Doctor and Lamictal

Jasmin416

Jasmin416

Cathlete
My doctor seems to think this is the next course of action for me. I have been steadily declining this week into a depression after a friend of mine was killed. I am concerned for myself so I called my doctor before it gets worse. Instead of asking me about it he just thinks my current medication (abilify) will not do anything for depression. I wanted to maybe try cymbalta and He thinks antidepressants overall will only work for me short term.

After I expressed how hesitant I am taking this medication I could sense he was getting angry with my questions and pretty much gave me the I'm the expert...you need to trust me...and there's no sense in my giving you a prescription if you are going to go home and rethink my plan. Not great bedside manners to be honest. He's never come out to say he thinks I am bipolar so I asked why I was being given drugs for bipolar when I suffer from anxiety and depression. He says that I don't respond well or for long term with antidepressants and there is a wide spectrum of bipolar experiences. Supposedly this drug will work for me long term or so he thinks.

Are there bad side effects? Any experiences...please PM me if you want. Sorry so long but I'm beside myself with this visit today.
 
I don't really have any experience with this, but I wanted to send some (((hugs))) and suggest that if your doctor doesn't have a good rapport or seem willing to answer your questions, then maybe you should get another opinion. I know it's hard to start over with a new doc, but maybe someone else will be better able to help you.

Good luck!
 
I agree with Jodi. You need to have a great relationship with your doctor. These are heavy duty drugs he is dishing out to you. One is for Bi-Polar and Schizophrenia, the other is an anti-convulsant drug that sometimes is used to treat Bi-Polar. But it sounds as though you haven't been diagnosed with Bi-Polar - is that correct?

I would walk, no run, to a new doctor ASAP!
 
My friend says that I should see a new doctor too. This guy was a referral too but I think he's wrong in what he's saying to me. I have anxiety and depression and I don' t think he's treating me correctly.
 
If you don't like the doc then I would find a new one but I have taken Lamictal. I had tried almost all of the antidepressants out there and none of them helped. Lamictal was a lifesaver for me. Of course just because it worked for me doesn't mean it will for you but I am just saying. I didn't have any bad side effects from it. You do have to be careful with Lamictal though because it does have some kind of rash that you can get from it that is very serious. I can't remember because it has been about a year since I have been off of it. ANyway, I just wanted to share my experience with you.
 
I have been taking Lamictal for anxiety and depression since June. It does have a "mood stabilization" effect and it has worked in that capacity for me. I'm on the lowest theraputic dose and my doctor said he wants me on it for a year. I don't expect to continue after that since my stressors will have dissipated by then.

I took all kinds of drugs for depression and then bipolar years ago but nothing ever worked. Kinda lame. I was off all drugs for years, then went back on in June with Lamictal and another quick acting anxiety drug for more intense moments.

I'd change if you don't like your doctor but I don't think you should change simply because you disagree with his diagnosis-- he is responsible and capable of diagnosing you no matter if you disagree with the term he uses. I'd try the drug but again I'd change doctors if you don't like him.

ETA: As for the rash, it will appear at the beginning if ever. If it does appear you'll stop ever taking Lamictal. They start you slowly to prevent any complications. The rash is something that signals some serious health issues with the drug, not just a skin irritation. (Per my doctor)
 
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I'm so sorry you're feeling badly. My .02:

- The reality is, because your problem seems to be refractory, and requires nuanced treatment with second and third line medications, you will almost certainly have to start all over in terms of trying different therapies that you might have already tried if you go to someone else. Even the best medical records don't really capture the thought process that goes into decisions, particularly with psychiatric medications, because deciding that the treatment has failed or succeeded is sometimes fairly subjective.

- if you don't like your doctor because he is not explaining things to you until you feel comfortable, you should consider making an appointment to discuss it face to face. If you still don't feel comfortable, consider getting a referral from a friend, or a source that you trust, and request that your new physician and old physician review your records together.

- the rash that is the dangerous side effect is called Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and would manifest in the beginning as sores/lesions in your mouth- it can be fatal but is extremely rare (incidence 2 cases per million/year).

I truly hope you feel better,

Lisa
 
I know this sucks but it's time to shop for a new doctor. I once went to a doctor who came on with an I'm-the-boss, do-what-I-say attitude, saying at one point "Well I think I know more about this than you... I'M the doctor..." At that point, I picked up my purse and my jacket and headed out while he frantically back-peddled. I left his butt in an empty office (no other patients... very telling). I went through about 8 other doctors before I found my perfect fit, but it was worth it. Moreover, whenever she hasn't been available (she has a young child...) I've often seen another woman in her practice whom I like equally (and another I wouldn't go to if you paid me...). Heavy duty drugs delivered by a dictator. Not a good idea. I really do not trust your doctor. He sounds like he has that God-complex affliction.
 
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