Q:  Would Lamictal Bring Some Life Back into Me?

I have recently been diagonosed Bipolar II. My most recent "rage" or mania was 4 weeks ago. I had been prescribed Lexapro prior to that and now understand why I went into mania - just as I had every other time I had been perscribed AD's. I am now up to 100 mg of Topamax and feel VERY stable, but feel somewhat numb, almost depressed).  Would lamictal help with bringing some life back into me?

By the way, your site is wonderful!

Dear Kim -- 
Sticking with the question you asked -- "don't know".  Generally we try to avoid treating the side effects of one medication with another medication, unless there are few alternatives to consider.  It's hard to know what to do with Topomax:  some people get some clear benefits from it yet it was not better than placebo as a mood stabilizer; on the other hand, that's what is seems to be doing for you.  And yet, "almost depressed" as well (depression is listed as one of the uncommon side effects and I've seen it do that).  But since the mechanism by which topomax might cause this kind of problem is unknown, and the mechanism by which lamotrigine works (e.g. treating depression symptoms) is only partly understood (indirect effects blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate are generally cited as probably involved) -- it seems safe to say that the answer to your question is "don't know".

Dr. Phelps

Published August, 2004