Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Nickn...
• March 9, 2013

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Depression ever since I can remember. Had 15 good years on Prozac, but it stopped working. Have been trying all kinds of antidepressants & in December I was put on Lamictal. Worked up to 100 mg, stayed on for a while, not much happening - thought it was just another med that wasn't going to work. My doc said the 'therapeutic' dose so am slowly titrating up to 200 mg - currently at 175/day. Just yesterday I think I started feeling the miracle of Lamictal kicking in! Yesterday and today I have felt better than I have felt in soooooo long - don't stop before the miracle happens (unless you have bad side effects, like the rash, which thankfully I do not have). I want to shout my gratefulness from the rooftops!"

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2008

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I can't praise this drug highly enough. At the age of 59, I'm finally leading a level life - without quitting jobs in a rage, moving my family 1,400 miles to a house I'd never seen. Due to troubles with sleeping, I also take Seroquel."

• Poppi...
• April 22, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "This is the first medication out of all the meds I've tried (lithium, seroquel) to stabilize my moods on a daily basis. My mood has never been this stable from as far as I can remember. It took a few months to work though, and dosage is really critical. Going from 100mg to 200mg made a BIG difference. I also started taking more at night which helps keep my irritability down in the morning. I haven't had any side effects at all from this, except a decrease in appetite. Being already skinny, this is a little disappointing, however I'd take that any day over depression."

• JCano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "25 yr old male who had a psychotic episode. Added Lamictal about two months ago to my other meds (Luvox, Vyvanse, trazodone, and propranolol). I reported feeling wired and unable to concentrate, back and forth with everything. Lamictal was added to counter the effects of Luvox and Vyvanse. I can say it has worked tremendously. My brain feels clear. Able to hear, process, be patient, talk. Images and delusions have significantly dropped. I have been previously diagnosed with a disturbing purging disorder, body dysmorphia, ADHD, and panic disorder. These conditions were untreated two years ago. All of these meds 100% make me feel normal and took me out of severe psychotic episodes. I say try Lamictal and definitely any of the other meds if you had no success with others."

• JD Wa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2012

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Well, I don't know what to say. If only I would have been taking lamotrigine when I was younger. I've been having mood swings and anger since I can remember, since the age of 11. I am 31 now, and this is the only medicine that makes me feel the way I knew I should feel. I have no side effects. The worst thing of having bipolar 2 was dealing with my horrible anger problems and having people scared of me. I used to hold on to the fact that my son was the only reason I was alive, but lamotrigine has given me a new lease on life. Lamotrigine makes me feel like I should have felt since I was younger!"

• Briar
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2024

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've taken Lamictal for 5 years now, it was a life changer when I started it. I felt so normal and everything improved in my life (it still took 1 year to get the full effect of it, probably because I was so scared of medications that I absolutely wanted a low dosage at 50 mg). Then I felt so normal that I wondered whether I needed it. When I stopped it, anxiety went back, it was very bad. Then I went on it again (100 mg), it took also 1 year to feel totally good again. I've had ups and downs, but it's definitely a game changer. If you start it and it works, my advice is to not stop it (you can change dosage, though). I don't have side effects except maybe an increased libido (the only thing is that in the 1st 6 months, I felt sometimes I was less intelligent, thinking more slowly, but it stops gradually). I hope this review will help someone."

• Surfc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "On it for 6 years, 200mg twice a day. This was a life-changing drug for me. I also take Ritalin, which has been working for the last 2 years. The Lamictal really makes me feel like I have a repaired foundation in my personality. The Ritalin has added to my concentration and keeps me calm and even-keeled. I had tried many other medications from my psychiatrist that worked for a short time, but nothing has been as long-lasting as these 2 medications. One of the best reasons I have for knowing that they are doing their job is... most people who know me, such as friends, family, and fiance, would like to give my doctor a great big kiss."

• Getti...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2020

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I’m taking Lamotrigine for bipolar PMDD, and I’m amazed by the results. I’m now on Lamotrigine 200 mg x 2 per day and have very few truly low days. I’m much more engaged with my life, kids, and friends; when asked how I am, I can genuinely say I feel good or even great. Side effects initially just nausea and nystagmus when I increased the dose. The nausea has now come back, and I’m struggling to eat enough. I eat regularly until I feel sick, but am losing 2-3 lb per month, and I wasn’t big to begin with. I’ve also been more distracted, and it’s harder to remember things. I even get distracted when driving and have more extreme hyper days. But I’m also getting much more done, so at the moment that feels great. My doctor says Lamotrigine is great for depression but not so good for the hyper end, so suggests I either add in Ampriprazole or lower my dose, which I’m trying first. For me, the life-changing benefits by far outweigh the side effects. I just need to sort out the weight loss."

• dmmw
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Thanks, Lamictal. My moods are level (no lows or highs), no more rapid cycling or rapid thoughts. I feel confident, happy, have more energy, and haven't had one depressive thought since starting this medication. I'm at my correct dose of 200mg (cut in half and take 1/2 tablet twice per day, works out cheaper this way). Finally found the best medication for me."

• kshaw
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've seen a psychiatrist and a therapist for years. Over a 12-year span, I've probably tried 20-30 drugs. This medication is the first to make me feel human again. I'm not a zombie and I'm not lacking emotion. I'm genuinely happy and thriving. I'm so happy I finally found this medication. I've also not had weight gain, I've actually lost some weight."

• lilymay
• July 11, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "So I've been on 100 mg of Lamictal for almost 2 weeks now, and I feel like my mood is more stable, however, I don't feel very excited in my day-to-day life. I dread going out and doing things, and I just feel flat and bland. Has this happened to anyone else? I've been trying my best to get better, but I can't seem to enjoy myself or my life."

• herea...
• October 25, 2008

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have been taking Lamictal for only 1 month, and I notice a huge difference. I am finding joy in the things that I couldn't for years. My patience is so much better, and the outbursts of anger have stopped already. I only hope that I don't start experiencing the side effects that I have heard about."

• Menta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2020

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I just started taking Lamictal last night. I wear a Fitbit, so I have data to show that my sleep has improved immediately. I usually only hit REM once per night with 1 mg of Klonopin and 10 mg of Propranolol, but I went into REM 4 times last night, and I woke up at 4 AM and worked out. I do notice dry eyes and mouth, but I'm not sure if it's the extra deep sleep or the medication, but I feel stable today for once in a very long time. I'm not fixated on racing, ridiculous, angry thoughts. I'm genuinely content and not overly talkative like usual. I've slowed down enough to enjoy moments. I'm only taking 25 mg per day right now. Going to take a folic acid supplement since the warning label said it could reduce this vitamin. Also concerned about it interfering with birth control."

• Vicky
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "As the reviews below say, I feel as if this medicine has changed my life. I suffer from CPTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety after being placed in a foster home at 7 years old and being separated from my birth parents. I still feel a little anger at times, but NOTHING like before. I used to think the whole count-to-three thing was garbage, but this medication allows me to do that and make rational decisions. I recommend this medicine for anyone who believes they're bipolar or depressed. The only con reason I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 is because I am constantly hungry, where I am always thinking about my next meal, which is very different, but this just might be a personal thing. Good luck and good health!"

• None
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 11, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "This was the first time I took a mood stabilizer. I have a rare case of my bipolar disorder coming on at around 1, so I knew nothing different for 35 years. Now it's known that bipolars need mood stabilizers, then it was random antidepressants. My negative about the drug is it does affect your short-term memory and can 'dumb you down.' My decision was to be dumb and sane instead of smart and out of control. I took the highest dose. After 4 years and the birth of a child, the medication became much less effective, so I've had to change. I had forgotten how horrible I felt off meds until I had to change. Lamictal saved me, it helped me become a better person and live in less pain. As with every medication for bipolar disorder, you have to weigh pros and cons. I would not recommend this medication for anyone working in an intellectual-based job where memory and use of math as such is involved. It can drastically lower your abilities. For me at the time, it was more than worth it."

• balan...
• November 8, 2008

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have to honestly say that my prescribed drug works for me. I do not experience the excessive anger, compulsive highs, and excessive OCD. I was never a really depressive person but was not able to think clearly, thus making poor decisions. I tried several antidepressants for many years which caused all kinds of medical imbalances. I came across Lamictal when I went 'cold turkey' off Lexapro and almost committed suicide. That was the darkest moment of my life. Now, I am happier and balanced. I never knew life could be this good. I also eat right, limit cocktails, exercise, and get good rest to aid in my balanced lifestyle."

• Maymay...
• November 21, 2013

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I started Lamictal about a year ago. Nothing else worked, the medicines made me tired and sometimes worse. My family noticed a huge change in my moods, and I don't nearly get angry at all. This medication is awesome! I take 400mg a day now, but I was pretty bad! I thought I was better once and stopped taking it, and oh boy, my family was like, get back on your meds! I will never stop taking this medication again! My son has bipolar as well, I am going to ask the doctor to try him on it as well! Only side effect is dry mouth."

• Beaut...
• April 5, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I was on so many medicines, hopping from doctor to doctor until I found a neuropsychiatrist who took me off all that gunk and had me try Lamictal. While I am not cured, I most certainly am far more functional with my highs and lows being far less extreme. I also take Prozac to make sure that Lamictal alone won't make me hypomanic. I become that way if on Lamictal alone. I have been on these two medicines for many years. This is the first time ever anything has worked, worked reasonably well and this long!"

• FTFxB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2020

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I just started Lamictal a few days ago and am already seeing a huge difference in my mood. I’m actually happy and productive. It does cause a bit of insomnia, but other than that I haven’t noticed any side effects."

• Snax
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I was prescribed Lamictal over six months ago to balance out my extreme mood swings. It has taken a while, but I am a lot calmer and don't get depressive or anger outbursts nearly as much. It's not a permanent solution, but has definitely been helpful for me to be able to function and process my emotions properly."

• Ginge...
• May 31, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have Bipolar II, with grandiose mania and severe depression. After about a month of taking Lamictal, my moods stabilized dramatically. At one point, I supplemented with Abilify, but have recently been able to stop taking it and now rely on Lamictal solely. I attribute Lamictal to saving my marriage and career; it scares me to think about how my life would be without it!"

• Luvbu...
• December 4, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've been on this drug for a little over a month now (lowest dose) along with clonazepam and trazodone for sleep (all low dose). Like others have said, this has changed my life... it felt like I literally changed overnight for the better. I still have small crying spells and get agitated, but mostly I'm happy. I feel I can talk to anyone now, have lots more confidence, and feel way more motivated. One thing too is that since I am motivated and keep myself busy, I don't overeat like I did when I was going through my major ups and downs. Like others have stated, talk therapy in conjunction with these meds helps tremendously. What also helps is having a good support group too :)"

• Patient...
• November 14, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "It's a strange little med. You won't always notice it until you come around to a point where you should feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, and you don't. There isn't an 'aha' moment until about 6 months down the road to a year. This is because I found for myself that going up 25 mgs a month worked best. I had gone up fast as the prescribing recommendation, but it seemed too fast for me. Currently at 200mgs, moving up to 300mgs, I've been on it for a year and a half with very good results."

• Clumz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I am autistic, not bipolar, but was prescribed Lamictal (400 mg). It really worked for my major meltdowns. It has decreased my issues by 80-90%. My family can definitely tell when I forget to take it because I turn into a hot emotional mess! I wish I would have had this as a kid because it would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. The ONLY drawback is that the pill tastes absolutely horrible. If I get a taste of it on my tongue, it makes me want to vomit. Sometimes it just won’t go down with my other pills, so I’m left struggling to swallow it."

• Bipolar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I love Lamictal, not only does it help with stabilizing my moods, it has reduced my migraines by 85%. I have bipolar I, rapid cycles, with mixed episodes. With regards to the scare of the rash, I have no problems going from 100 mg to 200 or 300 in dosing. I have no side effects at all. I have taken pretty much everything out there, but this one has done well for me for 7 years now."