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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Diorder & Lamicatal

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Expert: - 6/26/2011


Question
I am bipolar and on Lamactal. If I stop Lamitcal, will I go manic, and how soon?

I want to go manic, anything except my boring life now. I have been manic before (on Lithium) and it was wonderful, and no accidents, just feeling alive and wanting to use this energy to do things that were impossible before. I was able to pick up the pieces of my life quickly for 20 years. Moved, lost a boyfriend and no work, friends have put me back to point zero.
I was told by a second psychiatrist that I that Lithium was toxic to me.
Answer me soon, please

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Lamictal has been shown to have mild anti-depressant properties, particularly at sub-therapeutic doses, so you might actually achieve the opposite of what you're intending.

The numbness you describe is understandably frustrating.  Have you spoken to your psychiatrist about your current condition?  Please try to work with a mental health specialist in medication management to alleviate your symptoms.

On a separate yet related note, you might want to consider trying non-medication means of lifting your mood as well, such as exercise or exploring a new interest.  It can make a noticeable difference.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Best wishes,
Joanne

Bipolar Disorder

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Volunteer

Joanne Chang

Expertise

I can answer questions pertaining to coping well with mental illness, being most familiar with bipolar disorder. I focus on approaching life from a wellness model and strongly believe that, with the right approach (sufficient insight coupled with positive action and adequate support), individuals with bipolar disorder can lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives. I am most happy to help by way of providing clinical information / psychoeducation, practical suggestions, and a third-party (hopefully, objective) point-of-view to increase insight. I am not medically-trained and am therefore not qualified to answer specific prescription-related questions.

Experience

I am an Australian graduate with an Honours degree (Class I) in psychology and plan to eventually pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. I have for several years been in close contact with patients with bipolar disorder, either as a relative or as a volunteer with various charity arrangements, and would like to provide more support to this group of patients.

Organizations
Singapore Psychological Society (Student member)

Education/Credentials
BCom (Marketing and Information Systems) with Distinction, BA (Psychology), BPsych (Honours, Class I)

Awards and Honors
Golden Key National Honours Society

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