Side Effects Of Epitec (Page 3)

I am bipolar 2 or so they say. I have been taking epiec 200 and rispadol. I have lost the will to live without the depression of course and i have become an angry horrible person that no one can be around. I have shakes in the head and tiredness that is so not me. I have started to reducing the meds and is on 50 now. I am feeling much better and the old me is returning. Why do people think epitec is such a wonder drug?

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Hi, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar type1 and my meds have changed in December when I had a total meltdown. I'm on Epitec 200mg, Seroquel 300mg and in the evenings and Welbutrin 300mg in the morning. Before my meltdown I was on Epitec 50mg and Serequel 25mg and an antidepressant. I have steadily gained much weight and don't know which evil has caused this. I sometimes think I'm gaining weight because of my self loathing. PS I did read somewhere on the interet that Serequel is an anti Psychotic drug.

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Hi there, I was just wondering how you are doing now without the epitec. I have been taking epitec for almost a year now and it has changed me completely. I basically could not give a stuff about anything (apart ftom the weight gain of course), I am miserable all the time, lethargic and don't want to do anything. I have a very demanding job and have been slipping away (a real "who cares" attitude) and it is affecting my performance and my family life as well. I don't want to be near people and feel angry and fustrated all the time. I am not bipolar (phyc says I might just border on the lowest of low scale). My doctor said she won't subsribe antidepressants if I don't take the epitec as well. Point is, I suffer from anxiety. I never had ups and downs I was just always down and sad and sometimes if really pushed too far will loose my temper. I don't know this person I am now and I hate the drug. I think I have given it long enough to "work" but am terrified of what will happen if I stop using it. Can anyone help or give advise?

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Hi, Check Dr Oz's website for a new Diet method, specifically suited to your DNA..for ...the 3 dif gene types . Study done at Stanford University.
Test for under active Thyroid ( weight gain ) and insulin resistance which means that the body can't process sugar ( so avoid ) and stores it around the waist.

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When can i stop using epitec?
I am almost 5 years on it. 100mg in the morning and in the evening.

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HI, I am on Epitec 200,100 and 25mg, Tegretol 400 and generic of Serequal. I don't feel any change in my mood as i am also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Also gained weight. My doctor also just says things will get better and just pushes up my dosage everytime. Side effects also gets me down, Dr doesn't warn you about side effects you just have to shut up and drink meds. another problem is that my medical aid doesn't pay all my visits to the pshyciatrist and its about R500 a visit, can't afford that have to go every 2 months, don't see the need to drink medication which he can't monitor and it doesn't really help me. How do I stop taking this meds cause I know you can't just stop it suddenly have to reduce it somehow. any comments.

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Hi Cheri, stumbled across your post while googling.
So sorry to hear that you're struggling. I can relate, I was diagnosed with bipolar II 9 years ago and have been on the roller coaster of emotions many times. I've also had eating disorders in the past and weight gain is a HUGE issue for me too. Unfortunately all meds for depression are notorious for weight gain. The trick is to find the one that LEAST effects your weight but still benefits your mood / mind. My experience of Epitec has not been very good, I reacted just like you. How long have you been on it? All of these meds take around 6 weeks to see full results. Also, you should definitely work with your psychiatrist closely to find the right mix for you. Don't give up trying to be the best "you" that you can be. All the best!

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I'm on Epitec 100mg am & pm, as well as Serdep 50mg am & pm. Have terrible nightmares every night since I started, paranoid, anxious, trouble breathing & a small rash around my neck. I've gained weight around my tummy, thighs & face. Too afraid to stop Epitec or lower it, else the noise comes back into my head & cannot fall asleep once I wake. Don't know which medication is causing the anxiety, as when I was on Cilift, I was totally calm, but caused terrible weight gain - 10kg's! When I first started Epitec on 25mg, as well as still taking 5mg of Cilift, I was totally happy & felt stable. Seems it is really a choice of being overweight & happy, or skinny with mental anguish. The mental pain is more difficult to deal with & affects others, but on the other hand, overweight causes self-confidence problems. Cannot win!

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Wilna - I have the same situation but I dont believe Im bipolar rather major depression - Iead a normal life knowning this I take 100mg Epitec and 50 mg Rivitrol in the evenings Please speak to a phsychiatrist and start on low dosage I was on a lot of meds but none worked with heavy side affects This really helped me but yes weight gain is for sure Good luck

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The docter has put my wife on Epitec 200 and she has increased in bipolar personality manifestationsince since she commenced with the medication. The mood swings are now more severe and the aggro more intense. It is as if she has lost all self perception. Also her speech is slightly slurred and she has more trouble remembering, hearing and organising her day to day activities.

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One of the biggest problems with bipolar is that when a person is making decisions or behaving, it's often totally distorted according to non-sufferers. But the sufferer believes 100% that they're making rational decisions. They can also become quite aggresive and defensive if you try to tell them otherwise. That's the tricky part for you as a supporter. You try so desperately to be there for them, but when you try to help, they make you feel like the enemy. All I can advise is to keep at it, Don't give up. If you can see clearly that the meds your partner is on is not helping or is worsening the condition, get her to her doctor however you can. The doc will try different meds. It will change maybe many times, but he'll find the right cocktail to bring your loved one back to you.

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Guys - and I mean EVERYBODY!
I have been bp2 since a teenager without knowing it. Got diagnosed 10 yrs ago (now 48 yrs old).
The psychiatrist can prescribe until he is blue in the face.......but YOU MUST EXPERIMENT cause ONLY YOU know how you feel.
I eventually found Lamictin (or epitec, same thing) 200mg 3x a day works for me. BUT it is a long journey...... it is now 8 years of Lamictin and not missing a day, yet I do get some up's and downs every now and then.
Remember, when you experiment, do it in small increments and allow that dosage a week or two stabilise and show its 'proper' effect. It took me 1 year for my meds to top out.
Keep a diary of how you feel, it is an excellent barometer of where you are at when you took certain dosage etc.
Read and research the subjects, bp2 , depression, mania etc. gain knowledge and read forums and with all this knowledge you will be able to find what works for you.
Good luck, and may the force be with you.

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I am on the same medication, except a much stronger dose, I am on 350mg epitec once a day, and 600mg convulex twice a day! this dose has started giving me vertigo and clumsiness. also some other nasty side effects has started occurring. just thought id share. ive been strugling with the right combination of medication for 7 years, and sadly looks like I will have to move to something completely different soon.

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Hi Harry,
The Epitec 350mg is high BUT I question the once a day..................................actually my opinion is that THAT is the problem.
One of the experiments I did is taking 50mg or even 100mg more than my usual when I feel the depression coming on and all it did was .....guess......... disorientate me, vertigo and just plain doped. So, maybe try the 3 times a day thing about 4 or 5 hours apart and scale your dosage down BUT REMEMBER do it gradually.......example: take 250mg one in the morning and one in the afternoon, then a week later change it according to how you feel.
NOTE- I am not a doctor or anything but having lived with BP2 for many years must count for something.
Do not be scared to experiment, just do it in very small increments and the moment you feel worse go back to the previous dose you were comfortable with. By the way, experimenting also means scaling down.
Persevere, you will get there.

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Hi Natasha,
The biggest problem is that your loved one does not respect your opinion as you don't know (rightfully) what it is like and you are not a psychiatrist.
You can try and resolve it by getting a 3rd party to tell him that your input is essential and that he should listen. Get another bp2'er or more importantly his psychiatrist or a bp2 support group to teach both of you how to communicate and approach this challenge.
It is very difficult and your loved one is very fortunate to have someone like you.
All the best.

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Hi John,

Most of these meds can do that, just a little to high a dosage and it makes things worse. It might be that it is the correct meds but just the dosage that is not sorted yet.
CUT THE DOSAGE BACK.
Read the meds insert in detail, always, and research the meds on forums like this as it gives you insight from how it works in people, not rats.
Good Luck

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Apple cider vinegar in tablet form is your answer. 1 with b/fast, 1 with dinner. EVERY DAY! Do that and cut out starches in the evening ( or altogether is better)- drink it religiously and you'll lose all extra weight. You have to be aware what you eat tho, nothing helps if you eat all the wrong stuff. Get at Dischem :"Apple Cider Vinegar Extra strength"- it's the only thing that you can drink to help you lose weight that is actually good for your body!! You can't take other stuff, it will interfere with your meds, so plse dont. Go get in your car and start today!

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Hi... I'm on epitec 25, I've just started taking it, but I'm going to take the stronger dose now, so I would just like to find out wether that's good or bad and also if its addictive?

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Hi, I just started Epitec and will gradually increase it to 200mg. It am also on Serequel, Rivotril and Stilnox. I previously was on Epilim and gained about 30 kg. My doc said that Epitec will have the opposite effect. I read that it makes you gain weight. What is the general feeling about this and whats the most common side effects?

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Hi ! Are u still having panic attack ? Im having the same problem ! What can i do to stop it ? im using Urbanol and Epitec !

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man, i am on this now, i am starting tomorrow morning. hope it works for me
I am also Bipolar 2, andd i know exactly what you are talking about.

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