Lamotrigine for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2017

"After reading so many positive reviews on this site, I decided to try Lamotrigine. I found it to be the most effective long-term drug for depression and mood stability. Having tried antidepressants and most mood stabilizers, this was the best drug for me. It does not make me tired or drugged up - just substantially reduces depression. Reduces overall depression, SI, obsessions, and anxiety. Slowly went to 200 mg/day as I couldn't feel much difference at 100. I had to switch to the brand name as the generic was giving me stomach problems. Otherwise, no side effects."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 21, 2022

"Antidepressants stopped my crying, but I still had no interest in activities and did not smile. I was once an outgoing, positive person. The doctor put me on paroxetine and lamotrigine. I also have an anxiety disorder and had been previously prescribed clonazepam. The lamotrigine gave me my life back. I truly felt happy, went back to being an outgoing person, became interested in decorating, crafts, etc. I went back to church and reconnected. My faith never faltered, I had just been too down to participate in activities."

• Dif...
• October 15, 2019

"Took about 6-8 weeks on lamotrigine, but the depression went away. Side effects seem to be much worse: nervousness, fear, anxiety, extreme weight loss, and starvation (metabolism revved up). Dramatic increase in migraines, which may be due to hunger and stress."

• Can...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 5, 2019

"I’ve been on Lamictal for 5 years at 200 mg. I still have severe depression and cry almost every day. I have a lot going on in my life, so maybe that’s why nothing is working. I am also on 10 mg of Lexapro, still depressed, hard to get out of bed and going in the morning. I look forward to sleep so I don’t have to think about anything. I feel like all the meds I’ve tried either don’t work or make me gain a ton of weight. If I knew Lamictal had these awful side effects, including depression, I would have never started it. I’m going to try and wean off of it slowly."

• Cla...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 19, 2017

"I have had depression my entire life, and Lamictal started working for me within a month or so. This medication hasn't solved all my issues, but it has made my depression manageable. I still have to make sure I'm getting regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, spending time in the mountains and in the sun, and showering regularly; if I don't, I will cycle back into a depressive episode. I know this is probably common for the general population, but I wanted to make it clear that before, those activities wouldn't curb my depression in any way. I give this 9/10 as it has caused my eyesight to decline, have noticed some gum recession, some sexual side effects, as well as some hair loss (supplementing with selenium has helped)."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

"I was put on Lamotrigine after Citalopram stopped working, and Escitalopram made me suicidal. I expressed that I'd wanted to avoid certain symptoms of SSRIs again, and the med nurse prescribed this. I've been on it for about two months-titrating up from 25 mg/2 weeks, 50 mg/2 weeks, and 100 mg now. I haven't noticed any improvement in my depression, nor anxiety, or other symptoms therein in addition to the ones caused by and exacerbated by my ADHD. If anything, I think I might be a little more unhinged (overly sensitive, mood drops happening with more frequency, lots more bouts of crying), but that could easily be because of something else. So, I haven't noticed any bad side effects (lymph nodes got a little swollen? Which was something I was told to look out for, but it's sick season), but it hasn't helped in the slightest, either. I don't have any energy or motivation, which is kind of needed to make any progress in therapy, so... definitely switching meds the first chance I get."

• dbo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2021

"Update. Since June 2021, I have titrated up to 200 mg after suffering a severe episode of MDD. Lamictal literally saved my life. I was depressed to the point of being actively suicidal and borderline non-functional. My depression has completely lifted. It is like tons of weight have been lifted from me. No side effects for me at all. Lamictal was a last resort for me, with the only other option being ketamine. I realize this is not for everyone, but it has worked wonders for me."

• Spa...
• August 10, 2018

"Update: Increased the dose from 300 mg to 350 mg. I went from feeling an all-time low just prior to the 350 mg mark to a much improved sense of well-being. I have been on many meds, and I am aware of the placebo effect. However, this recent increase has made a very noticeable difference. I almost quit the medication, but my doc encouraged me to increase it towards the 400 mg dose. Consider talking to your doctor about increasing your dose before giving up on it. I can make no guarantees how it will work for you, and it was a very rough patch to get to this therapeutic dose. I wish you all the best!"

• Mik...
• August 7, 2019

"My depression got worse. With medication so far, the more the dose increased, the worse I felt. 25 mg and 50 mg, then, the 3rd or 4th week, I went up to 75 mg. The second day, I broke out in acne all over my face, which made me feel worse: anxiety, self-esteem, and isolating myself. I got worse, so I tapered to 50 mg, and the inside of my mouth has a rash and canker sores. It’s really irritating and painful. My doctor hasn’t answered me for over a week. I see him Thursday, I’m going to get off it as soon as possible."

• Jes...
• October 27, 2015

"Thank you all for sharing. I am currently taking Lamictal for pain because the side benefit is actually pain relief for peripheral neuropathy. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for my whole life, but after starting Lamictal, it has gotten worse. I also take blood pressure medication and hydroxyzine for sleep. Has anyone else had increased depression?"

• Pan...
• September 23, 2018

"I’ve been on 100 mg of Lamictal for over 10 years. I take it with an antidepressant. Haven’t found a single antidepressant that helps (and I think I’ve pretty much tried them all), but when I started Lamictal years ago, it truly saved my life. I experienced a dramatic change in mood, and everything became manageable. My anxiety and depression have been worsening in the last year, and I’m at a very low place, and I’m a mess. I’m going to ask the doc about increasing Lamictal by at least another 100 mg. I want my life back. My anxiety and depression are now affecting my work, and nothing else is helping. I really hope the doc says yes, and I get control of my emotions and life again soon."

• Dav...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 22, 2023

"I agree with DeeB's review 110%. I was prescribed lamotrigine for epilepsy. Let me give an example. Recently, I faced having my car repossessed. I woke up, and it immediately hit me. A sense of hopelessness and dread, a thudding pulse, this feeling running right through my body. I take a 100 mg tablet of lamotrigine, and within 15 minutes, it was gone completely. There was no sign of depression whatsoever. Lamotrigine for me is that effective! Why it is not prescribed more often for depression, I just can't understand. People still suffer with depression whilst on antidepressants, I have witnessed it! It seems almost sadistic. Why make people suffer like that? Lamotrigine works for me. Just like with DeeB, it has completely turned my life around. Completely depression-free. P.S. Re my answers below regarding insurance and cost. I live in the UK, so healthcare is free, and because I am retired, so are medicines too."

• Mer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 21, 2019

"I'm on lamotrigine 400. It was doing great, I thought by mistake they gave me regular Lamictal. What a difference! Buuuutttttt the insurance wants to charge me over $400 for Lamictal, 2 dollars for generic. Has anybody else experienced the difference between the two? I've been on it for years. So depressed right now. The insurance company wants me to try three other drugs before they will give me Lamictal! Everybody on here knows what that would be like. So frustrated."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2018

"I have bipolar, several anxiety issues, OCD, PTSD, trichotillomania, depression with some psychotic symptoms, etc. If your conditions are quite severe, there is only so much a single medication can do. However, for me, lamotrigine has built a foundation which reduces my severe depression (suicidal most of 2018, due to bipolar and anxiety getting much worse, totally disabling), with no side effects except maybe it is a little harder to fall asleep (but I have intrusive images and flashbacks when trying to fall asleep anyway). I am still depressed, but not frighteningly so now. I have taken so many meds with so many terrible side effects, so having virtually none on this is a rare miracle. It does little for PTSD or anxiety or OCD for me - well, it helps after I've just taken it (and gives me back energy depression destroyed), but this only lasts 2-3 hours. Maybe I just need a lot more? (Already on target dose)."

• JJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

"Started a few weeks ago. Lamotrigine 50 mg dose and now working my way up to 150 mg. It's a nice medication overall. A few side effects for me including restlessness, anxiety, concentration issues, and vivid dreams. I also take Risperidone, which counteracts those negative effects for the most part. It's had a positive effect so far on evening out my mood."

• abb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2021

"This medication saved my life. I had severe MDD with suicidal ideation, and I had tried almost every other class of antidepressant and was giving up hope. SSRIs, in particular, did not work for me and caused adverse reactions. I also have panic disorder and GAD. I was having suicidal ideation constantly out of my own volition, and those scary thoughts would never leave. I was so desperate and miserable that I lost 23 pounds in two months. I was so close to giving up hope. I started this medication and was quickly titrated up to 150 mg daily in addition to Wellbutrin and Xanax as needed for panic. This medication has been an absolute miracle. It has completely gotten rid of the suicidal thoughts and the physical pain of the depression. It has also helped with my anxiety. I can feel happiness, and in some ways, this is still shocking to me. I did not realize how incapable I was of that emotion until I was able to feel it after almost 10 years of struggling. It has absolutely saved my life, and I have minimal side effects."

• Aku...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

"It helped some with my depression, but side effects after three months of being on it are crazy: back pain, leg pain, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, memory problems, low libido, tremor, weakness, no concentration, nightmares, dry mouth, weight loss, muscle spasms, and some more. Wouldn't take it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 6, 2023

"I've been prescribed this in addition to venlafaxine. It has zero side effects and I've never been so calm and stable. Literally the best option for me, no extreme mood swings and bursts of aggression. I'm on 50mg"

• Ire...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2021

"My Dr. started me off on 25 mg. I took half of the 25 mg for 10 days. I'm on 25 mg for 5 days already. I'm so used to not feeling well from not knowing what is wrong with me, from feeling dizzy, trembly, head in the clouds, mood swings, depressed, and constantly irritable, short-tempered, confused, disorientated, forgetful, and extremely tired all the time, racing thoughts and always thinking of what I need to do next, like I'm not present. After taking 25 mg for the 5th day (a full tablet), somehow I feel very relaxed and all these symptoms above - I'm not really feeling them or I'm looking to see if I'm feeling it deep down, but I'm not. That means that the meds are working, right? My mind feels like it's present, I don't feel like my mind is all over the place. I am having a normal feeling that feels rather therapeutic. My mind is clearer, and my concentration has improved quite a lot. I'm starting to see life differently, I'm more confident because inwardly I feel more healed."

• Hal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2021

"Lamotrigine has been a lifesaver. Though I do not have any manic disorders, I do struggle with anxiety and depression. I am currently on a high dose mixed with a high dose of Zoloft, and that combination has completely transformed my life and made me feel like myself again. It eased my mood swings, depressive episodes, and anxiety. Since being on it, I have noticed a huge improvement and would recommend anyone struggling with depression/anxiety to bring it up with your doctor to see if it would be a good choice for you. All in all, a very effective medicine."

• Pat...
• March 3, 2018

"I started on 25 mg for 2 weeks, then moved up to 50 mg a couple of weeks ago. The biggest difference I have experienced has been a marked increase in clarity. I am hopeful. I have had major depression for years before being diagnosed as bipolar, though depression was the overriding problem. I will continue on with this and remain hopeful I can finally live my life above the pit."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2021

"Like so many people on this site, my life has been transformed by Lamictal. I have suffered from depression since my early teens and throughout my life. I have had serious Complex PTSD and became very mentally ill with violent outbursts, psychosis, and suicide attempts. After seeing a psychiatrist following another major depressive episode where I lost 15 kgs in 3 weeks, I was prescribed Lamictal on top of the SSRI I had been on. Within five weeks, I felt so much calmer. 18 months later, the dose is being upped to 150 mg and my SSRI reduced. I feel like a normal, stable person after years of trauma which almost killed me. Lamictal and therapy have definitely saved my life."

• Lam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2018

"Lamictal is the most consistent antidepressant medication that I have ever taken. I have had severe depression for many years now — nothing that I have taken has worked (several SSRIs, Wellbutrin, etc.). It has not completely resolved these issues, I still get depressed from time to time, but my lows are not nearly as low, and I feel a lot more stable. I am on 200 mg and have been for several months. I have not noticed any side effects."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2019

"Research side effects of this lamotrigine drug! Especially Stevens-Johnson's syndrome. This is NOT just a rash, as your doctor would say, it should be labeled as a burn. Signs of the syndrome are swelling of eyes and lips. Then your whole body starts blistering. Skin peeling. My child has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now because of this drug and Stevens-Johnson's syndrome. Never recommend this medication to anyone."

• PRP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2016

"My diagnoses: chronic treatment-resistant unipolar depression, GAD with anxiety attacks, ADHD. I have been on lamotrigine as both mono and polytherapy. I am currently in remission from chronic unipolar depression (9 months now). Lamotrigine has by far been the most effective (alone or combined) with almost no side effects, the only one being paresthesias (tingling in the mouth, fingers, and toes). After reducing my daily dose from 200 mg to 150 mg, I have no side effects with lamotrigine. I've never felt better in my life. Current meds: (1x daily in the AM) lamotrigine 150 mg, bupropion XL 150 mg, Paxil 30 mg, propranolol 20 mg (BID if higher anxiety that day), Adderall IR-30 mg in the AM, 20 mg at 2 pm."