Chemical Name: duloxetine hydrochloride Manufacturer: Eli Lilly.
Therapeutic dose : ??mg (based on what we've heard from patients). NO GENERIC TILL 2014
Consumer Review:
Lamictal became a popular drug when it was approved in 2004, because it was the first medication that worked on both Serotonin and norepinephrine . That appears to have an advantage over SSRIs , which only work on Serotonin.It also has a low side-effect profile (ie. not many people get severe side-effects).
Lamictal is an anti-convulsant , also FDA approved for treatment of bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer, and recently approved for treatment of bipolar depression, which is categorized as different from Unipolar Depression.
People don't mention Lamictal without mentioning the deadly rash side-effect, which can cause, in very rare instances, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which, if not treated right away, can be fatal. Warning: the link contains some graphic disturbing pictures of very rare cases. Not all rashes result in SJS - most are allergic reactions that disappear with Benadry or other anti-allergy med. But the symptoms are so prominent, it's hard to miss. It's a shame if Lamictal doesn't work for you, because it has antidepressant qualities, always a boon for people who have to be on mood disorders. While the rash gets a lot of publicity, a couple of similar allergic reactions - mouth sores and hives - aren't talked about much. These can be serious as well, especially the mouth sores, if there are a lot of them. Lamictal isn't for you if you develop these. I do want to say that gradual increae of dosage helps elminate the rash side-effect. Research studies suggest that Lamictal is as effeective as Lithium as a mood-stabilizer, if not more. Lamictal may cause a decrease in libido, but it is weight-neutral (no gain or loss) and other side-effects are mild. It has been the wonder drug for people with bipolar disorder for a long time now. [Note that I tried Lamictal after a couple of years after the first attempt, with gradual increase. I am upto 400 mg now, with no problems.)
Lamictal is FDA Approved as a a moos-stabilizer , Anti-Depressant ( Depression )
Lamictal is a Multi-uptake class antidepressant, unlike Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, which are are SSRIs ( (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).
In addition to Depression, Lamictal is also approved for: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain - (FDA approved) 7 September 2004. It is used off-label for many other ailments : Panic/Anxiety Disorders , Bipolar Depression ,
U.S. Brand name : Lamictal Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chemical name: escitalopram oxalate
Generic version : NOT available at present in U.S.A.; manufactuer's patent ends Mar 13, 2012 ; available in Canada.
Foreign brand names: Lamictal
Pros: Relatively fast-acting, minimal side-effects. You may feel a sudden boost the first few dayss, then taper off until therapeutic level is reached. People who take it for bipolar depression don't bitch about it as much as other antidepressants.
Cons: Lamictal (lamotrogene) has a Discontinuation syndrome , similar to Effexor (venlafaxine) for many people. Gradual tapering off is important, if you have to stop taking the medication..
For Lamictal, these are the side-effects that you really need to know:
Most Common: Nausea, Headache, Dry Mouth, Sweating, Sleepiness or Insomnia, Diarrhea or Constipation, Weight Gain, Loss of libido
Slightly Rare: Lethargy, Apathy ( Can be intense if you get these, but typically lasts 2 weeks or less)
Very Rare: Uncontrolled eye movements, Discharge of breast milk
Read a summary of the experiences of others and
also our forum topic on Lamictal .
Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more.
Cost of Lamictal in U.S. : 5mg: $2.50 per pill, 10mg: $2.60 per pill; 20mg : $2.60 per pill, Oral Solution: $140 / 240ml
Canada: Lamictal Generic Escitalopram 5mg : $1.20 per pill, 20mg: $1.60 per pill, 40mg: $1.60 per pill (US$; as of 11/1/2007)
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.
Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.
Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Lamictal
PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.
Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Lamictal
User experiences for Cymbalta can be found on Medness Forum.
If you have been prescribed Lamictal, we would love to hear your experience(s). Please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.