I take it for epilepsy and I know it is also used for depression and bipolar disorder, but I feel really depressed a lot. Why is this? Wouldn't it take care of my epilepsy AND my depression? Or is the medicine causing my depression? I dont know it is confusing me.
2006-11-06 14:34:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Talk to your doctor, and think about seeing a psychiatrist as well - one that will work with your neurologist (am presuming that's the type you're seeing for epilepsy). Although I'm definitely no expert, it seems there may be some relationship between seisures and mood disorders. Anyway, the pdoc specializes in psych meds and should be willing to work with your doc to figure the best mix of meds for you (and the combos to absolutely not do).
Btw, you might want to check out this site:
http://www.crazymeds.org/
Don't let the name put you off, the med info is solid. The site focuses on meds for bipolar, depression, epilepsy, and drugs related to all of the above. It's run by a bipolar guy with epilepsy, so you're apt to find info there that you won't elsewhere. Good luck.
PS - Anti-convulsants act as mood stabilizers for ppl with bipolar and bipolar type II (little mania but cycling on the down-side of mood spectrum). Alone, they do very, very little for depression. They are however taken in conjunction with anti-depressents.
2006-11-06 15:14:36 · answer #1 · answered by Alex62 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are feeling depressed you need to report this to the doctor in case this is a side effect of your medication and also to alert your doc that you are having depressed feelings. Not all meds work the same for all people so even though it helps with your epilepsy it may not help if you truely have depression.
2006-11-06 14:37:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been on Lamictal for 1 1/2 years now, it has been a life saver for me. I have been treated for depression for 13 years and nothing worked, then I was finally diagnosed as bipolar 2 and given the right medication. I also have to take Paxil CR for my depression and anxiety.
2006-11-06 17:43:53 · answer #3 · answered by Cricket 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honestly, it could be any of those. were you depressed before taking lamictal? has it gotten better since on lamictal? how long have you been takin lamictal? any other antidepressants other meds you are on? herbals? OTCs? sorry to drill you, but think about those questions, and get ahold of your doctor or pharmacist. if your epilepsy is controlled they may try something else for the depression. depression is usually treated 3-6 months at first.
2006-11-06 14:39:15 · answer #4 · answered by trytohelp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took Lamictal, for Bi-Polar. I know dont know about every situation, but I do know that in my case. It really didnt work most of the time. I started forgetting things, like major things. I missed appointment's that I knew I had the next day, but when I would get up. I had no clue until later that day. The only positive thing that came about was, I had way more energy. Thats the only part I miss.
2006-11-06 15:37:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have depression and Dr. suspected that I have seizure too. He gave me Tegretol to try...so I assume Lamictal has the same effect of Tegretol? Originally is used for seizure and epilepsy and off label it also used to treat Bipolar, depressive symptoms..etc. remember to let your Dr. know though, just to play safe? good luck.
2006-11-06 14:40:14 · answer #6 · answered by 8wanderer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi i take epilim for epilepsy, a totally different drug i know, but i think the most important thing to do is report this to your doctor, different drugs affect people in different ways. Also a healthy well-balanced diet is always a good thing. hope you find this helpful.
2006-11-06 15:03:31 · answer #7 · answered by peanuts 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋