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Lamictal Treatment for Bipolar

According to the Depression and Bipolar Alliance, "Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. ...a person's mood can alternate between the "poles" of mania (highs) and depression (lows)." One course of treatment is a medication called Lamictal.

  1. Bipolar Types

    • The are two types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Those individuals who are more prone to severe episodes of mania, along with periods of great depression fall into the Bipolar I category. People who suffer the grave episodes of depression yet tend to have much milder forms of mania are diagnosed as Bipolar II.

    Common Bipolar Symptoms

    • Those who suffer from Bipolar I and are in a state of mania tend to be compulsive, have high energy levels, sleep very little, and may have racing thoughts. Depression, the common element to both forms of Bipolar disorders may send a person spiraling into depression, which may include symptoms of anxiety, extreme sadness and hopelessness. The depressive stage of bipolar may lead to thoughts of suicide, so treatment is vital for the depressive stage.

    Treatment with Lamictal

    • Lamictal or Lamotrigine, can be used in the treatment of Bipolar disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "Lamotrigine will help to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes." This medication may help the individual with Bipolar disorder from experience symptoms less often, lending to a better grasp on the disorder.

    Warning

    • According to generic medication company Apotex Corporation, there is a risk for rashes when using this medication. Some of these rashes may be very serious, or even fatal. Typically these rashes are minor, and will go away after a few weeks.

    Side Effects

    • There are some side effects to consider before taking any medication. With Lamictal, some of these may include, but are not limited to, dizziness, headache, lack of cordination, drowsiness and vomiting. As with any medication, it is important to weigh the pros and cons when considering medication therapy.

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