Does anyone know how caffeine, tobacco, & alcohol affect people who are taking Lamictal for Bipolar II?
My psychologist says these substances take away the benefits of the medication, Lamictal. But I just dont see a problem with them. If anything, Im taking this medication for nothing if I feel fine and still consume these three things. I dont know how he can expect me to give up caffeine & tobacco, but the alcohol I know I have to keep under control. He says that by consuming these three substances, the medication doesnt do it’s job. However, I have yet to find anything on the internet to support this.
To be honest, I dont think I needed the Lamictal at all. I went on it by his recommendation when I wanted to get off Cymbalta, which I was prescribed during a bad year of death in the family….for Stress. My stress is now under control. And Im thinking the Lamictal isnt doing anything since I consume these 3 things pretty regularly. Ive been on Lamictal for about 5 months. I kinda think these dr’s just want to support the pharmacuetical companies and drain our insurance benefits.
Tagged with: Affect • alcohol • anyone • Bipolar • caffeine • know • lamictal • people • Taking • tobacco
Filed under: Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism
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no it doesnt.
My sister has Bipolar I and I’m not sure of the medication she is taking, but she did quit smoking, although I don’t think it affected her medication, and I’m not sure about tobacco, but I know for sure that alcohol+medication is a terrible mix, especially if you take more than one medication.
So, in my opinion, I’d say stay away from too much alcohol, I think a BIT would be OKAY, if you really wanted it.
I take:
Lamictal 200 mg (mood stabilizer)
Abilify 10 mg (for depression)
Geodon 40 mg (for mania)
I don’t think Lamictal does that much either besides make me a little more calm.
I just stay on it as sort of an insurance policy against a bad day or series of days. Also my doctor really wants me on a mood stabilizer. Personally, I think the Geodon and the Abilify are the work horses in terms of medication.
But back to your question. I drink caffeine on these medications with no problems whatsoever. (Coffee, tea, diet soda).
I also have drunk alcohol on this med mix and it was totally normal. I do not drink very often, but I’m not afraid to drink on it.
As far as tobacco– in the mental hospital we had a smoke room and I smoked like a chimney. It’s boring there and smoking is a very social thing to do. But outside the hospital, I don’t smoke. But if they allowed smoking in the hospital (which they don’t anymore, but this was 3 years ago) I think smoking isn’t going to wreck the med mix.
So there you have it. I don’t think these factors are that big of a deal when it comes to Lamictal. I don’t think these factors make the medication “not do its job.”
As far as quitting Lamictal. Try quitting under doctor supervision. Taper down slowly. Maybe it isn’t really doing anything or maybe it is stabilizing you. For me, I’ll probably be on meds for life, but maybe you don’t need this med. You can always go back on it.
~Good Luck~
I also take Lamectal. I got down to 100mg/day. My question is why does my caffeine use/abuse cause sudden crying spells?