Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2019

Lamotrigine "I've been taking Lamotrigine (the generic Lamictal) for just short of one month. I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder recently after years of thinking I had depression and anxiety. Lamictal has worked miracles for me! I can't believe this is how neurotypical people feel day to day. I've been missing out my whole life and wish I had taken it sooner! I'm productive, I sleep normally, and I experience little to no anxiety or intense moods. The only downfall is I have had some vivid dreams and nightmares, but they're definitely not as bad as my mood swings. I'm not even 100 percent sure they're from the Lamictal. The only reason why I gave it a 9/10 is that I haven't been on it for too long yet (25 MG twice daily)."

• Non...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 11, 2019

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."

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

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."

• Bra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2023

Lamotrigine "I’ve been taking Lamictal since I was 16. 150 mg nightly. It was an amazing drug. When I was 34, I got pregnant and had to switch to Latuda. It worked okay, but eventually, my bipolar got out of hand. I got super depressed and started to drink way too much. I couldn’t get through the day without listening to headphones. I was an empty person, sleeping 10 or more hours a night. Finally, a switch happened, and I had an extreme manic episode. I asked my doctor for my Lamictal back, so now I’m on 25 mg a day for now. I already have noticed a HUGE difference! I cleaned my house. I did my job at work. Stopped using headphones 24/7. And I felt my brain make happiness! Without the help of alcohol."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

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!"

• Ath...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 24, 2016

Lamotrigine "So Lamictal takes a while to work. In my case, it was about 6 months to reach its maximum effect. I am on 200 mg. If I go higher, it is a total nightmare. Be careful, it depends on the person how much you can take. If you feel you are going more depressed, go back to the dose you were on before and take clonazepam as needed, but not every day. Lamictal affected my sleep, I had to take Ambien, but after 6 months, I started taking melatonin and it worked. I wanted to say that it is important to have family support, and when that is non-existent, then in my case, I grabbed a Bible and prayed a lot, even until today. Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6:10, also Psalm 23. It gets to a point when you have to fight your brain. Doctors and medication help until a certain point."

• dmm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2015

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."

• ksh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2016

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."

• her...
• October 25, 2008

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."

• Pop...
• April 22, 2016

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."

• bal...
• November 8, 2008

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."

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

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."

• May...
• November 21, 2013

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."

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

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."

• JCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

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."

• Bea...
• April 5, 2014

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!"

• Gin...
• May 31, 2015

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!"

• Tha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 24, 2021

"I was treated for depression for over twenty-five years and was prescribed all different kinds of antidepressants. None of them helped me, and they also caused severe side effects. When I returned to school to get my Ph.D. in Psychology, I learned about Bipolar II Disorder, which none of my doctors had ever mentioned to me. The more I read about it, the more I realized I had been given the wrong diagnosis and the wrong treatments for years. So I began to look at all of the medications for BP II and their side effects, which, quite frankly, frightened me. Lamotrigine seemed mild compared to the others, and now I have been taking 200 mg for the past fifteen years. It has changed my life, although I have not had any physical side effects, my short-term memory is shot. I have trouble remembering even simple words when I'm talking to someone. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone else has or is experiencing this."

• Luv...
• December 4, 2015

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 :)"

• Pat...
• November 14, 2015

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."

• Lig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2019

Lamotrigine "On Lamictal for bipolar, and I developed cognitive problems, memory loss, hair loss, and other problems. Had many serious depressive episodes and an increase in anxiety while on it. Worsened sleep. Difficult withdrawal occurred when trying to get off it."

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

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."

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

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."

• tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

Lamotrigine "I was on 200 mg lamotrigine for about half a year and did not like the way it made me feel. After voicing my concern that I felt 'flat lined, indifferent to everything, and lacked confidence,' my doctor did not listen. I weaned myself off because it was too distressing for me and all this started to worsen my social anxiety. I know this is not the case for everyone, but if you have had the same struggles, then this may not be the drug for you. Also, a more serious and medical side effect I had was heart palpitations, specifically tachycardia."

• Kat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2020

Lamotrigine "Lamictal is a life changer for bipolar 2, stopped throwing myself at alcohol to control tensions and hyper-reactivity, am less hypersensitive and self-protectively aloof. Lost 20 lbs gained on Depakote. Cons: losing some mental sharpness. A little less smart, not inadequately but less quick and on-target. But easier to live with and happier. Well worth it! Sometimes need adjunct treatment for depression. (I recommend light therapy.) Doesn’t help intrusive thoughts, rehashing invasive memories; now trying clomipramine alongside. HAS been good for depression and especially hypomania, allows for ups, but curbs impulsive out-there behavior and hypersensitivity. For me, the generic does NOT work as well. On 200 mg; tried 300 mg and 400 mg without added benefit and with disadvantages: you can feel missing a dose badly; after 6 hours of missing a dose on 300 mg, I got lightheaded and found it difficult to drive. Some twitching and clumsiness on a higher dose, but manageable. Go with the lowest dose that works."