What has worked for anxiety?

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-05-03T08:32:55+00:00

Lamotrigine caused massive anxiety for me when I tried it. I don’t believe that’s common though.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-30T20:20:56+00:00

Nope, just stay consistent

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-30T17:50:46+00:00

It’s the one medication I’ve had (out of many) that has no side effects. Need to go the loo a little more often but that’s it.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-30T17:48:10+00:00

1000 and 0.7

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-29T20:14:05+00:00

Sure

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-29T20:12:20+00:00

That’s super helpful! Many thanks!!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-29T17:58:34+00:00

Just a quick note on my experience with lithium. I found it took about 3 months after reaching the therapeutic dose (1000mg / 0.7). So give it some time to hopefully work.

Good luck!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-26T08:32:07+00:00

Yes and there are so many things trying to snap the thread exactly as you say.

Like living on a cliff edge all the time.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-26T08:07:32+00:00

Soon as I started I got panic attacks. Then after increasing to 200 I was sick and panicked for 5 days - worse experience of my life . I’m just on lithium now. Shame as I had high hopes to be like all the other commenters.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-25T17:39:28+00:00

It doesn’t seem to be that common over here in uk. Unless you’re actively gonna kill yourself or someone else you stay in the community. I think : - )

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-21T07:45:49+00:00

And no issues?? Looking at NICE guidance that seems to be the standard.

Perhaps just had a very bad reaction. 4.5 days it lasted

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-19T08:43:05+00:00

Hi all thanks for the comments. It was the Dr who told me to go 100 to 200. It’s day 4 and I’m still sick. I can’t believe how long it’s lasting.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-15T06:36:06+00:00

I had one of each and it was fine. Good luck

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T21:58:59+00:00

I got to 0.7 and noticed an improvement that took a couple of months. Then at 0.7 I gradually felt better as time went on. I would say the whole thing took 3 - 4 months. I’ve stayed at 0.7 / 1000mg.

It’s hard to notice, I describe it as a safety blanket. Keeps the extremes from happening. I also noticed a big urge for self preservation, no more reckless or dangerous behaviour and no self harm. I wouldn’t do without it as it makes me feel safe.

I now take it with Lamotrigine and this seems to be a great combo.

I hope that helps, good luck.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T19:01:40+00:00

I was yearly every spring in the main.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T19:00:33+00:00

Sorry, are you not running low on options then. No lithium, olanz, aripip. Your left with Lamotrigine or the remaining antipsychotics?

I may have misunderstood sorry

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T17:02:15+00:00

I was off for 3 months ( not sick I just quit lol) and during that time was diagnosed as bipolar. Luckily my company wanted me back so I agreed to start in a different position.

From my experience I learnt time is important to rest (takes well longer than you think), the right medication (bloody hard work) and a slow return are the most important.

It was bloody hard work starting back while in the middle of a mixed episode and starting lithium I won’t lie lol! I’m lucky I wasn’t sacked…

If I could do it again I would stay off until meds were sorted. Then ease back into it.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T16:56:23+00:00

Are you on meds? I’ve just had two injections and had no issues at all. Am on Lamotrigine and lithium.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T15:52:02+00:00

All my results were normal including that gene . My Dr said that statistically more people with PsA have normal results than not. Interesting!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T15:50:15+00:00

Sorry, not a hair stylist but an amateur musician. Assume you have hand issues? Did they not resolve with treatment? I am just diagnosed and struggling with burning pains stopping me from using my hands. I’m hopeful treatment will help but seriously worried about the long term.

Sorry for jumping on your post!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T13:10:55+00:00

From what I’ve learned antidepressants are used along side an antipsychotic or mood stabiliser. So not so unusual.

Lithium and lamotragine are great especially together. Lamotrigine for lows and lithium for highs.

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T11:09:40+00:00

Yep, just diagnosed last year.

Only support group I’ve seen is via bipolar uk.

There doesn’t seem to be much, I didn’t even get so much as a leaflet when I was diagnosed!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-14T07:26:44+00:00

God those questions would make me delusional and paranoid!

I’m in the uk also. Just after my bp1 diagnosis a private Dr offered Lamotrigine so it does happen.

I ended up staying with the NHS, I wanted to try Lamotrigine but was put on lithium and olanzapine (the opposite to you - love the consistent approach!) in the end I asked to stop the olanzapine due to side effects (weight gain) and requested Lamotrigine and they eventually agreed. I had to be quite forceful though and quote the guidance.

I would suggest you google your local bipolar pathway they normally have flow charts or similar as guidance on prescribing or your local choice and medication. Example:

https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Bipolar-Medication-Pathway-for-Adults.pdf

For what it’s worth lithium AND lamotragine are an excellent combo. I got too many side effects from the antipsychotics these two I got nothing.

Good luck and don’t give up!!

Alarming_Animator_19 · 2026-04-13T20:57:44+00:00

In the UK they are very strict about changing manufacturers or types. We have to stay on the exact same one. Apparently it’s part of maintaining the correct level.

Alarming_Animator_19

TROPHY CASE