... have one kidney and heard it can affect your kidneys.
I don't have bipolar which it's commonly used for.
Please help
I just saw a psychiatrist today for anxiety/depression. She wants me to take lamictal. I also only?
- Posted:
- 29 Mar 2011 by jazzmynn
- Topics:
- lamictal, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Details:
Responses (3)
LaurieShay29 Mar 2011
Hey jazzymynn,
This is what the literature says about Lamictal (lamotrigine) and renal impairment:
Patients With Renal Impairment
Lamotrigine is metabolized mainly by glucuronic acid conjugation, with the majority of the metabolites being recovered in the urine. In a small study comparing a single dose of lamotrigine in patients with varying degrees of renal impairment with healthy volunteers, the plasma half-life of lamotrigine was significantly longer in the patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Initial doses of Lamictal should be based on patients' AED regimens; reduced maintenance doses may be effective for patients with significant renal impairment. Few patients with severe renal impairment have been evaluated during chronic treatment with Lamictal. Because there is inadequate experience in this population, Lamictal should be used with caution in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
30 Mar 2011
Hi, I find that a lot of psychiatrists give out medications like crazy. I went to a therapist and she is helping me. The last time I went to a psychiatrist, I saw her for just 20 minutes and right away she wanted to give me an other medication to take with the effexor and I just walked out of her office and found some one else. I would be concern and I would get a second opinion before I start taking it, but that is me. I wish you well but please for your self check things out and talk to another doctor. Let me know how you are doing. Remenber this is your body.
Sprice2206 Apr 2011
My personal experience with Lamictal was at first uneventful. Then it became intolerable, finally ending in awful. I don't recommend it if you have only one kidney. It affects salt and potassium levels in the body. I'm not bipolar, either. My doc lied and told me it was for PTSD and it didn't cause weight gain. I'd never heard of this drug at the time and I'm a nurse! I believed her. It did not help my depression. I gained 20 lbs in 4 months and I've always weighed about 120 at 5'5". Always. Eventually, as she increased my dose, my side effects got worse. It literally makes you dumb and severely affects short term memory. I was dizzy, had headaches, and developed such a stiff neck that it made me sick to my stomach. Once I quit, I would take small doses of Xanax to help with the withdrawal. The withdrawal is awful. Please, seek another option first. There is something to help you out there. Don't give up. Please.
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Vincent,
You are so right. In fact, I'm seeing another dr tomorrow to get another opinion.
Is your counseling helping?
I have anxiety and somedays feel bummed out but not like bipolar.
Thanks for your input!
You are doing the right thing. Yes therapy is working for me and I hope you find a good doctor. Don't give up if you do not like a doctor and you don't trust him you find another one. I have to trust my doctor and if I don't I look for someone else until I feel they care about and understand me. Let me know how things go and good luck. I know this is a very hard thing to go through. Remember it is your body and you need to ask questions. I like going to a therapist because they can't put you on a bunch of medication. They try to get to the root of your depression and it can take a long but it is better then taking medications with the side effects. I wish you the best and I am glad we are friends.
Hi, Did you find a new doctor yet? How are you feeling? Just checking in to see how you are. If you need to talk I am here. I am having one of my bad days, but I am trying to get through it without poping a xanax. Anyway take good care and I hope to talk to you again.