For years I was told I had major depression and I've tried so many antidepressants I can't even recall all of them. I've been taking 300 mg. wellbutrin for a few months now and not feeling much better. I was recently dx with bipolar 2. Five days ago I started taking 25 mg. of lamictal. (along with the wellbutrin) I take it at night because it makes me drowsy. I fall asleep better but I have a harder time getting up in the morning. Overall I'm feeling very depressed still. I'm wondering if I'm having a normal reaction to lamictal and how long have some had to be on it to feel improvement. I've read so many reviews where people said they felt improvement right away
Is my experience with starting lamictal normal?
Question posted by Kate5 on 8 July 2012
Last updated on 7 July 2018
Added 8 July 2012:
I should have added that I've had no luck with any of the antidepressants I've tried over the years.
16 Answers
MeggieGirl
17 July 2015
I am also on Wellbutrin XR 300mg and have been for years. I had a genetic assay report done that indicated I might benefit from one mood stabilizer in particular, Lamictal, and also validated why 25+ years of different antidepressants hadn't worked (they were on the "danger" list as being either high or slow metabolizers).
I haven't been diagnosed with BP, but certainly MDD without psychosis, and as this has developed, we have realized that I may have a "non-specific" mood disorder, but it's just too difficult to put a label on it right now.
In my experience, the very first 24 hours, I had an IMMEDIATE positive reaction to 25 mg Lamotrigine. Uplifted sense of self, interest in talking with others, participating in activities outdoors, etc. this continued for approximately 4-5 days then it's like it drifted away like a wispy cloud I couldn't grasp hold of. I did have terrible insomnia, so I took it at 5 PM (no work responsibilities, early enough not to ruin my night). My Doc said not to worry, that I was basically on a pediatric dose, and my positive reaction was a good sign, as well as an indication that it was clicking with my genes like we had hoped (if you buy into that science).
We moved to 50, then 100. I realized that I was improving, but it was as though I would go through a dip or valley I would have to adjust to, whenever I would have a dose change. Definitely positive benefits, though, so we've been working our way up to a sweet spot, wherever that may be. I hear the therapeutic dose is 200mg, but we'll let my body be the guide.
I keep a daily "mood disorder checklist" that charts my energy, anxiety, self-esteem, hours of sleep, whether I'm sick, menstruating, etc. - the chart is huge, but it is important for me to do this because I came from a place a few years ago where I didn't see a future for myself, so I need to take this very seriously.
I stumbled upon this thread today, actually, because I wondered if there were people out there who experience a bottoming-out or a lowering of potential when they move from short-acting to extended-release.
Most recently, my Doc switched me from 100mg to 100mg ER (i.e. XR) and said I should stay at 100 for a few weeks as just moving to extended-release would have a net-effect of a dosage increase.
All I know is that I'm 8 days in, and I've had a flat affect, an increase in anxiety, and a more rapid social awkwardness - possibly to the point of over-sharing. I'm trying to connect with people the way I have been, in the same avid fashion I have been in the months since I've started Lamictal, and I get a sense that people want our conversation to end, and I feel like an unbalanced creep.
It has helped me to see that some do dip down before leveling out. I would be really interested to see any follow up posts since this thread is so old. :) I hope everyone is doing well. Kate, how are you faring these days?
robbiedrew
17 April 2015
Hi Kate,
Your post is obviously some time ago. How are you feeling now? What is your current dosage of Lamictal? I have fought depression and anxiety for many years. I have tried many anti-depressants. I was also diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have been on a regimen which includes Paxil and Wellbutrin XL (50mg/300mg, respectively). This dosage had remained constant for approximately one year. While it helped a bit, the addition of Lamictal at this point in time seems to have made a world of difference. I have only been on it for four (4) days at the starting dosage of 25mg. After day 2 I felt so much improved and continue to do so. No side effects etc. Depression has lifted. I have reduced the paxil/wellbutrin combo down to 37.5mg/150mg. I will titrate to 50mg of Lamictal next week. Morning dosage. You must understand, everyone's physiological make up is different.
Based on this you will have different results and different synergistic effects with the drugs you are currently on. Lamictal has seemed to be very effective at this early point in time. Since it is so early I continue to approach it cautiously but feel I am headed in the right direction. I hope this helps.
Rosegal
23 June 2015
I'm thinking if asking my dr for lamictal. I've been on zoloft 4 weeks, but don't feel at ease..someone said that if you don't feel well after several weeks on zoloft , ADs might not be the anwesr, therefore he had mentioned bi polar meds. Like lamictal..
I'm 62. Does anyone know of this could help my deep depression? My phyc dr think s it's worth a try.. Any thoughts..
Please reply..
Thank you. Rose
Tjdh1
11 Dec 2016
Hello. did you try the Lamictal? I am on the starting 25mg dose. I think I'd like to stay on just that as it fits me well. Everyone says that you have to get upped to Atleast 100mg but I'm going ask my doc if I can stay on this dosage. It evens me out just enough not to over think things.
quinnellabella
1 April 2015
I just started Lamictal 8 days ago at 25 mg. Some weird side affects first three days, then more hours of the day I think I was feeling better. I am not sure if it was due to the sunshine.
Yesterday I started the tiltrating up. I am afraid of it. I felt a little agitated yesterday, and kind of up an down. I am supposed to take 25mg in the morning and 25 mg at night.
I see my psychiatrist today to see what is next for me.
I have low-lying depressing. Severe anxiety most days. I do not have any manic episodes.
Taking Ativan for morning anxiety.
I hope he prescribes me more. Ativan helps me get to work, it seems.
annika30
26 Sep 2014
everyone is saying good stuff about this med but all it did for me was cause suicidal thoughts and itchy skin.
NinaNinaDTLA
21 Jan 2017
Darn.
Marilyn512
18 July 2013
Yes, it's normal. My dx is actually Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I was misprescribed and am actually withdrawing from it with my dr's guidance. But when my previous psychiatrist put me on it, I do remember not feeling well on week one every time he built up the dose. By week two, my body had gotten used to the new dosage. I must add that this drug has strong withdrawal side effects, it is NOT an antidepressant, but it is used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorders. For more info, google "Lamictal withdrawal" and consider talking to ur doctor about trying a similar mood stabilizer. As far as antidepressants... Have you tried Paxil? Best of luck, Mari.
Rodger OConnor
23 Jan 2013
I didn't notice any improvement until I got to 100 mg. I am now on 300 mg and I have been on this med for many years. I recall how I was before it and it wasn't good. I don't think I ever had any side effects, but at times my vision gets blurry. I take a bit of it in the morning and some at bedtime. For me, Lamictal actually wakes me up. If I take it all at bedtime, I have trouble sleeping... amazing how we all react to meds differently. My best to you.
LVJJJ
23 Jan 2013
Rodger, I have the similar side effects, but am on 400 mgs a day, and have been for several months. Yes my vision is a little blurry, mostly right after I take my morning dose, (200 or 300). My major side effect is that it makes me a bit clumsy. I like to fix and make things. I'm a little shaky and find it difficult to get a screwdriver into the screw slot, maybe that's because my vision is blurry. Sometimes I'll reach for my coffee cup, come up a little short and miss it. I've found I have to pay real close attention when picking up something or I can spill it or knock it off a shelf. I'm also a musician and find my fingers aren't real accurate when I play the cello, or bass guitar. Whenever to play a gig I've learned to make sure I take a dose long in advance. The clumsyness mostly goes away after a couple of hours. If I take my combination of bupropion and lamotragine just before bed, it will keep me awake for a long time.
I take 200 or 300 in the morning and the rest at about 3 pm in the afternoon, which gives me more energy to make it to bedtime. I have learned to adapt after taking this wonderful, life saving drug for over a year. I was very depressed until I was prescribed this med. Life is good again.
quinnellabella
9 April 2015
I am freaking out this morning because I have to work today. Arg. I think I did better on the 2 weeks I was on my starter dose of Lamictal at 25 mg. I started 50 mg 3 days ago...
Inactive
22 Jan 2013
Kate5, I just want to say i agree with the others, and encourage you to hang in there and wait for the dosage to be upped. I'm not going to repeat what everybody else has, but it took me a while before my stubborne self would take anything. I was a complete total alcoholic mess too. I quit drinking about 6 yrs ago, and started on an antidepressant. I will be honest with you, I seriously dont think I gave the medicine's I was prescribed time to work, and got discouraged and said forget this, and here we get on something else. I finally realized, it was me having the problem, not the medicines, so I gave one a chance, and after a bit I felt my depression getting better, but I'm telling you, I was started at a low dose too, but now, I feel great. I still have life issues I have to deal with. Severe dissapointment's, and normal things people go through, but I handle it soo much better now. Oh, I wish you tons of luck and please be patient. Many blessings to you, Ruthie
Kitty
5 May 2013
I've been on lamictol for 6-8 weeks and initially felt pretty good (with Effexor).
He increased the dose about 2 weeks ago and now wants to increase it
again. Been crying, miserable and scared.
Kate5
7 May 2013
Hi everyone,
This is an old post, but I wanted to check in and let everyone know that the lamictal has worked very well for me. It took me until I was at 100mg to feel a noticeable difference. I settled at 200mg for quite a while, and then started having a little depression again and am at 300mg. I haven't been having any problems with it or with depression. I used to have long, deep depressive episodes that lasted for months, and now I might have a day or at most 3 days of moderate depression, and it's not often. I have to say that lamictal is the one med that I wouldn't want to be without.
I wanted to post this answer for kitty and any others that are just starting out with lamictal. It was pretty rough in the beginning, but well worth hanging in there, at least for me. I appreciate all of the helpful comments and encouragement from all of you. You really helped me, and I hope I can help others in the same situation.
catbuck
2 Dec 2013
Kate5, my daughter started a week ago on lamotrigine and feels worse than ever but your story has given us such hope and given her strength to stick with it, thank you
jysrrr
6 Nov 2014
Hey. Have you continued to quit drinking until today? Are you on medicine and in recovery? Also, which medicines are you on?
Ree78
27 Feb 2015
Hello i need to ask if anyone tried lamictal 25 with cipralex 20mg ? Is it really effective for bipolar and depression ?
Sunshine83
14 June 2018
I know this is an old post, but if you happen to see it someday... Thank you so much for sharing your experience with lamictal. Just starting out and going into week 3 tomorrow with 50mg. In two weeks I move up to 100 mg. I’m seeing some positive results, but hoping to feel even better as time goes on... struggling with anxiety and depression, it’s scary. Reading this post was the right amount of encouragement I needed to keep going and be patient with the process.
Thank you for sharing your feedback, it definitely helped me.
Andrevv
22 Jan 2013
It can take up to eight weeks to feel the full effects of the drug. Usually four weeks is a good measuring stick as to when you should start feeling the effects. Some people feel effects in a week or less, while others take much longer. Stick with it. Bipolar II is a tough illness but Lamotrigine is one of the safest and most effective ways of treating it. In time your quality of life will improve greatly.
Also, 25 mg is the starting dose for almost everyone, as any higher dose can have some very serious side effects if you're just starting out. Most people end up at a dose of 100 mg or higher. Again, be patient and remember you have the rest of your life to get better, but only a few days to get much, much worse if you rush into things.
I wish you the best of luck, health, and wellness. God bless :)
LVJJJ
17 July 2012
Kate5, all the answers above are good ones, you have to give lamictal/lamotrigine time to start working. It's frustrating that they have to start at real low doses and increase slowly, due to some scary side effects. I too take Wellbutrin (450mg). I started lamotrigine about a year ago and after about 6 weeks I started feeling much better than I have for decades. After I got to 200 mg, I was a new man, not depressed any more with tons of energy. I have since gone to 300 mg which seems to be my maintenance dose. My depression started around 1980 and since then I've tried many anit-depressants, nothing even comes close to the combination of wellbutrin and lamotrigine. I think you are on the right track, give it time. Ironically I have never been diagnosed as bipolar, never had a manic attack, no seizures, my therapist considers lamictal to be a mood stabilizer and it has done that.
Kate5
17 July 2012
Thanks LVJJJ. I'm glad to hear from someone that this particular combination is working for. This week I move up to 50mg. for 2 wks. Curious to see if that makes a difference.
Kate5
25 July 2012
I've been on 50 mg. of Lamictal for a week now, and I do feel a big difference. I'm not feeling sleepy like I was in the beginning, in fact I think it's doing the opposite now. I'm having trouble getting to sleep at night and I'm thinking about switching to taking it in the morning instead of nights like I have been.
Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to do that? I will have to have two doses about 12 hours apart for the one day when I make the change.
I can call the NP who is prescribing for me, but I'd be interested to know if anyone has done this.
LVJJJ
25 July 2012
Glad to hear things are getting better for you. I take all of my 300 mg first thing in the morning because I want that energy to get me thru the day. Based on my experience, I recommend you take it in the morning (unless your doctor says otherwise. I did experiment with splitting the dose between morning and evening, and I did have some trouble getting to sleep.
LVJJJ
25 July 2012
Glad to hear things are getting better for you. I take all of my 300 mg first thing in the morning because I want that energy to get me thru the day. Based on my experience, I recommend you take it in the morning (unless your doctor says otherwise. I did experiment with splitting the dose between morning and evening, and I did have some trouble getting to sleep.
Kate5
25 July 2012
Thanks for your quick reply! That's interesting that it seems to have a stimulant effect. For the first 2 weeks I really thought it was going to be one of those meds that made me tired all of the time.
I do plan to take it in the morning, but I'm wondering if since I took it last night at 10 and I take a dose this morning at 10 if I'm pushing levels too high by not waiting 24 hours. Do you think that would be ok?
Kate5
25 July 2012
I was able to talk to the nurse and she said it would be ok to take my next dose at noon today, so that's what I'll do. Then I can take it in the morning tomorrow.
It's a little tricky knowing how to work with this med since slow titration is so important. I think that taking it at noon should be ok. I hope so anyway!
Images*11
11 July 2012
Please be patient Kate,
I have Bipolar 1 and tend to suffer mainly the from the depressive side of the disorder. I have been on a combination of 400 mg of Welbutrin and 200 mg of Lamictal for over 6 yrs. and it works very well. The morning drowsiness will disapate as your body becomes accustom to the Lamictal. I have been on Welbutrin for a total of about 9 yrs. Prior to the Lamictal, I was on a combo of 600mg of Seroquel and 1000mg of Depakote along with a few other drugs which incl. the Welbutrin. This was like being comatosed! It was truly a Godsend when we realized that the Lamictal/Welbutrin combo was working. Being able to throw out all the other harsh anti-psychotropic drugs for the Lamictal was an added bonus. Stay strong through the process. I know it is a long haul, but we are all here to help one another get through it. Good luck and keep me posted as to your progress. Sincerely, T
Kate5
11 July 2012
Thank you all so much for your experiences and encouragement. I really need it! I''ve been taking the lamictal for just over a week now and I'm still so tired and sleeping more than usual. I will stick it out though thanks to all of your advice.
I would love it if I could escape this depression without having to go on any of the anti-psychotics. From all that I've read, lamictal and wellbutrin are not known to cause weight gain and that makes them my first choice.
From what I've been reading (obsessively) I may have to add another anti-depressant if this isn't enough. I'm thinking Pristiq maybe since it's one I've never tried and a lot of people seem to find it very effective. My bipolar symptoms are mostly deep depression, with fairly mild hypomania, so I'm most interested in focusing on this depression.
I'll be increasing the lamictal by 25mg. every 2 weeks until I reach a theraputic level. My doc says she thinks 100mg might do it. I see that many people go much higher than that. Anyway, I'll hang in there and remember that these side-effects are temporary. I helps a lot to know that.
Images*11
12 July 2012
Kate, I have also been on Pristiq. Like you, as I said previously, I suffer mainly from the Depressive side of Bipolar. My Doc. use to put me on an 8 to 12 wk course of the Pristiq when I would slide into a really bad depression. It did give me the boost I needed when the Lamictal/Wellbutrin combo wasn't enough. But for me, there was that fine line as to when I might begin to climb too high towards Mania. At that time I was on the 200 mg. Lamictal and 350 mg Wellbutrin XR. Something that has worked better for me was to stop the 350 XR and exchange it for taking 200 mg generic Wellbutrin caplets 2 x's a day. Once in a.m. And one in the afternoon at around 1-2 p.m. It's actually cheaper too. My Doc. explained that the extended release (XR) has a curve effect, like an arch. It's effectiveness slowly goes upward as it peaks and then it slowly recedes as the day progresses. I was always struggling in the late afternoon and evening.
By taking the 2 separate doses of 200mg it keeps a more level dose in my system daily. It has worked very well and I have had no need to add that extra anti-depressant. Benefit to all of this has also been some 'weight loss'! Sorry for such a long response, but sometimes trying to explain these different drug combos are impossible to put into a few words. Hope this helps. T.
Kate5
13 July 2012
Thanks for the info Images. I've never had the wellbutrin xl explained to me that way before. It's good to know about the peaking. I'll talk to the doc about that next time I go in.
Bianca hosey
10 July 2012
Lamictal is awesome u will start at 25 then move up slowy to either 100mgs or 200mgs taking it with lexapro helped me but it cost so much I'm on Zoloft n lamictal n it works great! Dont give up it takes awhile u get better soon!
gloyear
30 June 2017
Hi Bianca. I was just prescribed Lamictal 50mg to start. I've been taking Lexapro for several years and have lost interest in just about everything so my psychiatrist added the Lamictal along with the Lexapro. I've read several comments and feel very optimistic about this medicine. I just hope I don't feel too tired for too long. I know everyone is different but I'm curious how long this may last.
harleerose
10 July 2012
Hi! I've been on Lamictal for 4yrs & I think since it dnt have any side effects people may think it dnt work ! Your on a very low dose you have to build up 25mg didn't work for me either. I'm now on 300mg & it helps control my moods & I'm able to take it during the day ! I have noticed some hair loss & after researching I found this to be a side effect from this medicine ! But hang in there give it a chance I think ull like it gud luck :)
Kitty
5 May 2013
Hi Are you still on laictol? I started it about 6-8 weeks ago and felt pretty good but I am feeling rotten again and the doctor wants me to increase it again. Is
that normal. I am crying a lot.
harleerose
15 May 2013
Yes im still on it but feeling it may not be working like I had thought it was. Im not myself anymore. Im trying cymbalta right now Im hoping it will help me Ive lost interest in everything I use to love.
quinnellabella
9 April 2015
I am freaking out this morning because I have to work today. Arg. I think I did better on the 2 weeks I was on my starter dose of Lamictal at 25 mg. I started 50 mg 3 days ago...
Wendy57
8 July 2018
Hi! I'm curious to know if hair loss is a huge issue with Lamotrigine? If so, are we talking a lot, a little. Short term, long term? Thanks in advance.
Inactive
9 July 2012
Hi Kate. I've been taking Lamictal (generic form) for approx a year now. Initially, I didn't feel any different, however, I've been on 300mg for about six months now and its helped me regain my life. I know its a bit more than the therapeutic dose, however, the mood swings have disappeared. I am also on 300mg of Wellbutrin XL, 100mg of Zoloft, and 60mg of Ritalin. It really sucks to be on so much medication to make me feel normal, but it works. My diagnosis is A.D.D., P.T.S.D. and depression. Good luck!
ruthy0374
9 July 2012
I took zoloft and wellbutrin together but it didn't help me. I am glad it helped you castaway524. I am taking just wellbutrin now 150mg XL. I am too scared of having a seizure to go up to 300mg.
ruthy0374
9 July 2012
I took this once back in 1999. I developed an itchy rash once I started it and was told that it was rare to get that, but I guess I was the one. It might be possible the dose is too high for you. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 in 1999 myself and after the lamictal didn't work I started depakote and I was taking prozac as well. In 2001 I decided I wanted to try to get pregnant, so I stopped the depakote cold turkey, and I tell you that was the best thing I ever did. That first week after stopping it I felt the best I had ever felt. I stopped the prozac shortly after cold turkey as well. I will never take depakote again. I mainly stay depressed, and only get manic episodes during severe life tragedies such as a divorce which I was going through when I was diagnosed as bipolar. I am taking wellbutrin now after stopping zoloft for anxiety and have not noticed a difference in how I feel. I still feel like crap.
I also have anemia and possible thyroid issues so I don't know if that is why or what. I wish you all the best with the lamictal.
HumanRights
5 March 2015
Stick to something
Inactive
9 July 2012
I also agree with Laurie on your question. Maybe you didn't give the other antidepressants enough time to work Some can take upwards of 6 weeks for the full effect to show. Give this one more time, & it is normal for it to make you feel somewhat sleepy & lethargic. It will go away in time also. Everyone reacts differently to different meds, so you can't judge this by what others had said. Different degress & types of depression are treated differntly also. I am not a doctor, but my husband is biploar also & had a horrible life of suicide attempts & anger etc... from the time he was 16 til he was properly diagnosed at 51 on his last suicide attempt. He is a different person today. Followup with your psychiatrist is so very importnt also. My husband sees his every 6 weeks for med checks & talk therapy. He can call anytime altho' if the need arises. I tell you he is a different man.
So hang in there my friend., better days are to come. I might also mention that sometimes it takes a combo of meds to get it right. So if this doesn't work, please don't give up hope. Help is out there, & wishing you the best life has to offer...
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lamictal, wellbutrin, depression, bipolar disorder, antidepressant
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