Lamotrigine for Borderline Personality Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• DRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2022

"I started Lamotrigine three months ago. I am up to 100 mg twice a day and will increase soon. What I loved about it is it was subtle to start, no side effects for me at all. I started very low, worked my way up. I used to react and lose my temper so easily, get depressed over the littlest things, I was unpredictable. Now my coworkers and friends have noticed my more positive attitude, and more importantly - I don't react as badly - for a while before this medication, I was concerned about losing my job. I have a high-stress job, and it feels good to have a positive outlook. I still have anxiety and am starting an additional medication for that. But I love feeling more, should I say - stable. It takes a while to really see results, and honestly, I didn't notice it dramatically, I just one day realized for weeks I was different - in the best way. It is subtle changes - be patient!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2018

"I requested to be put on this medication due to problems with BPD that the Seroquel/Effexor combo wasn't helping. I wanted, so badly, to help with the agitation and obsessive thoughts I was experiencing, but my psychiatrist warned me to stop the medication if I noticed a rash. Unfortunately, I was on it for 2-3 weeks, and a rash broke out on my face. I immediately stopped the medication as directed."

• wen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2017

"I was on venlafaxine, which was effective for depression for a couple of years, but it eventually didn't work as well, along with side effects like no libido. I was started on mirtazapine along with the venlafaxine, then the lamotrigine was added. I have found the lamotrigine not only helped with my depression, it is a great mood stabilizer and has helped with the BPD immensely."

• Sha...
• May 4, 2017

"I have been on Latuda since January 2015. And Cymbalta for several reasons, one being depression. Since November 2014, I was unable to get up and act like a normal human being, with suicidal ideations and one attempt. I was sleeping 24/7. I was unable to cope in a realistic manner. I had lost all hope, all joy, all energy, all motivation, until 2 weeks ago. My insurance got changed, so Latuda was no longer an option. I asked my doctor to put me on Geodon and Lamictal again. I slept 24/7 the first week, then some miracle happened. I started feeling alive and had energy, and my mood was fantastic. To say my life has changed positively is an understatement. I am a normal acting person again. Only problem is weight gain, I think from Geodon."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 13, 2023

"This medicine saved my life. I've been on 300 mg for a year. I have taken up to 20 medications in the past. I found the one medication that has worked, which is Valium, but the medical professionals refused to give it to me. I was also refused to be given something for my horrible ADHD. Instead, I was put on pretty much anything you can think of - Xanax, Klonopin, Paxil, Lexapro, Seroquel, Conazipine, you get the point. I was diagnosed with BPD at 32 years old at the same time as ADHD. My whole life made sense, but I had nobody left who cared. So I attempted suicide. I almost died after taking a two-month supply of Seroquel and Lexapro. I was put into an inpatient program and was given lamotrigine. It played a huge role in my feeling better about life. It was like a switch went off in my head. Suddenly, I had so much more control over my moods. I was finally able to hold on to the best version of myself. The anger no longer took the forefront. BPD is still a hindrance in my life, but I can see the sunshine because of this drug."

• Sta...
• May 29, 2017

"This medication is absolutely wonderful. I never thought I would be happy again, but it causes weight gain, and I can't have that with the borderline personality disorder. It's just too strong of a disorder to overpower weight gain in my mind. I continue to hope that I can be positive. I keep trying the medication for no weight gain. This is truly a great medication. Hope you give it a try. It could change your life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2017

"I wasn't taking Tegretol just for complex partial seizures, we thought it might help with my extreme mood disturbances as well. Had some luck with the seizures, however, I was still having extreme lows, paranoia, as well as intense and explosive rage. 100 mg of Zoloft gave me some relief for the lows, but I started on 25 mg of Lamictal to help with the paranoia and rage. I've been taken off of Tegretol now, and I'm currently taking 250 mg of Lamictal, increasing to 300 mg. It's literally changed my life. No rage, no paranoia, it's leveled out my moods (with the help of Zoloft), and my seizures have stopped."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2022

"Been on this for two months now and have worked my way up to 200 mg. Have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This has been like taking a sugar pill. Absolutely no help at all for my severe agitation and constant irritation, low moods, or anxiety. I’m actually more depressed reading how much this has helped others. Nothing seems to help me, but that’s my ‘whoa is me’ BPD, I guess. lol."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2022

"I've started taking lamotrigine 25 mg for about a week now (I know what you're thinking, but just listen), and it's helped phenomenally. I can finally just chill and relax, and be happy naturally instead of trying to force it. I'm more in control of my emotions, and it has decreased my dissociation amazingly. I'm thinking a higher dose would work better for me, but we'll see after two weeks. I have BPD, GAD, MDD, and ADHD. I also take Sertraline 125 mg and hydroxyzine 10 mg just when I feel extra anxious. It has seriously helped with my motivation to do stuff, I get more stuff done now. I just feel… better. Please try this out, there is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise."

• SS1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 1, 2024

"Amazing medicine, 2nd time on and has pulled me out of a deep lull. First time was on for years and years, and it kept me super balanced and able to participate in all areas of life successfully, e.g., holding a job down, being level-headed."

• Kac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2017

"I started lamotrigine as per my psychiatrist to stabilize my anger and agitation from BPD. I tapered up slowly and had no issues with a rash. The more I took it and the higher the dose went, I noticed it was helping more and more with my anger and agitation, but not with depression or suicidal thoughts. I was crying daily after months on it and could not feel any happiness or positive emotions, although it was helping with outbursts for sure. That's when the physical side effects began. I developed severe, painful cystic acne, whereas before I had fairly clear skin. This was some deep, painful acne that was so painful I could not touch my own face and have to now be on antibiotics for months, which is another story. I now have nerve damage at 24."

• lai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2017

"Been on this for about a year, 100 mg. Took away my libido, I still get depressed/suicidal, still self-harming. It's made me lose myself. I've been told that BPD can only SOMETIMES be managed with medications. I also take an antidepressant, 75 mg. It helps if you get good support-a good therapist and a good doctor. I really hope they come up with better things to treat BPD."

• Bpd...
• January 22, 2021

"I am a super sensitive person. I was very afraid of developing a rash, so I wanted to add to this thread and say there is a 2 mg tablet available. I see people starting on 25 mg and going to 50 mg, then giving a bad review. I started Lamotrigine on 2.5 mg. My symptoms before medicating are mood swings, anger, suicidal thoughts, anxious panic, and depression. I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). I have previously tried Pristiq, Lexapro, Prozac (do NOT take Prozac if you are BPD and have anger symptoms, as it makes it 100 times worse), Tegretol, Valium, Sodium Valproate, Quetiapine, and probably others, but I think that's it. Tegretol was the best thing that worked for me, but I got the itchy blood side effect after 3 months on it. So I am trying this other mood stabilizer, Lamotrigine, from my own research. The point I am making is you can start very low."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

"This drug saved my life, after 3 years of constant dissociation, panic, depression, anxiety, DP/DR, and a recent diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Not saying it’s a miracle drug, but I feel better than I’ve ever felt. I still struggle, but it’s tolerable, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It’s only been 3 weeks, but I wake up and I’m calm, I have energy, I’m working out every day, I even made a resume and applied for jobs, even socializing. After years of SSRIs never working, this was such an incredible change. I have been emotionally numb for probably 7 years, and slowly I am starting to feel like a person again. I can feel good emotions instead of just feeling bad ones or nothing at all. Everything felt jumbled before, now I can think straight, and it is helpful to recognize obsessive thoughts. But putting in the rest of the work is crucial: diet, exercise, therapy, meditation, affirmations, hobbies, and self-care. Side effects suck in the first week."

• Pix...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2023

"I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 15 and medicated from 16. I tried Sertraline which gave me serotonin syndrome, Fluoxetine which made me angry and irritable, Venlafaxine which gave me withdrawals that had me bedridden for a week and Quetiapine which made me a zombie. I was diagnosed with BPD at 18 and after 2 years of switching medications, I was put on lamotrigine. I had very mild, minimal side effects and nothing persisted after about 1-2 weeks. I was slowly increased up to 200mg every morning and I’ve stayed on this dose for 3 years. I was suicidal, constantly anxious, frequently had hysterical episodes and panic attacks, couldn’t leave my house and couldn’t keep on top of my job or degree. After I adjusted to the dose, I found that my mood was more stable, my emotions were less likely to overwhelm me and when they did, it didn’t last for as long. I would recommend it to anyone with mood dysregulation."

• Jes...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 21, 2016

"I was diagnosed with BPD years ago. I find Lamictal stabilizes my impulsive behaviors and tones down my anxiety. My doctor says Lamictal is good for depression, which I agree. It has an antidepressant property. I went off it for a while just to see if it was still working, and I found myself getting progressively more impulsive... I take Abilify and Brintellix as well. Take good care, everyone."

• Reb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2021

"I’ve been taking lamotrigine for over 5 years. Quite a low dosage, just 100-150 mg a day, split into two doses. No side effects. Has helped me considerably with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and depression. Thanks to it, I was able to get my emotions to settle down and work on myself in therapy to learn coping mechanisms for other symptoms. I am now able to have stable, fulfilling relationships. It also keeps depression at bay, I am off antidepressants and haven’t had another depressive episode. On top of that, I haven’t had a panic attack in years, too. Therapy and lamotrigine have been a huge help. But it is not a magical cure, just a crutch to help you in therapy. Having a support system from family, friends, and partners is still the most important thing."

• Cat...
• March 11, 2017

"I was diagnosed with BPD over 12 months ago, and tried many antidepressants, only one worked, Valdoxan (others weight gain, no libido, etc.), which seemed to help with suicidal thoughts. I have been on lamotrigine for just under a month (50 mg) a day, and it has really helped with my outbursts and insecure thoughts. My partner says he has noticed a difference. But saying that, I feel the dosage should be increased, as sometimes I do let my thoughts run away with me, and then we have major problems!"

• sid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2022

"I'm 44, and my mentality has been all over the place throughout the years. Instability, just to name one. I have taken many various types of meds. But this one BY FAR has been a game changer. Not only does it help me have a better life and a better quality of life, but my 19-year-old son also started taking it after not being able to maintain job/relationships and kept himself secluded from the world. Once prescribed it, he has come out of his shell and changed his life."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2023

"I have BPD. I've been on different medications for around 5 years, nothing really helped. This one, though, made me feel so much more stable. Finally, I feel better!! Also, I didn't have any side effects."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2022

"So, I have to stop taking this medication (I’m on day 4) because it’s giving me flu symptoms, and it’s difficult to swallow. That said, though, it was nice to feel grounded for a few days. I definitely felt a bit more stable immediately. I wish it didn’t make me sick. I haven’t felt as much of that agonizing emptiness in the past few days, and this is the first medication that’s done that for me. Wish I could’ve given it a full trial."

• del...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2022

"I was just diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) a few days ago, but I have known that I have it since I was around 15. I have been prescribed a few different SSRIs for the depression caused by BPD, but they never worked for me. Starting Wellbutrin again a couple of years ago has helped, but the addition of Lamictal has COMPLETELY changed me. I am able to take a moment to think before I act/speak, I don’t catastrophize and break down over every little issue I encounter, my previously constant irritability has diminished significantly, I could go on. Being on this medicine has improved my relationship with my partner as well. I can’t even express how much my life has changed for the better. If you have BPD as well and have tried multiple antidepressants to no avail, definitely give Lamictal a try. The effect is almost immediate. I never thought I would say this, but I am so incredibly grateful to have been prescribed this medication."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

"Been on this drug now for three weeks, gradually increasing 25 mg per week until I get to 100 mg, then review with my psychiatrist. Was on Quetiapine and the XL version for the past year which did nothing for me. I’ve been on every antidepressant out there, and nothing has really helped me, Zoloft being the worst. I’m skeptical with Lamotrigine as I’ve noticed no difference at all, but keeping my fingers crossed as it has a really good success rate. I’ve had no side effects so far. Fingers crossed as my dosage increases, it works for me."

• Van...
• November 30, 2022

"An absolutely life-saving drug. I felt far more regulated very quickly and experienced minimal side effects. The only noticeable side effect is tiredness, but taking it in the afternoon/early evening makes it far more bearable. I wouldn’t have progressed this far in my mental health journey without it. Be careful with missing doses and titration, I’ve heard it can be quite dangerous if not done in consultation with your doctor."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2020

"Horrendous. Only started on 25 mg. Half an hour after taking, felt snappy, teary, so low. Day to move up dose couldn’t. Have very bad anxiety, not really depression. This made me suicidal. Rang crisis team. Wanted to be sectioned. Stopped taking it, felt different person the day after. This is RARE. I was on it two weeks in total. I wish it had worked for me. So many success stories. Don’t be deterred, we are all different. Diazepam is the only thing that works for me, and doctors will not prescribe! So frustrating, only taking in emergencies too."