Lamictal + Abilify?

I worked a group home for adults who have and suffer with severe psychiatric illnesses ; with that being said one client had been undergoing a medication change after their last and most recent psychotic episode which resulted in them lunging at me and attempting to attack me after becoming very and extremely agitated ; after a month’s stay at a local psychiatric facility they had done a medication change for them and it was being put on Lamictal and I have to say that this individual has been the most upbeat and happy that I have ever seen them ; positive ; recognizes that they are mentally ill ; willing and does accept the fact they are psychiatrically ill and is willing and accepting of partaking in every and all aspects of their treatment team and care plan. It absolutely does work when your dose is correct ; I am also on it and take 200mg in the AM and it does wonders for me ; also just for informational purposes ; Lamictal absolutely does help in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

For my Bipolar Affective disorder and Bipolar 2 disorder (makes you more depressed), I take Lexapro 40mg (1 in AM and 1 in Pm) and I also take Depakote ER 2000mg (500mg 4 times a day.)
Cymbalta made me gain about 50lbs in 10 months and thinned my hair. It stopped after I quit Cymbalta. It was a horrible med for me!
I'm allergic to Lamictal. Got that rash after one pill and had to go to ER. Seroquel didn't work. Kept me in different moods, I couldn't keep up with (LOL). I know it made me depressed. I had good luck with Zoloft for many years. That was before I had all the mental health illnesses I have now. I also take benzodiazepines and Ambien for sleep.
But my 2 main Bipolar medications are Depakote ER and Lexapro. I feel very stable, unless a trigger comes on.
Sorry to hear your problem. It's always hard to change, especially for another health reason.

I'm 44, take 200mg of Lamictal and 15mg of Abilify per day. Has been a life changer for me.

I am bipolar1 to and am on both Lamictal and Abilify. First and foremost, yes meds, what works for one might not work for another and yes we all react differently to different med. That beings said, Abilify 30mg was my miracle med that allowed me 3 and a half years of stability (unfortunately I crashed, there after) and I have been on Lamictal (a fantastic mood stabilizer) for ever. Personally, I have never had any problems with either or.

Due to the Lithium affecting your kidneys, of course it is a must to get off of it.

Congratulations on the weight loss, and I can see how it would concern you about the weight gain. I am so self conscious of me weight that the first thing I ask my pdoc, when going on a new med if it is a weight gainer. Pass that by your pdoc and tell him how stressful it is for you to think that you might gain weight from a med.

Hope this help and best of luck,

Kelly

I don't know if this helps but I myself have been dealing with mediCation changes. I have learned that all medications do react differently from person to person. Your best idea is to speak with your doctor thoroughly about your concerns and fears. Remember your doctor is there to help you and to listen. Don't let them put you on anything you don't wanna be put on. They work for you not the other way around. I myself take depakote, zyprexa, Wellbutrin and buspar for my bpd and it works great for me. Just do what you feel comfortable doing and don't let anyone pressure you into anything you are uncomfortable doing. Good luck and God bless you. I hope to hear how things turn out for you.

I have simalar issues and I take Wellbutrin with lamictal it really seems to work the Wellbutrin seems to keep the depression away and the lamictal has really seemed to help with the manic episodes although that's really the only good thing about being bipolar joke

If it is any consolation, I know many people who are Bipolar 1 and are taking Lamictal. As you know it is a good mood stabilizer. Abilify is also a good choice in combo especially since you need to get off the Lithium. Depakote can be added, but hopefully it won't be necessary. Switching meds can be a difficult experience, but if done correctly you should be able to manage any mania that may occur while going through the switch. The help of a therapist especially during the transition maybe useful.