Lamotrigine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Brand names: Lamictal, Lamictal XR, Lamictal ODT, Subvenite, Lamictal CD
Lamotrigine has an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 from a total of 1,841 reviews on Drugs.com. 73% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Lamotrigine
- joe...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 29, 2019
For Anxiety "This made life so much better. I think my doctors prescribed every SSRI and SNRI there is. Each one made me sicker than the last one. A couple of them made me miss weeks of work at a time. I started on such a low dose that it made no difference, I was just happy it didn't make me sick, so I kept taking it. Finally, I went up to a full 25mg, and I will never forget the first time I felt this stuff kick a panic attack's ass! I literally felt it stuff it down and smother it! 6 months later I'm up to 50mg, and on the rare occasion I feel an attack coming on, it is never as severe as it used to be. After doing some reading on this med, it is the last resort for anxiety. If you get sick on antidepressants, stop messing around and demand your doctor prescribe this. I was worried that this was a seizure med and was skeptical, it has exceeded expectations. I doubt there is anything that cures anxiety, but lamotrigine sure works for me."
- Lyn...
- March 4, 2021
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Since taking Lamictal 100 mg daily, I seem to be sharper, can multi-task again, and my energy level is very steady. Emotional pain and distractibility are much more controlled. I feel like myself again. I HOPE IT LASTS."
Frequently asked questions
- Is it better to take lamotrigine at night?
- What should I do if I develop a rash while taking lamotrigine?
- If you are taking lamotrigine how long does it take to get out of your system?
- MT ...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 16, 2019
For Depression "I’ve been on Lamotrigine since mid-August. I titrated up slowly and am at a maintenance dose of 200mg daily. I was on every depression/anxiety medication you can think of for the past 20 years. I had to wean off those as Lamotrigine was introduced. So far, it has made a remarkable difference in my moods, my depression, my motivation. I love not laying in bed all day. Going on it was not easy, however, my anxiety was high, migraines, fatigue, insomnia. These have resolved but it’s taken 3 months. I’m thrilled at the difference it made in me and pray it continues to work! Remember it took months and a 200 mg dose until I felt better."
- Jan...
- March 2, 2021
For Anxiety "I started on lamictal as I have bad mood swings, depression, severe anxiety, and OCD type thoughts. This medication was a lifesaver, I thought. I started at 25mg and noticed very positive changes. My anxiety got better. When I went to 37.5mg, my anxiety stopped, OCD thoughts stopped, and depression stopped. I was so happy I thought I found the medication for me. When I went up to 50 mg, I got a small rash, my anxiety and thoughts spiraled out of control, my depression worsened, and I felt suicidal. Now I am trying to get off the medication. I’m very sad. Has this happened to anyone else?"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Pic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 16, 2016
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Wellbutrin (get off the couch). Zoloft (be happy). Pristiq (be happier). Xanax (chill out). Adderall (get 'er done efficiently). Dexilant (ulcer, of course). Lisinopril (blood pressure). Up. Down. Up. Down. And then... because I felt so awful and helpless, pain pills. I'm a smart girl. I understand the epidemic and the risk of addiction, but didn't care. Went into a new Dr. (one that finally didn't just take out a prescription pad and ask me 'what do you want?'), but asked questions to better understand me. The plan? To taper off a ton of these drugs (not cold turkey) and prescribed Lamictal. Game changer. Less meds for liver. More money in my pocket. More genuine calmness and happiness. Seriously, game changer."
- TON...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- November 10, 2013
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have tried and failed every medication out there!! I just could not tolerate the side effects and weight gain. I came very close to suicide, and I finally got on Lamictal. What a difference!! I am finally not having the mania keeping me up for days and the severe depression of constantly writing suicide letters. I am also on Klonopin. I had to go off my meds during my pregnancy, and my husband said 'I will never get you pregnant again!!!' That is how much better I am on the medication. My dose is 300 mg split twice daily. I had gastric bypass as well, and I am tolerating it the same as I was before. I have been on Lamictal for 8 years. I wanted to share my experience so that I might touch someone's life and make a difference!"
- car...
- February 3, 2020
For Anxiety "Lamictal completely changed my life. Before I started it, I'd have bursts of anger due to pent up anxiety over the nit-pickiest things. I thought I was just a jerk and didn't understand why. Quickly after I started taking Lamictal (250mg for anxiety) I noticed a huge difference. I felt relaxed for once. Not euphoric, or like a different person, just... Normal! Calm, collected, but still sharp. Lamictal was like a valve that drained my anger out when I was just about full of rage. I personally haven't noticed many side effects, at least none that I don't already have from SSRIs. Loss of coordination is a big one and I only get tremors if I haven't eaten, but that might just be low blood sugar. In conclusion, being someone who suffers from chronic general anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, I can definitely see Lamictal being an effective long-term medication. Works great for me."
- Rea...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 17, 2018
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Ten years on antidepressants. Numerous breakdowns with family, jobs, courses, my wallet, and the bottle. Spent the last 2 years going to work only to come home to sleep. Lost my two children. House and car a mess. Drove literally everyone away. Slowly came to the realization that the world may be better without me. I got diagnosed with bipolar/BPD rapid cycling and now on day 3 of Lamictal. Weaning off Effexor. My house is clean, I can prioritize things, I seem to be clawing my way out of that dark space in my mind. I'm motivated to leave the house and am hopeful about cleaning up my financial messes. If I had been diagnosed earlier, I might still have my children. This medication is saving my life."
- Lea...
- May 8, 2013
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar II when I was 18 years old. I have been on Lamictal for a year and a half now. Within a month of starting this medication, I saw amazing results. I have experienced no depression and no hypomania whatsoever. After having bipolar II really run my life in my teen years and cause me to temporarily lose sight of myself, I feel like I have reconnected with who I truly am since starting this medication. I feel more myself than I have in so many years. I still feel things deeply hence unlike some antidepressants which numb you, per my own experience, Lamictal does not. If you truly have bipolar II, this is a wonderful medication. Much love to you all on this tumultuous journey; stay strong and never lose hope."
- A-n...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 13, 2019
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "If you have Bipolar Disorder type II, please learn as much as you can about this condition from professional, reputable sources so you can make informed decisions about treatment and management options. This is a treatable, manageable illness, take hope in that. After 20+ years struggling to 'cure' myself 'naturally' & being miserable, dangerously depressed & dysfunctional, I finally decided to try psych medication. I found a doctor who SPECIALISES in this disorder and is up to date with the latest research findings in this specific condition. If you don't like your current GP or Psych's attitude, find someone else! I started a combo of Lamictal (AM & PM) & Seroquel (Only PM - makes you drowsy). I kept a daily mood diary & it took 3 months for my mood to fully stabilize. To help the bipolar depression, we added bupropion & N-Acetyl Cysteine, a supplement (all based on clinical research!). For 5 years now, I’ve had my life back. Deciding to take this medication saved my life."
- War...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- July 31, 2019
For Borderline Personality Disorder "Lamictal has 100% changed my life with borderline personality disorder. I am beyond grateful to finally be able to function like a 'normal' human being. I am not lashing out in anger anymore, I can concentrate, I think before I react, I behave rationally, and I have patience. I had zero ability to control my reactions before Lamictal. This medication literally saved my life. If you do go on this medication, I must warn you that the change is very dramatic and adjusting to 'normal' is very foreign and scary for a while - especially if you have been 'this way' for a long time. Therapy is an absolute must. Talking through your problems, past and present, learning new coping skills, and just having that support will help tremendously. I know you probably feel like it’s impossible to change because it’s all you know, I get it, but life can be good. No matter how many other meds didn’t work, Lamictal might be the answer to your prayers."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 6, 2020
Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "My sister died today due to side effects from this drug. It is ruthless. She lost 2 layers of skin over 90% of her body as it caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. She was bandaged from head to toe and blood seeping through the bandages. Though claimed this outcome is rare. I encourage you to consider other options. My sister was healthy and today lost her life due to the side effects of this drug that should not be on the market. Think twice."
- Bee...
- April 30, 2020
For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking Lamotrigine for over 6 months. I am now at 150 mg. At 100mg or less, it was a bit sedating so I took it at night. After reaching 150mg, I got some pretty bad insomnia so I take it in the mornings now. I may need a sleeping pill because benzos aren't helping the insomnia. Before taking Lamictal, I've been on over 20 medications for PTSD. Every single one made symptoms of anger, PTSD, depersonalization, and bipolar much worse. With Lamictal, it just doesn't do that. It helps instead of hurts. I used to be too afraid to leave my room to pee. Now, I went to a job interview yesterday. I spent 2 years not leaving my house, not eating, not living. I was ready to give up on ever healing. Lamictal hasn't fixed everything for me. No medication can do that. It takes a lot of trial and error, a whole lot of self-work, but without Lamictal, I don't think I would have even started making changes in my life."
- Lei...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 10, 2023
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am 52 years old. I have been on Lamictal now for about 2 years. I also take 80 mg of Prozac daily. Until I was prescribed Lamictal, I was a complete and total mess in every way. No amount of antidepressants could help me get out of the funk I was in. I stopped taking care of myself, my home, everything! Thank God my children are grown. Raising them was difficult but I somehow managed. I am on 100 mg per day. I have never been happier, more productive, more optimistic, or more organized in my entire life! I have Bipolar one, PTSD, MDD, and ADD. I have done all the dumb things, including getting myself into useless debt, failed relationships, weight gain, feelings of uselessness, you name it. Lamictal, along with therapy and the realization of spirituality, has saved my life."
- Kal...
- May 12, 2021
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I started taking lamotrigine 2 months ago. This drug is life changing! I had mood swings all the time, they went from 10 (on a scale of 1-10) to only 1. My brain was speeding and thoughts were running, and now I have a clear mind - no more crazy thoughts. Zero side effects... only in the first week of taking it, I was more thirsty than usual. That's it. I can call it a magic pill! Highly recommended."
- Wiz...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 24, 2014
Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I felt it necessary to leave a review because of how well this medication has worked for me. However, I have been quite seriously bipolar (with panic disorder) for over 30 years. As you can imagine I have been on many medications. About two years ago nearly everything had gone wrong in my life - including being homeless and drinking far too much. I pulled out of that with the help of Seroquel. But I was still having really, really bad times. Then I met someone who suggested this medication. Well, it was not instant but slowly I started becoming 'normal'. Normal to me is wonderful. Now I hardly drink. Why? Because I drank to cure myself. I actually wake up and look forward to the day. I feel young again!"
- San...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 18, 2019
For Anxiety "I was put on this for severe anxiety 6 weeks ago, and it has given me my life back! I can now go to public places without having a breakdown, and my family has noticed a huge difference. I’m taking better care of myself and have the energy and desire to walk again. The only downfall is you have to titrate up slowly, so you can get discouraged at first thinking it isn’t working. I’m now on 200mg, and it’s been a game-changer. Don’t give up on this medicine as it is a miracle worker. The only side effects I’ve had are a runny nose and headaches when starting it, but I’d take that any day over the crippling anxiety I once had."
- bac...
- May 4, 2021
For Depression "I have drug-resistant severe clinical depression. Since 1982, I’ve tried every drug possible, all with side effects. I’ve taken Lamictal for the past 20 years, and I have to say it has, without any doubt whatsoever, saved my life, including giving me a quality life. Lamictal for me is a godsend, and I’ll never stop taking it. -Back To Being Me"
- Jas...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 21, 2019
For Depression "I started Lamictal during a life upheaval leading to acute, severe depression, and after a bad reaction to Lexapro (worsening depression and suicidal). Starting at Lamotrigine 25mg within 1 to 2 days, I felt immediate relief. I worked up to 75mg and stuck with that for several months. Circumstances led to worsening depression, and I went up to 150mg once daily and now at 200mg, holding steady. I have stopped years of Benzo, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax. Now, I only take Lamictal. This medication provides a wall against depressive thoughts and behaviors. Also, mood swings and rage issues that I suffered most of my life are almost completely absent. This med has given me a chance to live happily even during times of great change and struggle. Time to time, I consider going off, but I'm afraid of relapse. I have been taking it for 3 years."
- Dan...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 8, 2021
For Borderline Personality Disorder "Requested to try this med to my prescriber based on my own research and knowledge of the positive reviews from those taking it for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I must say that although I was not expecting it to help me this much, and I never wrote reviews for anything... I want to help others know how incredibly life-changing lamotrigine could be for you like it is for me! I feel so normal! Never did I think I would feel this great. I want everyone to feel this relief. I can control my negative emotions now!! If you are on the fence about it, I say go for it!"
- jec...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 6, 2022
For Anxiety "These reviews really helped me when I started, so I want to help others who are checking this site regularly. I started Lamictal after my Prozac wasn't as effective anymore. I was dealing with no sleep, no appetite, constant fear of impending doom, depersonalization, and horrible mood swings. It was one of the hardest times of my life, and it was right after my wedding which made me feel worse. My NP put me on Lamictal and because of the slow dosage increase, it took a while to feel the effects. I didn't get any major side effects, maybe less of an appetite. I started on Oct 5, and it took 1.5 months to see the positive results. I feel much better now at 100 mg. I also take lithium orotate and weekly therapy. To those reading this looking for comfort, hope this helps and you got this!! ❤️"
- Mys...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 30, 2014
For Depression "Tried everything from Depakote to Lithium and every antidepressant with them. Finally paired Lamictal (Lamotrigine) with Lexapro (Escitalopram) and hit the jackpot! I'm unipolar (severe depressive) and the 300mg ER Lamotrigine with 20mg Lexapro has kept me totally mood-balanced and low-anxiety. After 20 years of different meds, I finally feel like myself."
- Cal...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 9, 2019
For Borderline Personality Disorder "I consider Lamictal to be my miracle drug for borderline personality disorder. It has significantly turned my life around for the better. I'm currently about to have my dose increased to 200mg a day (was 100mg previously), but I already feel more 'normal'. I feel like I'm close to becoming the person I'm meant to be, my true self. I had felt blinded, hanging onto the words of loved ones, doing harmful things on impulse, pushing others away. I felt like I was looking at the world through a distorted lens. I'm learning how to be at peace with myself and others thanks to Lamictal. I love it, can't recommend it enough. I hope I'm not the only one with BPD who takes this. :-)"
- Lav...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 16, 2020
For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking lamotrigine for a week now. I'm only at 50mg as of now. I have bipolar, severe derealization, and depersonalization from PTSD. I can tell that things (physical things) are becoming more real. Items are slowly more 3D rather than 2D. My brain has removed the part of reality that allows me to feel a part of life as a coping mechanism for my safety. Whatever this drug is doing, I am grateful for it because I believe before this, my life was a nightmare. Not being able to connect that reality is physically real. I can feel it quieting my intrusive ruminating thoughts, which is amazing. In the shower the other day, I heard, for the first time, quiet except for the water running, and I broke down crying because I never realized how truly loud my thoughts were. I still have a ways to go, but I do also feel it evening out my moods. I'm not as angry and easily triggered."
Are you taking this medicine?
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Lamictal, Lamictal XR, Lamictal ODT, Subvenite, Lamictal CD
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- Lamotrigine Tablets (FDA)
Other brands
Lamictal, Lamictal XR, Subvenite
For Depression "I'm diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and have been in a very dark place for months. I have been very depressed, anxious, and had suicidal thoughts. I have been on several medications for months: Venlafaxine, Wellbutrin, and Vyvanse, which have been little to no help. Lamotrigine was added, and I'm now on 100 mg daily in the morning. My depression is entirely gone, as is my anxiety. I don't get mood swings anymore, I am calmer and less pessimistic. I've had no side effects except some minor itching upon dose increases lasting for a day or so. I don't feel emotionally numb, I just feel like a calmer, more logical, happier version of myself. I've tried so many medications over the years for my depression and anxiety (over 20), and this is the first one to truly help. It's a miracle medication for me. It can take time to find the right medications for you, but don't give up hope."