Couldn’t start the lamictal

[rebecca3455]

Hi everyone, so I and the psychiatrist and my primary dr have been working together to help my anxiety. In early July I was hospitalized for it. I am one of those who is afraid to take any med thinking I might die. So after increasing Zoloft to 200, increasing Xanax to 3.5 per day, adding seroquel ( not fun) they want to add lamictal and have me work my way up to 150. I was dumb enough to really research it and now am convinced that I will get the rash ( med has a black box warning and the rashes have happened to almost 10%)

Now seroquel has way more side effects, way bigger drug and can cause heart issues, diabetes, high cholesterol ect. But I think the difference was when I started it I was an inpatient with doctors and nurses all around me.- the other reason I don’t want to take it is that the rash can happen 8 weeks out ( one lady 6 months out). All the drs say the seroquel is for short term use as I am not bipolar and they want lamictal to take its place. This med is being prescribed off label for anxiety and depression at ridiculous numbers. My husband is so supportive but one of the things he has said is that I have to follow what dr puts me on so now he’s a bit annoyed. Any advice on lamictal? Is there another drug for epilepsy that’s a safer alternative? Thank you

[Dolphin14]

I'm on lamictal. My psychiatrist pretty much assured me if it we increased in very small increments I would be ok as far as the rash went. So we did bring it up in small increments. I was stressed but never had a problem.

I'm of the same mindset as your husband take whatever they throw my way. I do ask a lot of questions and challenge my md. So we come to decisions together.

However, this is your body. You need to be comfortable with what your putting into it.

There are a few other drugs out there they might use I think. Ask your md. Just say you are co Verne's about the rash.

Good luck with this.

[Dogdoo]

I'm on lamictal and have had no issues.

My dr had me increase slowly over 4 weeks.

It's helped me immensely.

I take seroquel too, i can only tolerate 50mg but it does its job.

I don't love it, but I'm better than i was so its worth it for now.