Question 1

what is the difference between depakote and lamictal?

Accepted Answer

Anticonvulsivants: Both Lamotrigene and Valproate are anticonvulsant agents. They have similar actions, mostly sodium channel blockers. Some of the differences are: Valproate is metabolized in the liver, its blood level can be measured, it is more effective in manic states but not depression.
Lamictal has to be increased gradually, is effective in depression, and linked to Steven Johnson syndrome, a serious skin dis

Question 2

where depakote caused me to be tired all the time, can lamictal have the opposite effect?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy: Many medications, esp psych types, have real serious side efx. n top of that, the experience of them is very subject to what we expect. Our interpretation of the impact is flexible - so, if let me suggest you try to see how you feel. Talk w/ your Dr about these things as you work to find the best for you. Add psychotherapy for best results!

Question 3

can depakote and lamictal be taken together? it sounds like depakote makes lamictal much stronger...

Accepted Answer

Not unique: But, as you might know, lamotrigine can cause a dangerous rash in some patients, and the risk is somewhat higher if you add this to Depakote.  But rather low risk of rash if the Depakote is added to the Lamictal.  If both are used together in epilepsy, usually far better efficacy.

Question 4

can lamictal cause weight loss and/or restlessness? started 3 weeks ago, lost a little weight and very hyper. used to be on depakote.

Accepted Answer

Lamictal: Please stop taking your Lamictal and let your doctor know what is happening to you.
Most likely you will have a change in meds.

Question 5

taking lamictal, depakote, risperdol, klonopin and luvox (fluvoxamine).  is it ok to have a small cocktail once in a while.

Accepted Answer

Alcohol + Polypharm: Alcohol does not mix well with the  condition for which you are being treated with that medication, nor does alcohol mix well with the medication, nor do some of those medications mix well together. Therefore, it may be contraindicated to consume any alcohol with these medications.

Question 6

on lamictal for 4 yrs 4 migraine prev. now have migraine for past 4 weeks, nonstop. added depakote. mri shows many white spots. neuro appt. soon.ideas?

Accepted Answer

Let's assess: Likely, your MRI reflects prior migraine experience, and unlikely due to other problem. You now possess chronic daily headaches, which may be associated with analgesic meds, but could occur for other reasons.  Lamictal is not my first choice to control migraine.  Depakote not a bad choice, and may start to breakup pattern.  Steroids may work far faster.  Otc items may also be useful. Reassess.

Question 7

i have bipolar disorder i take medications zyprexa, (olanzapine) lamictal and depakote 500 e.r and i smoked hash weed with medications sometimes i need an advice?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar Treatment: The research clearly shows that people suffering from bipolar disorder have the best outcomes with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy should occur for an hour at least 1 or 2 times a month and sometimes more often during the course of treatment.  Such treatment by good doctors can result in excellent outcomes.  Smoking weed or hash is not associated with good outcomes.

Question 8

20 yrs of depakote for simple partial seizures caused osteoporosis. switched to:  lamictal - caused severe anxiety; vimpat (lacosamide) -depression. alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Many: Gabapentin, lyrica, (pregabalin) keppra, topamax, zonisamide and Oxcarbazepine are other drugs to consider.  They all work for partial seizures.  Also, take vitamin d.

Question 9

topamax, (topiramate) sodium valproate, depakote and lamictal, which are best for migraine aura, and which have the most side effects?

Accepted Answer

Migraine: Prophylaxis with either Topamax (topiramate) or Depakote would be considered first line aggressive therapy (for males).  With Depakote (sodium divalproate) we often see weight gain and a fine tremor (especially in older adults). With Topamax (topiramate) there are more side effects (weight loss, parasthesias, change in sense of taste, inability to sweat, glaucoma, kidney stones )   www.healthtap.com/drericweisman

Question 10

i've had memory problems with valium and neurontin, which affect gaba, and lamictal and vimpat, (lacosamide) which don't, but not with depakote, which does. why?

Accepted Answer

You're an individual: Any medication which treats seizures can potentially affect memory. But when it comes down to it, everyone is an individual, so you might get a side-effect noone else gets or you might avoid a side-effect that everyone else does get.

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Doctor answers about:

Depakote vs lamictal

A member asked:

What is the difference between depakote and lamictal?

A member asked:

Where depakote caused me to be tired all the time, can lamictal have the opposite effect?

A member asked:

Can depakote and lamictal be taken together? it sounds like depakote makes lamictal much stronger...

A member asked:

Can lamictal cause weight loss and/or restlessness? started 3 weeks ago, lost a little weight and very hyper. used to be on depakote.

A member asked:

Taking lamictal, depakote, risperdol, klonopin and luvox (fluvoxamine). is it ok to have a small cocktail once in a while.

A member asked:

On lamictal for 4 yrs 4 migraine prev. now have migraine for past 4 weeks, nonstop. added depakote. mri shows many white spots. neuro appt. soon.ideas?

A member asked:

I have bipolar disorder i take medications zyprexa, (olanzapine) lamictal and depakote 500 e.r and i smoked hash weed with medications sometimes i need an advice?

A member asked:

20 yrs of depakote for simple partial seizures caused osteoporosis. switched to: lamictal - caused severe anxiety; vimpat (lacosamide) -depression. alternatives?

A member asked:

Topamax, (topiramate) sodium valproate, depakote and lamictal, which are best for migraine aura, and which have the most side effects?

A member asked:

I've had memory problems with valium and neurontin, which affect gaba, and lamictal and vimpat, (lacosamide) which don't, but not with depakote, which does. why?

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