Is lamictal an ssri?

Do you have a buzz in your brain that just won’t quit despite how many mindfulness meditations you do or hours of therapy sessions? If yes, then welcome to the club! Our brains are constantly on-the-go with thousands of neurotransmitters firing off signals in every which way. But sometimes these neurons can send out too much energy causing a range of issues such as bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and depression among others. While different treatments work for different people, Lamictal is one medication that has been known to help alleviate some symptoms associated with these conditions. But wait – what exactly is this magical pill and more importantly – is it an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)?

What is Lamictal?

Lamotrigine, commonly sold under the brand name Lamictal, belongs to the anticonvulsant category of medications that target abnormal electrical activity in the brain by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels involved in these neural pathways. It has approval from both US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treatment resistant epilepsy since 1994 and neuropsychiatric problems like bipolar disorders since 2003.

How Does It Work?

The exact mechanism by which lamotrigine brings about therapeutic effects remains unclear but researchers suggest it might modulate multiple interconnected signaling pathways involving GluK1 kainate receptors(α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid(receptor)), NMDA receptor agonists(d-glyceraldehyde), AMPA/kainite-receptors(benztropine) alongwith ionotropic/cholinergic targets^[7]. In simpler terms, it blocks certain specific glutamate receptors in order to decrease neuron excitability.

Dosage Forms

The dosage forms available include immediate release tablets orally disintegrating tablets(for those who hate swallowing pills!) or extended-release tablets depending on the condition being treated. The medication can be taken alone or in combination with other medications under medical guidance to manage symptoms like epileptic seizures or bipolar depression.

What is an SSRI?

An SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) category of drugs, includes popular antidepressants Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro that act by blocking the reabsorption(known as ‘re-uptake’) the neurotransmitter Serotonin from sites outside its release area(the synapse). By increasing levels of this happy hormone in our brain’s mood-regulating areas they help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety in some people.

So is Lamictal An SSRI Too?

Well..Nope! While both SSRIs and Lamotrigine are used for treating depression and regulating mood disorders, they work through different mechanisms: lamotrigine acts on sodium channels thereby reducing excessive neural activity while SSRIs regulate specific neurotransmitter reuptake pathways by blocking their return to presynaptic terminals^[4].

Differences Between SSRIs And Lamotrigine

SSRIS:
Molecule when consumed: Prevents absorption of released neurotransmitters(example Serotonin) SSRIs selectively block serotonin(neurotransmitters) receptors leading to increase in level’s chemical signal leading further improvement via increased activation(Like giving extra actors more dialogue)
Lamotigrine:
Molecule when consumed: Reduces nerve Activity Lamotrigin actively inhibits excess neural firing leading to fewer chances of escalation causing reduced seizures/mood swings

So next time your doctor suggest trying out one instead of another – you would know why!

But wait – I saw online about something called ‘Sulthiame’ working similarly?

Sulthiame V/S Lamictal

Yes indeed! Sulthiame is another anticonvulsant that has been show promising effects on improving mood swings^[6].This medication is a partial activator of potassium channels meaning it works to reduce overexcitation in neurons — just like Lamotrigine. It was originally meant as an add-on therapy for epilepsy but recent studies suggest it could possibly be used as an alternative treatment option for bipolar depression[].

When Should You Talk To Your Doctor About Taking Lamictal?

Despite being overall quite safe, some possible side-effects can include dizziness or headaches in some individuals. However severe allergic reactions such as rash and inflammation are rare – If any unusual symptoms continue, seek medical attention immediately.

As with all medications, dosages and duration should be taken under medical guidance depending on your health status/condition/its severity amongst other factors- So yes indeed consult a professional before starting/stopping the drug

But Wait – What If I Already Take An SSRI And Want To Start On Lamictal Too?

Don’t worry – this combination isn’t completely unheard of but might require adjusting dosage levels along with more frequent check-ins with your doctor if necessary!

Alternatives To SSRIs/Lamictal:

While both drugs work excellently for maintaining/mood disorders (as suggested by their FDA approval), one must remember there is no magic pill when dealing with mental illnesses!
In addition to medicinal help(that most people go through first), there are various alternative therapies(Read here about 10 sound healing instruments ) & lifestyle changes(e.g Yoga) alongside community support(groupanizing,) that can help provide relief over time.

Conclusion

So there you have it folks: Lamictal is not an SSRI so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Rather than worrying too much about which exact course of medication to try, focus on what works best for YOURSELF alongwith a qualified professional.

Remember — Your neurotransmitters might be firing off like party poppers that you don’t have complete control over but seeing a therapist or any form of help is not something to be ashamed of. Contrary to long-standing societal stigmas, mental health issues are just like the physical ones our bodies experience – they simply require some extra attention and care(think daily vitamins!).

Until next time – Happy Brain Waves!


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