posted
I recently read somewhere that lamictal has been shown to aid in the reduction of the HHV-6 virus. I am wondering if this is true or if there has been any recent research proving this link?
MY LLMD would like for me to take lamictal, in addition to neurontin, for neurogenic pain purposes, as well as for seizure activity, but I don't like anti-seizure meds.
However, if it is shown to help reduce HHV-6 virus, I might give it a shot. My blood results showed active infection with HHV-6 and this causes a lot of neuro. problems.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
I wouldn't be surprised if Lamictal helps HHV-6.
The truth is, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and even anxiolytics can stimulate or modulate immune response. The pamphlets make you want to believe it's all about serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, gaba, glutamate, etc, but I don't think that's necessarily true.
There are anti-psychotics for example are used "off-label" for treating treating infections/viruses.
If someone feels better with a drug prescribed by a psychiatrist, they tend to get the psychosomatic label. I think this is unfortunate because it really may not be the truth. I think in many cases there may be an on-going infection that is simply ignored once someone's symptoms are labeled as psychosomatic.
There is some research on this, but there is very little.
Psychobiology and psychoneuroimmunology is currently offered at universities and I hope these classes and majors will reshape our antiquated points of view.
Posts: 967 | From A deserted island without internet access | Registered: Sep 2009
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I took Lamictal for a while, but then had a severe muscle reaction to it and had to change to Risperdal. I have to say that while on both of these psych meds, my fatigue has improved a great deal. So I now believe that there is more to psych meds than just treating psych symptoms.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
Why not take valcyte? That lowered my antibody titers to HHV-6, and I saw improvements in my health.....
posted
Well, the lamictal is really for seizure activity and pain relief in conjunction with neurontin. I have severe pain that I need to somehow get under control, but I am too afraid to take "brain" drugs!
But, I also read in 2 separate places that it also aids in the treatment of HHV-6 which I thought was interesting and wanted to see if anyone had any additional info. on this.
My HHV-6 results from Lacorp say: IgG antibodies 2.29 High Also, high results for EBV >8.0 EBV Ab VCA, IgG >8.0 EBV nuclear antigen Ab, IgG
My LLMD said he would recommend an anti-viral a little later on in treatment if my own immune system cannot get it under control. I think he is counting on my immune system taking over at some point.
thanks for the input!!
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
jwall~ I am not familiar with that kind of reference range. My doctor uses antibody titers, such as 1:320, not 2.29. Having said that, your HHV-6 result does not look very high. I have Parvo titers in the 7s and my doctors are not concerned. If you want to know for sure, read more at the HHV-6 foundation website and get tested at Focus Diagnostics lab.
Your EBV IgG does look high. But you also need to look at the EA, not the nuclear antigen to see if it is an active infection. For more info see what I wrote in this thread: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/100184
Best, Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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