Lamotrigine for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• mamak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2015

"I have went many yrs thinking I was not depressed. My symptoms were anxiety, mood swings and irritability and low energy. Other Drs tried antidepressant s and they always made me tired. Lamotrigine has truly shown me that it was depression. I have a much better mood and sense og calmness plus a little motivation boost!"

• jsecr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2013

"I really like it. I never had bipolar disorder, which I know that's what lamotrigine is primarily for, but it really helped me with depression and there were no side effects at all. It's helped me relax and enjoy life more. I'd highly recommend it."

• Catkilp
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 8, 2015

"I've taken lamictal for many years for depression. Prior I took Prozac and Zoloft with many side effects. I have a daughter with bipolar. It's worked great for bipolar and it works amazingly well for my depression and no side effects."

• Love
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 30, 2019

"I've been on lamictal for over ten years. I changed psychiatrist due to moving. I told him that it helps with depression and bipolar. Now he wants me to go off of it. I tried to and became suicidal each time. I will not go off of it! It is a wonder drug! I highly recommend it."

• mirac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2017

"Note - I take Lamictal for treatment resistant depression, but that wasn't offered as one of the condition choices. Lamictal has been a godsend. My p-doc prescribed it to augment the Effexor (300 mg/day) that I take. As others have noted, you have to titrate up gradually on Lamictal so it can take about six weeks (in my case) to start seeing improvement. At 75mg/day I definitely began to notice a change for the better and at 100mg/day (which I've been taking now for 2.5 weeks) the positive impact has been dramatic. I don't wake up every morning plagued by anxiety and negative, self-loathing rumination. I am actually happy which hasn't been the case for many years."

• Hanna
• May 30, 2015

"I have major depression and was prescribed Lamictal along with the Abilify and Wellbutrin that I was already taking. I was surprised because Lamictal is usually given to bipolar people and I'm absolutely not bipolar, but it has really helped me. The only side effect I noticed is a tendency to break out a little more (not THE RASH). No weight gain (weight gain is an issue with so many other depression meds) and no other problems."

• Nadia
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2024

"After trying several antidepressants that didn't work, Lamictal really helped with my depression. I would still get somewhat depressed at times, but overall it made me happy. I took 300mg along with 80mg Prozac. No side effects from Lamictal. Don't give up! You will find what works for you!"

• dbonetn
• June 27, 2021

"Lamotrigine was a last resort for me for my treatment resistant MDD. I have been on more SSRI's than I could count, emotional flatness, brain fog, genital numbing, nausea, uncontrolled diarrhea and rather severe hand tremors on all of them. Effexor, Remeron, Trazodone or Wellbutrin simply do not work. I can't tolerate a therapeutic dose of any Tricyclic. I started 25 mg of Lamotrigine and noticed a difference immediately--no crying jags, no passive suicidal ideation, no GI upset, no side effects at all except very vivid dreams. My dose has now is up to 50 mg with a goal of increasing up to 200 mg daily if needed. Honestly, this has been a game change even though I was very hesitant to begin a new med that I associated with bipolar disorder . I am so glad that I agreed to give it a try. No more SSRI's for me EVER! The only reason I don't rate it a 10 is because I frankly expect an even better therapeutic effect as my dose goes up."

• Leah
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 25, 2018

"I was prescribed lamictal for treatment-resistant depression. I had tried every SSRI under the sun starting at age 14 with little to no relief. After slowly titrating to a dose of 150mg, life has been so much easier. No extremely low moods and a definite increase in motivation. An added bonus is that it seems to help with my social anxiety as well. Overall, without this drug I might not have made it. Truly magic for me. And to those who are correctly diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression....mention lamictal to your psych!"

• Juniper...
• November 25, 2015

"I originally began Lamotrigine about 6 weeks ago for Visual Snow syndrome caused by hallucinogen use. I am only on 75mg at this point as I've had to titrate up slowly. I've suffered major depression for most of my life and mild anxiety in the past year. I have noticed a HUGE difference in my mood on Lamotrigine. I have a greater sense of well being, I no longer think about suicide and I feel great about myself. It also decreases the intensity of my visual snow symptoms. I hardly notice or care about it anymore. No side effects either. This drug has truly been a blessing."

• 451
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2018

"Depression was overwhelming. Started off at 25 mg because I’m sensitive and had bad reaction to other meds. Went to 50mg after three weeks, then 75mg after a few more weeks. That is the level that gave me my life back. Have stayed on that level and it is still working after 6 months. Hang in there. Once you find the drug to regain balance, things will get better. For me, that drug was Lamotrigene."

• Kitty
• June 18, 2019

"I started lamictal about 2 months ago off label to treat severe treatment resistant depression. I was titrated up too quickly and broke out in “the rash” on day 8. I was pretty bummed because I had noticed a drastic improvement in my mood. My doctor and I decided to stop the drug and wait a month after the rash was gone at a slow titration. The depression became unbearable and I began experiencing suicidal thoughts. I began lamictal again 5 days ago. My depression significantly lifted. I gave it a 9 because it did make my acne worse (who wants a face full of pimples at age 33?!) But I’ll treat the breakouts. I’d rather have acne than feel the way I did. I am praying the rash doesn’t return because this is saving my life. I suffer from anxiety too. This drug has helped with my social/generalized anxiety. I am nervous about the stories I have read about hair loss. I hope that doesn’t happen to me. In 9 more days I will go up to 50mg per day. This is a miracle drug!"

• ADHDl...
• February 3, 2017

"I am 26 years old & struggle with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, an eating disorder, and dysthymia (bipolar type 2 now?). I always had impulse control issues and hypersensitive. Very irritable. Could go from laughing to crying in 20 seconds. I tried so hard my whole life to control my emotions and thoughts. Eventually self medicated with drugs. Finally decided to get sober and doctor said it be much easier if I stabilized my emotions so he recommended lamictal - because I refused to take any medications that make me gain weight. Lamictal changed my life. Don't get me wrong- I still get annoyed - but I can stop, think, and react calmly in a way that I just couldn't do before. I also don't cry over every little thing any more. Lamictal saved my life!"

• CTAMM
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 24, 2019

"Having suffered from treatment resistant chronic depression and GAD for years I had been on so many medications - either efficacy was short lived or side effects unacceptable (weight gain, lethargy, hyperness, insomnia, agitation, +++) In 2013 my MD prescribed 100 mg Lamotrigine with 20mg Trintellex once a day. I can’t begin to describe the amazing efficacy these 2 medications have had on my depression and anxiety. Everyone has their ups and downs, that’s life - but chronic depression is nothing but days of downs - so hard to live with - for the first time in 30 years I feel ‘normal’. Trintellex has an added benefit of reducing brain fog, and my thinking is clearer. Lamotrigine enhances the the overall control of major depressive disorder, and I am so grateful for the relief these 2 medications provide. One down side: Trintellex is still under patent, but Takeda offers cost reduction support because it is terribly expensive."

• Sol
• May 22, 2016

"I have suffering with mental illness for sometime now. Been on quite a few meds and nothing seemed to help with my depression. My doc put me on Lamictal starting at 25 mg now up to 100 mg for about 2 months now. This medication has really changed my life for the better! The depression is sooo much less and able to function. I would recommend this drug."

• Ksmrn
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 30, 2019

"Lamotirgine was really a game changer for me and my depression. I use this in combination with an SSRI antidepressant, another mood stabilizer and old school antidepressant. I have treatment resistant depression and borderline personality disorder. Lamotrigine has really helped keep the lows from being so significantly low and helped keep the impulsivity to a minimum. My dose ranges from 25-200mg over the years and depending on symptoms. But I have no side effects or complaints. Just thankful"

• Chris...
• December 11, 2015

"I am diagnosed with major depression. My doctor added Lamictal because Wellbutrin alone was not effective. The addition of Lamictal improved my symptoms and maintained this improvement. There are three side effects I get with it. I get mild nausea, mild euphoria and sleepiness. I highly recommend it. My doctor says he has great results using it with his patients."

• Kritkat
• September 7, 2015

"I have bipolar 2 and anxiety. I've been on and off different medications for this over the last 20 years. I started on a small dosage about 7 months ago. I slowly made my way up to 100 mg oncedaily. I did have some skin reactions with each increase but it would disappear after a few days. This with my 150mg bupropion and 60mg of duloxtine has changed my life. I've only felt suicidal once over these 7 months and it was manageable and it abated quickly. My moods are stable and I've been able to face some challenges that would have crushed me if I wasn't taking lamotrigine. I love being stable and level headed. I do have some minor thought blocking and trouble remembering words sometimes but I'll take it!"

• C10fj
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2014

"The only treatment that has worked exceptionally well, with minimal side effects. Major benefits are: substantial improved mood, decrease in mood fluctuation, removed any suicide idealation, improved temper. Dramatic overall improvement in quality of life. Side effects: some drowsiness. Take at night."

• Cici
• December 27, 2016

"I've been under treatment for depression for over 10 years and I've tried Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Luvox, Cymbalta, Efexor and a few more. Efexor was by far the worst! Instead of making me awake I was sleeping around 16 hours at day and little I know my blood pressure was always high. I've started Lamotrigine about 2-3 weeks ago and I'm still on 25mg, but I can tell the difference in my energy and I'm not taking naps during the day at all!!! I don't even feel like it. My energy level is great, something that was making me even more depressed!!!! Life is good again!"

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

"Really, really bad experience, after two months being on it I started experiencing crazy side effects, never been so sick in my life. Sore throat, dry red eyes, dry mouth, muscle pain, muscle spasms, disorientation, neck pain, back pain, lost 12kg, no sex drive, burning sensation on the skin, tiredness, insomnia, vivid dreams, hard to breathe, chest pain, flu like symptoms, confusion, memory loss, constant nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constant headache. Really bad bad drug, I will never take any other drug again."

• Guy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2014

"Lamictal along with Abilify has been a lifesaver for me. No antidepressant would work for me and I was feeling hopeless. I started taking Abilify and felt a little better. Once my doctor added Lamictal, I was back to my old self. I most note that you have to titrate up on the medicine no sooner than every 2 weeks. Once I hit the 100mg mark I started to feel better."

• Angry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2019

"Research side effects of this lamotrigine drug! Especially Stevens Johnsons Syndrome. This is NOT just a rash as your doctor would say, should be labeled as a burn. Signs of the syndrome are swelling of eyes and lips. Then your whole body starts blistering. Skin peeling. My child has been in hospital for 2 weeks now because of this drug and Stevens-Johnsons syndrome . Never recommend this medication to anyone."

• Steph
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 29, 2018

"I suffer from depression since elementary school age. My whole life I've had therapists. I've tried antidepressants but they did not work for me, they actually made my depression worse. Currently, I'm taking the mood stabilizer lamotrigine, have been for 3 years now. I can honestly say this drug saved my life. My suicidal tendencies have significantly dropped, which I struggled with since I was a child. Lamotrigine made it easier for me to lower the thoughts of worthlessness and emptiness. This drug allows me to see a bright future for once. It helps control my anger and sadness. I notice it takes a lot for me to cry now because this drug helps me be in control and in tune with my emotions. I did not experience side effects taking lamotrigine. I have no issues whatsoever. It was the most smooth drug transition of my life, unlike antidepressants. I currently take 250 MG of lamotrigine."

• tried...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

"Everyone will have a different reaction to this, or any medicine, but for me, lamotrigine really worsened my depression. I felt emotionally unstable, and it was giving me bipolar symptoms of feeling like I had excess energy, which I never had before. I feel much better now after discontinuing it."