Bipolar  And Lamictal: An Anticonvulsant Medication Finds A New Use

Lamictal is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to control the convulsive in epilepsy patients. Now there is evidence that Lamictal and bipolar disorder have found a relationship that proves positive for the control of the disorder's symptoms. The medication helps during the depression stage of the disorder's cycle. Bipolar medications such as Celexa have to be taken with a mood stabilizer where Lamictal is an added tool to fight the depression found within the patients.

Proven By Studies

Several double blind studies have been conducted and they have proved that Lamictal is efficient in removing the depression. Mood stabilizers alone have shown to increase the frequency of mood and depression cycles and with Lamictal the cycles are shortened and appear less frequent. Even when placed against placebos, the Lamictal helped.

Most bipolar patients that take Lamictal have endured few side effects. The most common side effect was a headache. There has been some concern over a rash that appears after taking the medication. About 9% of those in the clinical trial acquired rashes but they were not serious enough to require a hospital stay. There have been some severe cases of rashes occurring amongst all Lamictal users, but the number is less than one percent of the entire user population.

When Medication Should Be Stopped

Physicians advise the use of this medication be dropped as soon as a rash develops. Consult with your doctor immediately if this is the case. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition and if side effects occur your doctor will recommend an alternative treatment. Untreated bipolar disorder can lead episodes that could require the attention of mental health personal.

If a bipolar treatment is stopped either by the patient or doctor, the chances that dramatic increases in manic and depressive episodes will increase is possible. It is reported that suicide rates for the disorder can be as high as twenty percent is the disorder is not treated and medication is not taken. The seriousness of not taking the medications can produce life threatening situations and the behavior may lead to a violent episode in which the patient could hurt themselves or others.

Dangers In Going Off Medication

Many prisoners convicted for violent crimes were off their medications when the crime was committed. Domestic violence cases have a huge percentage of incidences when the offender has bipolar disorder and are off their medications. Another study found that child abuse and neglect cases also had a high number of incidences where the parent did not take or quit their medications without doctor's orders.

When taking Lamictal for bipolar disorder make sure you take the exact dosage that is prescribed for you. Your doctor may increase your dosage until the desired effect is reached. Do not try to increase or decrease your dosage without your doctor's permission. The doctor will monitor your manic or depression stages and align your medication accordingly. The doctor knows what the medication is doing to your body and through blood tests; he or she will be able to adjust to dosage to meet your individual mental health needs.