Day 7 on Lamictal for depression/ anxiety. Dr. Thinks I maybe bipolar type 2 .The first 2 days I?

Thank you so much! My doctor wants me to start Effexor also tomorrow because I told him about the anxiety, but I can't imagine starting another new med not knowing which one would be effective at this point. Besides everything I read about putting someone on an SNRI with bipolar 2 isnt exactly reassuring.

Yeah, do not add the other one, you'll be lost in space not knowing what's doing what. Hang in there with just one long enough to be sure.

Thank you! God Bless you!

and you as well. Hang in there!

Yes you do NOT want to start an antidepressant at this point especially an SNRI the SSRI's are bad enough but the other can really do a number on you. My Psychiatrist will only start one med at a time so that you know what med does what and until the moods are stabilized starting an antidepressant is dangerous.
Do what you think is right for you and you will be fine.
Take care and be well

Did you have anxiety about being able to sleep? I can only sleep 3 hrs a night on sleeping pills.I cant sleep without them. A couple of months ago I slept fine all this hit me at once. Im not sure if I do have BP type 2 my Dr. isnt even sure,but the SSRI's Ive been put on have been a nightmare. I have depression and anxiety that I know, but the lack of sleep has made both 10 times worse than ever.I fear this is as good as it gets and Im not sure if I will ever be myself again.The drugs that I have been on make me feel like Im not even me if that makes any sense.Thanks for listening I know Im rambling Im so frustrated with this nightmare!

Hi, have you started the Effexor yet? Please try to keep some positivity, it will get better! The Lyrica (same drug class as Lamictal) took a while for me to get used to also, but after 7 + days now you should start feeling relief from your anxiety, this in turn will improve your sleep. Some people are very resilient to sleep aids, me included. What have you been prescribe and at what dose? I completely understand the toll that insomnia takes on your mental health. Please get back to me so i can try to offer more advice...

Delila,
No I have not tried the Effexor and honestly don't want to.I am really hoping the Lamictal will help.As far as sleep aids I was on 15mg of Temazepam for 5 weeks and it gave me 3-4 hrs tops then stopped altogether.I came off it abruptly so Im not sure if some of my anxiety after that was actually withdrawal .Im now taking 10mg Ambien and again getting 3-4 hours of sleep.I get anxious before bed about sleep I know that sounds ludicrous but I cant seem to fall asleep on my own and it completely stresses me out I want my sleep back! Lamictal and Ambien both disrupt the sleep cycle so how do we ever get back to regular sleep??

Hi, so sorry you are still not getting any more sleep and i completely understand about getting anxious before going to bed. Which in turn disrupts your sleep further hey! Have you tried following a 'good sleep hygiene' guide? I know a lot of people think it won't help but it really can make a difference. I teach it at the organisation i work for. If you search for it a number of good ones will come up... I like the one from 'Helpguide.com'

Yes, I've tried the good sleep hygiene. I now sleep in a different room than my husband because he snores and I can control the environment better. He doesn't understand this but I gotta do what I gotta do.Thanks for your input and support I dont really have anyone to talk to about any of this. My husband doesn't understand what I am going through he thinks I should just close my eyes and sleep.If it was that easy I would be sleeping right now. It's hard when your own husband isn't supportive because he doesnt believe in depression or anxiety.Thanks again!