Yeah, I love Lamictal. It is the critical med for helping ds16 achieve stability. I can't do without it, either. I don't take much, but it really helps.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol B, 13 & H, 10 Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
Thanks I go today, His Social Worker watched him cycle from crying to laughing and jumping all over her office last week. She told me he needed something else , I said I know but they want give him anything until he is 12 ( will be in Dec) She said trust me after what I write in your chart he will get the medicine he needs. She told me that is probley why he wanted to put him in the hospital so they could see how he acted so they could taylor the medication to his needs. I was never told if he was BP1 or BP2 I know that he has both manic and depression. and they both are bad. If he does not give me what DS needs I will keep my appointment with the other dr I made.
If he has true mania, he is BP1. If he just gets hypomania, he is BP2. Both types of BP have depression.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol B, 13 & H, 10 Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
This is encouraging, my son is on Trileptal and Tenex, but says he feels sadness all the time. Our doctor has suggested Lamictal. We are monitoring him right now to decide. I just never know when to pull the trigger on a new med, do I wait until he falls apart, or try it to help make him at his best? Just recently a parent contacted me from our school who knows nothing about my son’s condition to share that she saw my son twice at school all alone at recess looking depressed. He also has a hard time approaching kids to play. I wonder, is this reason enough to add a another drug?
--
Mom of 3 boys, the oldest (10 years) suffering with a "mood disorder". He is currently taking Tenex, Trileptal and Melatonin to help. Check out my blog at http://mysonhas2brains.blogspot.com/
My son has NO social skills. I bring him to Speech 1 day a week and she works on his speech, social skills and reading. All that extra and my insurance pays for it.
It sounds like he could be suffering from depression. It is horrible to see your child go through that, I believe it is worse than watching them manic. I would encourage you to discuss this with his pdoc. Any learning or social disabilities he may have are going to be magnified by a depression.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol B, 13 & H, 10 Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
Mom-BP, PTSD, diagnosed at 26
DH- BP diagnosed at 35
DD-7 normal, hope she stays that way
DS-4 Suspect he is also BP, already been told ADHD, was a possibility.
Does anyone have their child on more than 200mg of Lamictal?
One week ago, I was convinced we were heading into a depression again with him. Extra irritable, not interested in the things he enjoys, and somewhat lonely. It was spring break and he has no friends. Doc approved an increase, but isn't sure there will be a benefit. This week he is back in school and doing much better. I am leaving town next week for 4 days, and don't know if I should start the Lamictal increase, or leave it alone since he seems to have bounced back. he is also at therapeutic levels of Trileptal and Abilify. He is on Tenex and Amantadine as well.
My son is 16 and takes 400 mgs. daily, 200 in the a.m. and 200 in the p.m. The higher amount has made a huge, positive difference. He went from 200 to 400 over a period of several weeks.
--
Cindy Married to DH 25 years and counting DS 15 Mood disorder Lamictal 400 mgs, Abilify, 8mgs, Wellbutrin 30 mgs DD 17 High school junior DD 19 College sophomore
My daughter started Seroquel in September and has already gained 20 pounds. Also she is still not stable. She was switched from Abilify/prozac combination because she was not stable on that either. Now psychiatrist wants to add Lamictal to help stablize and help with weight gain. From above it sounds like this is a possible outcome? Has anyone had an unstable child on seroquel become stable after adding Lamictal?
--
Liz - single mom 14 yo BP daughter on 450mg Seroquel 10 yo son
Me, I did. She was unstable on the Seroquel alone but when Lamictal was added, she was stable for a solid month. She went unstable again but that was because her Lamictal hadn't reached therapeutic yet. It takes a long time to get there and she was having a lot of stress and anxiety. It also seemed to curb her weight gain. I am hopeful that once it reaches the therapeutic levels she will mellow back out.
Good luck.
--
Karenj
Self: as sane as I can be everyday A - DD (17yo) well adjusted, high functioning, motivated, successful, waiting patiently to go away to college M - DD (13yo) Mood Disorder NOS (dx 4/2011) ADHD (dx 2nd grade), dumb high IQ, mainstream education with IEP/BIP, Seroquel 200mg twice daily - morning and bed time; Lamictal 50mg - morning (increasing slowly as needed) BF - Live in boyfriend of 5 years, supportive and learning more every day EX - Ex-husband, divorced since 2002, family history of bipolar, unpredictable and sometimes explosive
Our Pdoc said it was a mood stabilizer, he suggested it to help with my son's depression. We are still considering it.,
--
Mom of 3 boys, the oldest (10 years) suffering with a "mood disorder". He is currently taking Tenex, Trileptal and Melatonin to help. Check out my blog at http://mysonhas2brains.blogspot.com/
Lamictal is an anti-convulsant (anti-epileptic drug or AED) med that is chemically different from some other seizure meds. Many AED's are used as MS's--Tegretol, Depakote, Trileptal, Lamictal. Lamictal also seems to have some AD properties, which is probably why it can be activating for some people. It seems to work well in combination with lithium; perhaps each med enhances the effects of the other. It tends to be well tolerated, although there is a small risk of developing a rash. The rash can be mild or severe. The severe form is called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It is very rare, but it can be life threatening if it happens. Both of my sons developed a rash on Lamictal, but it resolved within a couple of days of stopping the med. SJS can also occur with other AED's, and other meds unrelated to psych meds such as antibx and ibuprofen. Here is a link to information on drugs.com about SJS
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol
B, 13 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
My son's pdoc wants to start him on lithuim he is only 9 years old and to be honest Lithuim makes me nerous. He also is being treated by a Neurology/Biological pdoc. Niether one of them can agree on what mood stablizer to put him on. The Neurologist wants Lamictal, stating that Lithuim should only be used as a last resort. His regular pdoc has me SCARED cause of the rash. Any information you could share would be great. At this point I am so confused!
The rash is not common. I think of all the people I've interacted with here whose kids take Lamictal, only one experienced the rash. It must be started at a low dose however, and titrated slowly to a therapeutic dose. It takes at least six weeks to see results in most cases, but in our experience it was worth the wait.
--
Shelle - 49 in SoCal. Celexa 30mg and 0.5 Xanax as prn
Single Mom to Rachel - 12. BP, anxiety. Lamictal 300mg + 50mg Seroquel in the am; 100mg Seroquel in the pm. 7th Grade/Therapeutic School
We also have Birdie the love bird - she bites, and Pepper the kitty - she does too
Family Helpline Volunteer - rmadmom@hotmail.com
The Balanced Mind Foundation - Bringing Hope Home
www.thebalancedmind.com
My8 yr old daughter was switched from risperdal to geodon and it failed. Both were causing weight gain and fights over food. We tried to limit food at home and school but she was relentless. Not worried about the weight, but the constant desire to eat became too much. She seemed obsessed over food. We just started lamictal a week ago and are hopeful. Risperdal worked great for 2 years but seemed to become ineffective. Doc said we may go back. Geodon caused more eating and sadness with no improvements in the angry bitter unhappy every day mood. She has moments of fun and happiness but most of the time is pissed off at something. It makes home life difficult and unenjoyable for all. I feel bad for her. Anyone have luck with lamictal?
My son started Lamictal this past summer after being on Abilify for three years and several trials of anti-depressants (SSRI's), against my better judgment. I know he is bipolar II, yet the docs see him as depressed only. They do not have the opportunity to witness him when he is manic, yet this has been witnessed by his school counselor and therapist. Abilify worked wonders for the rages and mania, but did not help with the depression. I fought for Lamictal for a year before we finally found a doc who was willing to try it out for him. He has been on it since last summer. We titrated up on dose very slowly and carefully, and did not stop the Abilify, nor do we plan on it. This has been a literal life-saver for him. He is currently on 150mg. Lamictal + 7.5 mg. of Abilify and, knock on wood, this combination has been fabulous. The addition of the Lamictal even helped to counteract the weight gain of the abilify, and he has lost about five pounds in the past four months with no other changes (after growing an inch). Last year he could not eat in the school cafeteria, go out for recess, or attend gym class. This year he is participating in all activities and even wants to try out for a travel soccer team. He has made some great friends this school year, and has been able to maintain these friendships in a very positive way.
--
Erica; itsafarm
Ray- hubby of almost 12 years; couldn't ask for more
R.J.- 9, bipolar (officially mood disorder nos) with anxiety; Lamictal, Abilify, Empower, Prevacid, Zantac, melatonin, OmegaBrite
Jordan- 9, suffers greatly when her twin brother is in pain
We had used lamictal for almost two years and have seen good results, but recently had to add Risperdal in as well to even out some milder peaks & valleys. I also use Lamictal myself and it is the first med that helped me feel calm, relaxed, and in control of my emotions.
--
Mom to Nicolas (9) -- mood disorder, impulse control disorder (Lamictal, Lexapro) and Tanner, seemingly without any mental health issues:)
Yeah, I love Lamictal. It is the critical med for helping ds16 achieve stability. I can't do without it, either. I don't take much, but it really helps.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol
B, 13 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
Thanks I go today, His Social Worker watched him cycle from crying to laughing and jumping all over her office last week. She told me he needed something else , I said I know but they want give him anything until he is 12 ( will be in Dec) She said trust me after what I write in your chart he will get the medicine he needs. She told me that is probley why he wanted to put him in the hospital so they could see how he acted so they could taylor the medication to his needs. I was never told if he was BP1 or BP2 I know that he has both manic and depression. and they both are bad. If he does not give me what DS needs I will keep my appointment with the other dr I made.
Thanks everyone for your help
If he has true mania, he is BP1. If he just gets hypomania, he is BP2. Both types of BP have depression.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol
B, 13 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
Dr. said BP1 today and put him on Depako . increaded his risperdone and keep his abilify the same.
This is encouraging, my son is on Trileptal and Tenex, but says he feels sadness all the time. Our doctor has suggested Lamictal. We are monitoring him right now to decide. I just never know when to pull the trigger on a new med, do I wait until he falls apart, or try it to help make him at his best? Just recently a parent contacted me from our school who knows nothing about my son’s condition to share that she saw my son twice at school all alone at recess looking depressed. He also has a hard time approaching kids to play. I wonder, is this reason enough to add a another drug?
--
Mom of 3 boys, the oldest (10 years) suffering with a "mood disorder". He is currently taking Tenex, Trileptal and Melatonin to help. Check out my blog at http://mysonhas2brains.blogspot.com/
My son has NO social skills. I bring him to Speech 1 day a week and she works on his speech, social skills and reading. All that extra and my insurance pays for it.
It sounds like he could be suffering from depression. It is horrible to see your child go through that, I believe it is worse than watching them manic. I would encourage you to discuss this with his pdoc. Any learning or social disabilities he may have are going to be magnified by a depression.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 15, BP,AS, mild hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol
B, 13 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 50
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
--
Mom-BP, PTSD, diagnosed at 26
DH- BP diagnosed at 35
DD-7 normal, hope she stays that way
DS-4 Suspect he is also BP, already been told ADHD, was a possibility.
Does anyone have their child on more than 200mg of Lamictal?
One week ago, I was convinced we were heading into a depression again with him. Extra irritable, not interested in the things he enjoys, and somewhat lonely. It was spring break and he has no friends. Doc approved an increase, but isn't sure there will be a benefit. This week he is back in school and doing much better. I am leaving town next week for 4 days, and don't know if I should start the Lamictal increase, or leave it alone since he seems to have bounced back. he is also at therapeutic levels of Trileptal and Abilify. He is on Tenex and Amantadine as well.
weeeze 44
My son is 16 and takes 400 mgs. daily, 200 in the a.m. and 200 in the p.m. The higher amount has made a huge, positive difference. He went from 200 to 400 over a period of several weeks.
--
Cindy
Married to DH 25 years and counting
DS 15 Mood disorder Lamictal 400 mgs, Abilify, 8mgs, Wellbutrin 30 mgs
DD 17 High school junior
DD 19 College sophomore
My daughter started Seroquel in September and has already gained 20 pounds. Also she is still not stable. She was switched from Abilify/prozac combination because she was not stable on that either. Now psychiatrist wants to add Lamictal to help stablize and help with weight gain. From above it sounds like this is a possible outcome? Has anyone had an unstable child on seroquel become stable after adding Lamictal?
--
Liz - single mom
14 yo BP daughter on 450mg Seroquel
10 yo son
Me, I did. She was unstable on the Seroquel alone but when Lamictal was added, she was stable for a solid month. She went unstable again but that was because her Lamictal hadn't reached therapeutic yet. It takes a long time to get there and she was having a lot of stress and anxiety. It also seemed to curb her weight gain. I am hopeful that once it reaches the therapeutic levels she will mellow back out.
Good luck.
--
Karenj
Self: as sane as I can be everyday
A - DD (17yo) well adjusted, high functioning, motivated, successful, waiting patiently to go away to college
M - DD (13yo) Mood Disorder NOS (dx 4/2011) ADHD (dx 2nd grade), dumb high IQ, mainstream education with IEP/BIP, Seroquel 200mg twice daily - morning and bed time; Lamictal 50mg - morning (increasing slowly as needed)
BF - Live in boyfriend of 5 years, supportive and learning more every day
EX - Ex-husband, divorced since 2002, family history of bipolar, unpredictable and sometimes explosive