Disservice symptoms and conditions

I have been taking Lamictal since October of 2007. I experienced some of the symptoms (muscle pain in the head and neck) before I started the medication. I have experienced panic attacks since July of 2005. I have had mild heart palpations since I was in my mid 20's (I'm 36 now). I have had what I would consider a below normal energy level since my mid 20's also. Ok so like everyone else I am thinking I'm a hypochondriac! However, I was diagnosed August 28th 2007 with having Lyme’s Disease and also Hyper-Thyroid (same time, same lab-work). Two weeks later I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder (this is one thing I knew I was battling but didn't know how to handle it). My physiatrist started me on Lamictal and I did the standard ramp up to 200mg. I also was started on a 90 day treatment of Dyoxicycline for the Lyme’s and Methimazole for the Hyper-Thyroid. I was very very weak and was only able to stay awake for short periods of time (4 to 5 hours max). Just an fyi, I am not overweight, lazy or unmotivated. I have the physical appearance of perfect health. This, I think works against me as the Dr's seem to think I'm just whining. Mater of fact; my Primary Care Physician never tested me for Lyme’s. I went to an Urgent Care Center which tested me for Lyme’s disease and I came back positive (they also tested my Thyroid levels and found the problem with my THS levels) I told my Dr the results and he insisted I have same test done again. Guess what, new tests, same results.
My symptoms today are very similar to what I have seen posted many times. Muscle pain (entire body, some areas worse than others), heart arrhythmia, racing heartbeat, intense palpitations, nausea, foggy “un-plugged” mind, fatigue, weak muscles, muscle cramping (especially after repetitive motion, such as strumming a guitar), panic attacks (much more severe) and the latest addition to the group, Insomnia. Muscles pain in my head, fore-head, jaw, temple, neck (front and back), shoulders, is terrible to say the least. The pressure in my fore-head (right under my brow) makes me feel like I need to close my eyes or rest (resting does not relieve anything). The front of my neck is so tight at times it feels like my jaw is being pried down. I could go on and on.
On my quest to find out what else is going on with my body I have had 2 Echocardiogram’s on my heart and abdomen, 2Nuclear Stress Tests, blood work out the wa-zoo, MRI of my brain, 2 CT’s of my Head and Neck, Chest X-rays, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and all revealing nothing.
Most doctor’s I have encountered seem to want to treat the symptoms, not the problem/disease. I believe I know why; we (the ones who are there for solutions) tell them what the symptoms are (how we feel). We of course are thinking “this will help with a diagnosis of the problem/disease”, when in fact (I feel); the doctor’s thought process stops there. They don't know what’s wrong with you but they do know what your symptoms are so....bingo, let's treat the symptoms. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I’m not saying, “Most doctor’s don’t know what they are doing” or “don’t take your meds”. I am saying you and I are one of the 20 to 30 patients most doctor’s see daily (100+ weekly). They may be caring and good people but they are just as human and fallible as you and I. My advice is this; (and I am taking my own advice) don’t always “pop” into your body what the doctor suggests/prescribes, without doing your own research. Heck most of us won’t buy a car or more importantly, send our kids off to a college with out doing your own research (we just don’t trust those shinny brochures). Your body and your health are worth you doing your own research. Just keep in mind, Pharmaceutical Reps are always at your Dr.’s office (sit in the waiting room for 10 minutes and I’m sure you will see one). Reps are paid to do one thing; encourage (push) the Dr.’s to promote use of the Pharmaceutical Companies drugs.
My wife and I have been doing our own research on Lamictal (after a year of taking this stuff) and the side effects associated with this drug. We have searched through many (many,many) web sites for information and we have talked with pharmacists and Dr’s for opinions. Although I’m am not thoroughly convinced that Lamictal is the cause of all of my symptoms, my wife and I have decided to lower my Lamictal slowly from 200mg to 100mg. I am now taking 150mg daily (three days now) and plan on staying at this level for a total of two weeks before lowering to 100mg. I do fear dropping the dosage to quickly (potential side effects) or lapsing into a mania. To help avoid a manic episode my wife and my immediate family are all “up-to-date” with my course of action. They are on “Red Alert” and have promised to keep a close eye on my behavior patterns and moods. (I don't want to put them through another hyper-mania episode, its much too devastating). I do want so badly to feel healthy and alive again and at this point I am rather frustrated with the Dr.'s ability to help me achieve this goal. Remember it is called “Practicing” Medicine. So now I’m going to practice a little, very carefully and cautiously.
As a foot note; I have recently (past two weeks) been re-tested for Lyme's with a negative response. I am keeping in mind Lyme's test are very inaccurate (still hoping this one is accurate). My thyroid is under control and normal, so.... let's see if dropping below 150mg of Lamictal will eliminate some of these other symptoms. I will keep you posted.
Erik

The instructions that come with this medication clearly indicate that this medication , and is typed in caps USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CHILDREN under the age of 15. Please talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits before giving this to your child.

Now that is with the print out you get when you pick up this medicine from Kaiser, and other drug stores, so I am really shocked to read all these stories of people giving this drug to so many small children. Always research your medication BEFORE you give it to yourself or your child.
I have had many bad reactions, and had to learn the hard way for myself and mor my aging mom, she almost was rendered brain dead from a drug I did not research. Do your homework FIRST! I will never make this mistake again. Hope this helps someone.

Uh, I have read a number of postings where people are PROUD they stopped taking this last-line of defense antibiotic. Read up and be prepared before you take it. Stopping short only breeds drug resistant bacteria. If people didn't do this, we wouldn't need these horrible medicines.

You, and all the others that do the same, are RESPONSIBLE for this medication's existence. Had you kept taking that Amoxicillin back, when you were a spry 18 year old, instead of stopping when you "felt better", there wouldn't be a constant bacterial arms race.

Stopping these medications mid-treatment is a disservice to HUMANITY.

Keep it up, and next time you get a staph infection, you might find there are no antibiotics that work anymore.

I was prescribed 500mgs. levaquin x five days. On the 3rd day I developed cotton mouth, bitter taste on my lips and no matter what I eat it tastes bland at best, bitter usually. I also have a very annoying dry cough that drives me and my husband crazy especially during the nighttime. I also have been experiencing insomnia which has left me the knowledge that night time TV sucks. However, when I do fall asleep its like I'm at the movies. My dreams are vivid and long lasting. They are not fragmented as dreams should be as a result of the cyclic nature of human sleep patterns. When I dream it is literally like I'm watching a movie. I have noticed that even though I get minimal hours of sleep, whenever I wake up I feel like I am fully rested. I usually require 7-8 hours to feel this rested. Interesting how this happened. I wonder if a sleep lab might take a look at this phenomena. I have also developed pain in my rt. knee with an accompanying clicking sound which was never there before. I also have blurring of my vision which made me feel like I need a new prescription for my glasses. This seemed strange since I had a new presription only 4months ago.
So let's tally; systems involved
sensory (taste, vision), respiratory, musculoskeletal and CNS. Gee I got all of this just because I had a UTI. On the more serious side, I was never warned of potential side efffects either by my physician nor my pharmacist. This I feel is a great disservice to the public. If anyone had the bitter taste thing how long did it last? Please comment on other side effects with advice for recovery. As patients taking this drug, we should know what the half-life is, how long it takes to metabolize and how long to detox after discontinuing. Let's hope we will be ourselves again soon, Deb

Hi Just wanted to let you know that the patient information sheet from the Drug maker of Kenalog, has every one of our symptoms listed. I have had 3 steroid epidural shots, and my menstrual cycle is so off. I have had my period for 40 days straight now.
The doctors obviously have not read the statements made from the Drug manufacturer, or this site would not be here. It clearly states in bold: MENSTRUAL IRREGULARITIES-- all female patients should be notified.
I also have had severe joint pain, high blood pressure( I was always very low b4 shot), severe panic attacks and mood swings. Our Dr.s are doing us a grave disservice. My Dr actually suggested that I may have Lyme Disease! Which I do not, I had the test just in case!
But ask your Dr.s for the Patient information sheet from the manufacturer of Kenalog, Bristol Meyer Squibb. And know that you are not alone!