Hi guys! I've recently been diagnosed with bipolar II. I have rapid cycling (3 depressive episodes so far this year and it's only halfway through). My pdoc put me on valproate(the regular kind, or is it delayed release?) on 250mg, twice a day (500mg total). I went back to her yesterday after two weeks of taking valproate because my depression wasn't getting any better but I did notice improvements on my irritability.
Since she didn't want to put me on an ssri which could increase the cycling, she added lamictal 25mg as an adjunct to the valproate. She also switched me to 500mg extended release depakote.
Does anyone have any experience with depakote and lamictal combination? I read that
Lamictal has a rare side effect that could cause SJS (Stephen-Johnson syndrome: a serious condition that causes severe rashes, your skin to peel off, and blisters). But apparently, the possibility of this side effect increases when lamotrigine (lamictal) is taken alongside valproic acid (depakote).
I'm weary of taking the lamictal now even though I've heard good things about its efficacy on bipolar depression.
If anyone has taken this combination before, I'd really appreciate it if you could share even a brief summary of your overall experience. was/is it worth it?
Thank you in advance!
Joined: 06-17-2017