October 16th
2008
1:20 PM
Like many patients, I started out on a low dose of Lamictal. Eventually, I was taking 300 mg. This seemed fine for awhile. Then, I started feeling a bit down, so the doctor increased the dose to 400 mg. Increased dosage does not necessarily mean improvement in mood (bipolar). I began to experience a good number of the adverse side effects reported here, including excessive fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances, cotton mouth and very bad taste in my mouth, muscle tension (particularly in my legs), forgetfulness and confusion, and sinus and chest congestion. At one point in time, I even had difficulty articulating words.
Though I did not suffer from rash, I have been up in the middle of the night with itching all over my body. I had a few episodes of mouth sores and one pimple on my chin. Many of these have improved since the doctor brought me back to 300 mg. However, they have not entirely disappeared. I continue to suffer from the excessive fatigue many of you have reported here.
I recently had a blood test and learned I have very low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B-12. I do not know if there is any relationship between long-term use of Lamical and these test results. However, I do know that low levels of Vitamin D can cause fatigue.
Though I am willing to follow through with further blood tests, I am beginning to understand why some people are tempted to discontinue their medications. I am so tired of being so tired and sleeping so much. When I finally get up, I am still tired and drag through the day.
Sometimes, I think I'd rather have a down day or two than take this medication. I should add, though, that my bipolar is not severe, and that I am only reporting how I feel. I'm certainly not recommending anyone discontinue medications for this or any other condition they may be suffering from. If I were to recommend anything, it would be to get a second opinion if one is concerned about his or her treatment.
If I were to make any suggestion to doctors, it would be this: more is not necessarily better. Send your patients for blood tests (mine were ordered by my M.D. and not by my psychiatrist). Increasing the dosage--at least of Lamictal--might result in a host of negative side effects. Your patients might then become disillusioned with their treatment and give up.
If anyone out there has suffered from B-12 and D deficiencies, let me know. I'll let you know what I find out.
And remember, most doctors are really trying to help us.
June 17th
2008
12:39 PM
HI I AM 37 YEARS OLD AND 1 WEEK AGO I WENT TO THE DR FOR HEADACHES EVERY DAY, AND MY DR TOLD ME IT HAD TO BE DUE TO STRESS, BECAUSE MY BLOOD TEST AND PAP SMERE CAME BACK NORMAL AND I WAS PERFECTLY HEALTHY. SHE PRESCRIBED CELEXA AND SAID THIS SHOULD HELP. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE NO SEX DRIVE, HEADACHES, NAUSEA, DIZZY, LOSS OF APPETITE, SHORT OF BREATH, MOUTH IS DRY, VERY EMOTIONAL, MY WHOLE BODY ACHES. IM GOING TO THE DR. AND HAVING HER TAKE ME OFF I WOULD RATHER JUST HAVE THE HEADACHES. DOES ANY ONE ELS HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS?????
-- By rosalia | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
May 6th
2008
11:44 PM
I am 60years and a stroke survivor of ten years.
About 9 years ago started on Lipitor 20mg until about 18months ago prescribed 80mg.
Looking back I have symptoms for quite some time, and thought it must have been from tthe strokes.3 weeks ago had a CPK blood test showed my level was about 300 over recommended ratio. Have been nauseas, light headed as though I am going to fall (even when I turn my head in bed) bloated, very hungry, put on weight,stiffness, sore or aching muscles. Have been on Luvox for depression since the strokes chest pain, back pain, shoulder pain foggy vision again, aching under armpit and groin areas, irritable,and always seem tired and the list goes on, even my speech seems to be worse at times
Have had two weeks of Lipitor and started to feel better, but had to try them again for this week. See doctor Friday and I wish to say never again do I want to take another lipitor. I live in Australia and would like to find more info. Any advice would be appreciated.
June 26th
2006
8:52 AM
I have had two weeks off of Yasmin, and I feel horrible. I am on luvox- antidepressant and antiobessionial drug- because I just can't handle the way I feel. I have been on it for four days. Every day I am anxious and I hate it. I question myself and my relationship constantly. I have times where I feel okay, but it never lasts very long. I have never been this depressed in my life. I hope one day I will be back to normal
-- By abs528 | Reply | Private Message me
July 7th
2004
8:21 PM
I've been on Zyprexa for about 2 months now for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and depression along with Luvox. It's great for insomnia. Only side effects i've experienced is a rather irritating stimulation of my legs, and my insomnia has come back since i got used to 15mg every night.
-- By joe_the_pirate | Reply | Private Message me
Zyprexa (1) Yaz (1) Celexa (1) Yasmin (1) Lamictal (1) Lipitor (1) Zoloft (1)
March 3th
2009
3:13 AM
I've been on Zoloft for about a month now for OCD and anxiety. I previously used Luvox, but had to quit due to severe suicidal thoughts and hurting myself.
-- By memoryrhodes | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message meI've noticed recently that my sex drive is INSANE! However, it takes me a very long time to acheive an orgasm.
The only side effect I can certainly link to Zoloft and not one of my other meds is that my muscles randomly jump or minorly tremor.
Memory, 19