Lamatical for bi-polar

[cdervin]

My father has recently been started on Lamatical along with his Effexer for treatment of bi-polar as a mood stablizer. I am familiar with lamatical as an anti-convulsant but that is it. Has anyone heard of it being used in a case like this?

[Rhonda R]

Hi,

There is some preliminary data to support the use of Lamotrigine in bipolar patients and for depressed patients. It is not an approved use of this drug, but alot of the anti-convulsants that are used for mood stablizers are not indicated for that use. The pysch community is trying this, usually after failures of more traditional mood stablizers. It works for some but not others I haven't seen any great improvement with the use of this drug, but most of my patients are difficult to treat. The use of antidepressant in a bipolar patient will sometimes induce mania.

[cdervin]

Dear Rhonda,

Thank you very much for replying to my question. I wasn't sure if this was some kind of mistake. I was unable to find any info in my CPS, pharmacy, or on the computer.We have tried many medicaations without success and are certainly willing to try something new. Thank you for your help.

[Rhonda R]

Glad I could provide some help. This is the first ime I have used a message board..it's pretty cool.

Just for your information the FDA in the states has recently (in the past 2 weeks) approved the use of olazapine (Zyprexa) for offical use in bipolar disease. It has relatively few side effects, its in the new class of atypical antipsychotics. The major problem is weight gain.