Lamictal
I've been thinking about how much I want to change my medications, and I plan to bring it up with my p.doc on Friday when I go to see him, but I don't know how to go about it. I mean, I don't know how to explain why I want to change it. I always get really anxious when I have to bring stuff up like that, like I feel like they're going to think I have ulterior motives (not sure what they would be in this case). I get so nervous I forget what I wanted to say and can't get it out right or can't get it out at all.
I'm taking Lithium and Effexor right now, and while it's doing an alright job of things, there's still room for improvement. But that's not the real issue for me. Taking them worries me. The Lithium just because of it's potential toxicity, and the fact that I am not good at remembering to go for my blood work when I need to. The Effexor because now and then I forget to take my pills, and I am afraid of the effects it has when I forget to take it, aside from that, the effects of being weaned off it.
With my particular symptoms, and what I've read about other medications, I think Lamictal might be a good choice. I have read that not only is it a good mood stabilizer, but it also works well for treating rapid-cycling, mixed episodes, and major depression. All of which I suffer from (rapid-cycling moods, mixed episodes, and hypomania to major depression are my traits).
First, can anyone who is taking this tell me about your personal experience? Second, does anyone have any suggestions on how I can approach the topic with my p.doc?
TIA.
I'm taking Lithium and Effexor right now, and while it's doing an alright job of things, there's still room for improvement. But that's not the real issue for me. Taking them worries me. The Lithium just because of it's potential toxicity, and the fact that I am not good at remembering to go for my blood work when I need to. The Effexor because now and then I forget to take my pills, and I am afraid of the effects it has when I forget to take it, aside from that, the effects of being weaned off it.
With my particular symptoms, and what I've read about other medications, I think Lamictal might be a good choice. I have read that not only is it a good mood stabilizer, but it also works well for treating rapid-cycling, mixed episodes, and major depression. All of which I suffer from (rapid-cycling moods, mixed episodes, and hypomania to major depression are my traits).
First, can anyone who is taking this tell me about your personal experience? Second, does anyone have any suggestions on how I can approach the topic with my p.doc?
TIA.