I just started on lamictal . I am on a small dose but I also am very petitie. I also take wellbutrin xl 150 1x day. I am very worried about gaining weight on this medicine. Has anyone else been on this combination of medications and what have they noticed in general but also with their weight and appetite.|?
Lamictal & Wellbutrin - anyone else taken this combination and what happened with your weight ?
Question posted by r7551 on 21 July 2012
Last updated on 28 March 2022
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
22 Answers Page 2
bettegrace
9 Aug 2012
i too am petite and gained NO weight being on wellbutrin. i actually lost about 5 lns and am never hungry. have to remind myself to eat. however the wellbutrin made my hair fall out. so i am officially OFF of it. i do not know about the lamictal.
jshrier7
9 Aug 2012
Im taking lamictal and was taking wellbutrin and i didnt gain any weight. I didnt have a problem with my appetite either so i think youll be ok. Nothing to worry about. Just watch what you eat and get the exercise you need and youll be fine.
max13864
3 Dec 2015
How much is your dosage for each (or was)?
mostlycloudy
5 Aug 2012
Hi All,
I too, have similar issues and life struggles as you, and I just wanted to hopefully help with my Lamictal/ Wellbutrin experience..First I only took Wellbutrin for a long time, and it helped to a point but I felt like it was never enough, so finally 3 years ago I got good insurance to see a Psych and was diagnosed w/ Bipolar 2. She recommended adding Lamictal and Zoloft-because I never felt good.. I needed both antidepressants and Lamictal because its a mood stabilizer. I started with 50 mg 1x day of Lamictal then slowly over a month I think, went up to 150, along with 150 WB 2x day, morning and early evening and Zoloft 25mg 1x day. This combo has changed my life!! I didnt gain weight from them, and I can focus, I feel good feelings, I never feel spacey or medicated and I have more mental clarity, focus and much less OCD and anxiety.
Its like all the good things I knew were in me can be felt and expressed now, no longer like watching a movie of yourself, and feeling disconnected like with the volume turned off. Before, I just put up with feeling numb or depressed and anxious all the time,as I too, for many years had to force myself to get up and go everyday,because my career depends upon people, and that gave me the motivation to be there for them, even though I could barely care for myself.. I am glad I never gave up trying to fig out what I needed for myself, I just had to get over not wanting to take all the meds forever.I hope this helps anyone somehow, for sharing knowledge is power, and we are all in the "club courageous" in my opinion.:) Meds are really trial and error. Its really good to track your moods etc, then you have a reference should you need to adjust the meds..Just give each one at least a month to see how it goes..Good luck JL
pickles503
15 Aug 2012
Excellent advice, mostlycloudy! I couldn't have said it better myself.
r7551
16 Aug 2012
OMG. Thank you . I have almost the exact symptoms you did. I was started on 4 mg of lamictal and on 150 mg extended release wellbutrin. I was a total bitch and noone could stand to be around me and I couldnt stand myself. I couldnt get out of being so depressed wwith how bad my life is. SO I stopped taking the lamictal and feel like myself again. Well Now the Dr. thinks that the 150 extended release wellbutrin was interacting with the lamictal, so now he wants me to try 2 mg. of lamictal in the am and 75 mg. 1x a day wellbutrin sr. Im alittle hesitant but if I start feeling that way I again I am done and going back to wellbutrin 150xl. tommorrow I start so we will see. What dose of wellbutrin are you on and what kind?
julvanv
23 July 2012
Hi r7551, I have been on 400mg's of Lamictal now for at least 7yrs. I'm also on Wellbutrin. I love Lamictal! And I can guarentee you it is not a drug that causes people to gain weight. Wellbutrin isn't either. I also have been very weight conscious and have been on many different medications through my yrs. of struggle with bipolar disorder. I'm 49 and I was diagnosed at 26. I've taken many meds that have made me put on an average 20lbs. I also have an anxiety disorder that used to be crippling to me. I take 2-mg's of clonazepam at bedtime for anxiety and in addition, I was told by two psychiatrists tha though clonazepam isn't considered a tx. for Bipolar disorder it does have some properties that are good for people with bipolar disorder. I take Seroquel 200mg's at bedtime. Seroquel is an antipsychotic to decreas the potential for going into a full blown manic/pyschotic episode.
Now, I have gained 5-lbs on Seroquel. But it's so helpful that it's worth the 5lbs. Seroquel also helps me sleep well at night.
Anyway, I hope this is helpful to you. I have never met anyone who has gained weight on Lamictal or Wellbutrin. I hope this combination of medications works well for your symptoms!
r7551
24 July 2012
Thank you , you comment was very helpful. I also do take klonipin 2 mg like you at bed time to help me sleep. Although since I started taking lamictal my poor sleeping has gotten worse. Up til 3 or 4 everynight. Im getting flustrated but am trying to see if I can get on a higher dose of klonipin for sleep.I am your age too. Im 44. I just want a life. Ive been struggling since I was 11yrs old with anxiety and dibilitating lack of confidence and depression.
Thank you I am going to add you to my friends if thats ok. Im new to this site so bear with me if it takes me alittle time to get back to you.
bumblebee90
24 July 2012
I too take Lamictal 100mg and Wellbutrin, and it has helped me tremendously. We have alot in common. I do feel like the Lamictal could be raised a bit, and the dr. mentioned it, so we'll see about that. Have a wonderful day, and take care. Ruthie
bumblebee90
24 July 2012
julvanv, I added you as a friend. I tried to send you a private message but it wouldn't let me. I think you have to friend me back for it to allow me too. Or change your settings. Anyway's I noticed we take the same meds and was just going to ask you a quick question. Have a great day. Take care, Ruthie
julvanv
24 July 2012
@ babyr0525 and r7551, I added both of you as friends. Thanks for adding me. babyr0525, yes-changed settings and added you as friend. You can now private message me. r7551, you can private message me too.
Glad to have two new friends!
bumblebee90
24 July 2012
Off to run errands... yuk. But must be done. At least it's nice outside and not raining. You girls have a marvelous day, and we shall chat later. So glad we are becoming friends. Yeah. :) Ruthie
julvanv
25 July 2012
Ditto, great to have new friends with things in common.
r7551
16 Aug 2012
How much and what kind of wellbutrin are you on? Did lamictal interfere with your sleep? Or make you bitchy? I added you to my friends if thats ok.
julvanv
18 Aug 2012
Hi r7551, big recent change of med's for me. I had a hypo-manic episode, so my psychiatrist asked me if I'd agree to go off Wellbutrin, because he now feels that Wellbutrin and most other antideppresants can shoot me into a bipolar episode. I reflected over the past and agreed to stop Wellbutrin and see what "happen's." I was taking 200mg's in am. I went off it fairly fast w/ no side effects from withdrawal. I've been off wellbutrin now since August 3rd. I don't FEEL any difference, except I notice I am not as hyper.
Hyperactive has always been my baseling personality since a child, until I started having that horrible, crippl'n "social phobia." So now I'm on 300mg's of Seroquel (antipsychotic), 60mg's of Nardil ( MAO inhibitor/antideppresant that works for a minority of people with depression and specifically social phobia) They hardly ever prescribe MAO inhibitors accept in last ditch efforts w/ individuals the also have extreme social phobia. Generally, this drug is extremely helpful for some of these individuals. Other's can't tolerate this medication. Also, mao inhibitors have serious potential side effects, if eating or ingesting anything that has a lot of tyrimine <-sp? which is an amino acid that humans all have in their systems.
I'm on 400mg's of Lamictal, 200 twice daily. Lamictal has helped me so much. Among other benefits, Lamictal has, I believe, curbed my anger outbursts. I'm also on 2mg's of clonazepam at bedtime for anxiety.
I'm sorry that I didn't quite answer your question thoroughly, as I have gone off the Wellbutrin. Am also sorry I rambled on about other med's and issues you may not have. Wanted to explain the why and how I went off Wellbutrin.
Hope all works out well for you!
julvanv
18 Aug 2012
OH, forgot to add: Lamictal has never interfered with my sleep and doesn't make me bitch at all. In fact, my psychiatrist put me ON the lamictal not only for bipolar symptoms but specifically when I was having a lot of anger outbursts. She (my psych doc for many yrs.Now I've had a different psychiatrist for about 5yrs.) specifically said that she thought the lamictal would be helpful for my anger.
As far as lamictal not effecting my sleep, it's very probable that it is the seroguel that helps me sleep greatly. I had insomnia for a few yrs, long ago. When she changed my antipsychotic drug to Seroquel it had the added benefit of helping me sleep wonderfully. I haven't had any problems sleeping since being on Seroquel.
I know individual psychiatrists have different opinons about med's, diagnosis's, etc. But my med regime works great for me~
yasho
5 July 2014
Hi peeps. Sounds like I am not alone in my troubles!.Im on wellbutrin but I think my next doc appointment should see me adding on a mood stabilizer. If I took wellbutrin an lamcital will I lose the weight I gained an will it curb my eating at least?
cdswicky
8 Oct 2014
Hi Julvanv- your post caught my attention. I am currently struggling with a major depressive patch and I'm currently on 150 mg of wellbutrin and 200mg of lamictal and my doctor has prescribed 50mg (to start with) of seraquel xr at bedtime. I am panicked because so many people say that they gain weight with seraquel. I am only 5'3" and I am 120lbs, so I don't want to gain any weight... Could you give me any guidance here. I am a regular exerciser, but do like my snacks. I'm really worried.
Canswicky
pabutz1
4 April 2015
I am on this combination for many years. As long as I eat right and exercise I am OK. My problem is I still feel depressed and lethargic and If I add girl scout cookies and chips I gain weight. joke. Are you gaining weight? Does this combo make you feel better? Any more problems with bipolar 2 or does the combination of meds seem to be working?
bumblebee90
23 July 2012
r7551, I am on Lamictal 100 mg and Wellbutrin too, and I have not had any problems with weight gain. I think it is a great combination, for me that is. I was struggling very hard mentally before this combination, and I feel alot better. Everyone is different. But works for me. Best of luck to you, and wish you nothing but peace and happiness. Ruthie
r7551
23 July 2012
Thank you for your reassurance. You are on a higher dose than I am but I suspect my doctor will be increasing mine just doing it very slowly. He started me on only 4 mg. per day. I am pettite but Im pretty sure that dose will change. It makes me feel better to know that you are on 100 mg and also wellbutrin to. I have struggled for many years not being able to hold down jobs because of anxiety and severe depression, doom and panic. Even the stupid little things overwhelm me. I feel like a failure. some how I managed to get through nursing school 3 yrs. ago but still cant hold a job down. I do have to say since i started taking the med. I feel somewhat hyper. I kinda like it. But I also feel alittle happier at times, but still wigg out with the little things but alot it going on too with my family that is taking its toll on me. I know Ive only been on it for a couple days so it probably isnt really working yet. I know it takes a few months. How has it helped you?
Thank you again for your feedback.
bumblebee90
23 July 2012
r7551, I added you as a friend. You can add me as one too, and we can talk to each other by private questions. I am glad I was able to help you in some way. I am alot, and I mean alot like you. So don't feel bad. I too have struggled tremendously through the years, and have lost jobs too. My problem was I medicated myself for years with alcohol instead of medication. I ended up a chronic alcoholic, and almost died a few times due to it. I have been sober from alcohol 6 years now. I quit when I got pregnant with my 3rd child who is five now. I struggled for a while with the having to take medicine to be able to function, but I am completely ok with it now. If I don't take it, I cry uncontrollably, up's and down's, high's and low's, sideway's and backway's ha ha. It's a mental rollercoaster ride that is not only very hard on me, but for my family too.
I accepted that I have a mental issue, and my medication's help me be a better person... period. How? No more uncontrollable crying. I feel like I can handle my pain issues much better than before. I am much more stabilized with my moods. Much more pleasant to be around. I am not ashamed at all that I have to take meds. to help me. I am unhealthy when I don't take them. And I don't want my kid's or husband seeing me like that. I don't want to feel that way. You are doing the right thing. Give it some time, and hang in there. I know my childhood upbringing and all the abuse that went along with it, and a prior abusive marriage, and a couple of other things did alot of damage to me. It caused alot of anxiety and panick attack issues, along with the mental issues. Even though it did a number on me, I continue to fight the battle. Remind myself that it was in the past, and try to focus on what I have today. A wonderful supportive hubby, who takes care of me. And there's alot to take care of. But he loves me unconditionally. I never had that before. I still struggle at times. Maybe I always will, but I won't let it get the better of me, and don't you let it either. Life is too precious, and we have to try and be as strong as we can. It's so very hard at times... I know. I have two older children that remind me of that quite often. But let nothing get you completely down. I am here for you anytime. You can write to me now whenever you want, and I will be of as much help as possible. Take care hon, and remember something my mother used to always tell me... Noone said life would be a bed of roses, and if it was, roses have thorns. Your friend, Ruthie
r7551
24 July 2012
Thank you Ruthie for sharing. I added you as a friend. How do I message you privately. Im new to this site so bear with me. My name is Rose. Maybe through the private messaging I can give you my real email.
Rose
r7551
24 July 2012
we are very much alike. Except you atleast were able to get married and have kids. I gave up on that pipe dream along time ago. Really would like to talk to you more .
bumblebee90
24 July 2012
I'll send you a private message and it will show up on you're computer... You have a private message from babyr0525. Just open it like all the other questions and read it. To send a Private Message to someone, click on their avatar, which is there picture. Like mine is the little bear. Just click on it, and you will see where it say's Send Private Message. Click there. There's one line/space where you have to ask a question... like How are you? Then a second space below where you add more detail to you're question. Then click submit. Now I will tell you, some people's say's sending private message is unavailable. Because they made it that way. But if you friend someone and they friend you back, you are able to ask private questions. I hope this helps somehow. I'm going to send you one right now. I would love to talk to you more too. Cheer up missy. Try and have a good day. And remember... there are alot of great people on this site.
Alot of caring people. I know, I've made several friends. And there's always room for one more. :) Ruthie
cdswicky
13 Feb 2014
Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum, but had to chime in on this topic. I am 41 and am currently taking Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I have been on this combo now for about 5 years and I haven't gained any weight. I too am small and I've gained weight on other meds, so I am hyper conscious about the weight issue. I'm on 200mg of Lamictal and my Wellbutrin was just increased from 150mg to 300mg yesterday. This has been a rough winter for me and I'm hoping my med increase helps my latest dip in mood. I have struggled with anxiety and low self confidence in the job place. I recently had to quit a job after only 3 weeks because it was too stressful. I was sinking into a deep dark hole and just couldn't function. My Pdoc kept me at my regular dosage until yesterday when I told him that it had been over 3 weeks and although I had some days that were ok, overall my depression wasn't lifting. It just seems so unfair.
I'm an intelligent woman, but the fast paced, multi-tasking work environments just debilitate me... Any way, I hope you the best on the med combo... and would love to make some friends on this forum.
bluegreen4
29 March 2018
Hi bumblebee90, I have been on Wellbutrin for over a month now, and have recently increased it to 300 mg. My doctor also wanted me to start taking Lamictal 25mg for 2 weeks and then 50 mg after. I have been on Wellbutrin before but I have never been on Lamictal and I was just wondering how high is your dosage for Wellbutrin? Just anxious and hesitant to start Lamictal while on a high dosage of Wellbutrin. -bluegreen4
Nikkiboo25
5 April 2018
I am 25 today I start Wellbutrin 150 mgs a day and also limital 150 I would like to chat with u guys as well I feel the same way as both of you .. can't hold down a job every little thing makes me freak out I'm constantly depressed and stress out over nothing ..I worry about things that might happen but usually do not .I have two children and I never feel good enough for them or there father I always feel low and suicidal racing thoughts yet I still try to feel and be normal like everyone else and try to hold my life down but it's hard I really hope this medicine works for me to..
kayelinda
22 July 2012
I have never heard of Iamicital but my therapist said 1 in 20 lose more than 5 pounds on Wellbutrin and it is not uncommon to lose 5 pounds. It is never given if the person in question is too low a weight already. However as I said i know nothing about Iamictal.
LaurieShay
22 July 2012
I doubt you will gain weight with this combination though everyone is different. As long as you watch what you eat and burn more calories than you consume you'll be fine. This is a good combo by the way.
Related topics
lamictal, wellbutrin, wellbutrin xl, depression, bipolar disorder, weight, medicine, medication
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