[Ice_Queen]

**Background**
As many of you know, I suffer from bi-polar disorder, and until recently, this has gone untreated as I felt I could cope with a good support network and I don't like the way mood-affecting drugs are prescribed so easily these days.
Anyway, due to my epilepsy, which I have recently been rediagnosed with (long story), I have been put on Lamictal (lamotrigine), as that helped my seizures from the ages of 12-16, when I was taken off it.
Well, Lamictal is also used as a treatment for bi-polar disorder (I wasn't diagnosed until after I came off it the first time) and it is affecting my moods more than I can cope with now.
This, really, is unimportant- I have another appointment with the psychiatrist and it will all be sorted soon.
I am finding it very difficult to cope with the new moods, and thus am very worried I'll lose him- making this question all the more important. I don't know how much longer I can cope.

**Query**
However, all this kerfuffle with the psychiatrists and neurologists and whatnot mean I have to keep a mood chart and stuff. Unfortunately, I have recently decided I want to start long-term contraception- I have not once managed to get my boyfriend to come inside me wearing a condom. He says it's his fault, I have tried EVERYTHING. However, I cannot use any contraception that affects my moods as it may ruin results for the psychs.
Lamictal increases sex drive, yet I am increasingly put off sex as I don't like using condoms any more. I can't rely on the morning after pill every single time, as both of us have pretty high sex drives and it is unsafe to keep taking it! I have suffered bad side effects from it in the past, rendering me unable to stand for 36 hours.
Does anyone have any idea what form of long term contraception could be used without affecting my moods?

[YAP]

Copper coil? No hormones, lasts 10 years.

[tom_tom_tom]

Yess ditto to wat yap has said. That is the only thing i can think about that is a permanant solution (well for 10 years)

[Ice_Queen]

I don't want children, so that's not a problem! Thanks for your help guys!

[Raindrop87]

Hey guys, my doctor wants to start putting me on lamictal/lamotrigine cos i've started having seizures which he wants to get under control. I thought i'd look on tsr for info about the meds, could you tell me what side effects and stuff you all get?
I know this is an oldish thread but any help would be great

[diamondsky99]

Originally Posted by Raindrop87

Hey guys, my doctor wants to start putting me on lamictal/lamotrigine cos i've started having seizures which he wants to get under control. I thought i'd look on tsr for info about the meds, could you tell me what side effects and stuff you all get?
I know this is an oldish thread but any help would be great

Google?

[Raindrop87]

I've tried using google, and yes there is alot of info out there. But that is where i stumble, there is so much. I would like to hear from someone who actually takes it.