stopping Lamictal/Wellbutrin combo

[ducaticanine]

hi.i'm a 35yr old male. after 1 year i've decided to attempt to stop these drugs. it seemed to help me ok. not totally, but ok. i was taking 100mg Lamictal and 150mg Wellbutrin daily. my deep depression(suicidal thoughts) mostly went away,but many problems still exist. like lack of focus,direction in life, motivation pushing myself. so,my therapist suggested i go on Ritalin to help with these concentration/focus issues. i've always had big problems concentrating on anything. like reading especially. at the moment i am weening myself off Lamictal and Wellbutrin slowly. after i will begin Ritalin. what do you all think? thanks

[slb4353]

I have bipolar disorder, and am currently being treated with the Lamictal/Wellbutrin combo as you are. I understand the frustration with the lack of motivation etc. I still deal with it occasionally too. But I really agree with jen about not taking Ritalin... It's a stimulant, and it can (and most likely will) trigger a SERIOUS manic episode, especially if you discontinue your other meds.

I know what stimulants can do to a bipolar person first hand. For two years before I was diagnosised with BP, I was treated for ADD with Adderall (a stimulant like Ritalin.) It may FEEL like your better for awhile, but what you will be is manic. Stimulants with BP can also trigger seizures and involuntary muscles movements of the legs, hands, and head. These 'ticks' can become permanent if the BP person is treated with stimulants too long.

The lack of attention and focus a BP person experiences is NOT ADD- and it should never be treated with an ADD drug. It's part of your depression cycle, it won't be fixed with a stimulant- and the depression that follows will be awful. I know firsthand.

I do have one suggestion for your focus issues-- WALK. I know it sounds all goody-goody, but it really, REALLY helps. Do some kind of moderate, EASY exercise for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 days a week-- But ESPECIALLY when you  are having a tough day mentallly. Go for a walk, put on headphones and ride a bike- whatever you like, just MOVE for 20 minutes daily. It will SERIOUSLY help. It so good for your brain, and it's not more drugs.

I hope this helps.

s

[KelzMPB]

I'm only 27 and right now I'm on lithium, celexa, trazadone and ambilify. I can't focus not even while driving, just can't concentrate... gained 30 pounds ! I get dizzy, I have no interest in sex..... Help !! I need a good BP med and a good AD med without the weight gain and loosing interest in sex. My anxiety is terrible too. Any suggestions ?

[KelzMPB]

I'm only 27 and right now I'm on lithium, celexa, trazadone and ambilify. I can't focus not even while driving, just can't concentrate... gained 30 pounds ! I get dizzy, I have no interest in sex..... Help !! I need a good BP med and a good AD med without the weight gain and loosing interest in sex. My anxiety is terrible too. Any suggestions ?

[jen21287]

If the Lamictal and Wellbutrin helped decrease your suicidal thoughts, I would not recommend discontinuing them.  The symptoms you are describing of lack of focus and motivation are likely due to the ADD.  The addition of an ADD medication to your current regimen could be that final piece of the puzzle put together to help you feel better. If you discontinue the Lamictal and Wellbutrin, you are much more likely to relapse into a severe depression. The Ritalin alone is not going to fix that. Stimulants like Ritalin can actually make bipolar disorder worse when used alone. Did your therapist recommend discontinuing the Lamictal and Wellbutrin? Are you discontinuing the medications under a doctor's supervision?