Lamictal for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Sandy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 26, 2016

"For years I had been (mis)treated for clinical unipolar. I went through many SSRIs, but each one "hit the wall" - had only limited effect on the deepest depression, and none as a maintenance drug. Changed pyschs. She suggested an off-label use of Lamotrigene. Within a couple of weeks I felt so much better! We scaled back (and eliminated) Effexor SSRI. I continued to get better. She moved away, so I had to find another psychiatrist - or psych nurse. The new psych nurse did an interview, and said I was being treated for the wrong disease. I felt better because Lamotrigene was working on my bi-polar! 5 years later, I'm still doing well - mood swings moderated, deep depression less deep and less frequent."

• royal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 21, 2014

"I sing the praises of Lamictal. I have been on 150mg in the morning for over 7 years along with Seroquel XL 100 mg at night. The combination has changed my life. I could not imagine life without depression and anxiety before I started these medicines. No side effects from either one. I feel fortunate."

• that...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2015

"I have suffered from bipolar disorder for more than ten years but only recently sought help for it because it was getting way out of hand. I was put on a few different medications in the beginning, including Wellbutrin and Risperidone. Those eventually made things worse so I opted out of that treatment, and was prescribed Lamictal. It took about a month to fully kick in, but I have noticed a huge difference in my mental state. I have not had a major depressive episode since starting treatment. I have not gone manic yet. For the first time in many years, I feel normal; I get happy when good things happen and sad when bad things happen. My feelings are not influenced by my illness anymore (at least not yet). Thanks, Lamictal!"

• Camarie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

"I tried Lamictal several years ago for mood swings without having received a proper diagnosis, and experienced extreme rage. I was also in an unhealthy relationship at the time and was taking about 100mg lamictal. Since seeing a psychiatrist, I have been officially diagnosed as Bipolar Type 2, and have come to realize that I am extremely sensitive to medications (and everything else on the planet). I have been taking 25mg (pediatric dose) of Lamictal for about a month now with extreme improvement in moods. Similar to another review - you don't really notice how wonderful Lamictal works until you are put in a situation that would cause you to be anxious or react negatively. It has improved my overall view of myself, I haven't cycled, and I'm dealing with stressful situations in a much healthier way. I also have not had any side effects from this medication so far! Highly recommend."

• Dazzer
• July 29, 2018

"Recently diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder II after many years of battling against depression. Used to self-medicate with cannabis regularly but the strength of it induced psychosis, so have been 6 months without it. The first five months off it were dreadful; hopelessness, poor diet, no exercise, spending all time in bed, not interacting with the world and a downward spiral of self-pity. My Doctor prescribed Lamictal and I was doubtful of its effectiveness. However, I noticed a stabilization in mood after just 3 days of taking 25 mg per day. And after a week, the improvements have increased so that I no longer feel hopelessness with no future. In fact, I feel normal, very normal. My diet has improved and my self-care - washing, cleanliness, etc - has returned. The drug really works and has greatly improved my self confidence and made everything so much easier. I would recommend it anyone suffering depression as it really does work."

• Fores...
• March 26, 2016

"I used to be on Seroquel for my bipolar 1. It basically ruined my high school education, making it almost impossible to wake up and stay awake in the mornings because it was physically painful to endure. Lamictal changed all of that and turned my life around. I have now been on lamictal for 4 years. I have experienced no negative side effects. I am now in college with a 3.5 GPA. My mood is now more controllable, but it doesn't drug me to the point where I am a zombie or a different person. I feel like I can still be extremely euphoric, which is something I don't want to give up. I do sometimes still feel very angry or depressed, but I am able to manage and contain it better than I used to. I highly recommend this to those with bipolar"

• SoftBoi
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2021

"So so so so grateful for this. Have had severe anxiety, depression, SEVERE OCD and depersonalization, ADHD. Who knows?! Lots of trauma in my past and doctors have tried Wellbutrin, SSRIs, buspar, Remeron. Been on so many things and this thing brought some emotions back, way lessened intrusive thoughts, increased a completely non-existent sex drive, helped me with extreme fatigue. Went off and obsessions and worthlessness came back. Went straight back on and I felt a difference immediately. Been able to stop sleeping until 12-2Pm too. Wake up in the morning at 7am, put on a podcast, and I don’t feel like death. Be self compassionate and have hope. I take it in the morning, 200mg, because it can give me insomnia if I take it at night. I can cry, I can laugh, I don’t feel like I’m drowning. Oh, pretty much no side effects I can note besides insomnia if taken at night."

• Missme
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2014

"Duration 3 years I am 23. This medication changed my life and I am not exactly sure why I take it because I feel "normal" I wasn't bipolar however I was just flat out raging deeply depressed would stay up all night. I did crazy things. I also had horrible life threatening anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder and sitting still. I almost stopped taking it when I finally went to a DR because I couldn't go to college anymore because I was a complete wreck all the time. Every tiny little thing threw me into anger and depression and jealousy. Medication made me sick in beginning but the Dr told me to keep taking it which this is how these medicines work. After around 3 months. I was NOT depressed EVER, slight mood but I'm OCD and moody in general! Anti-depressant did not work."

• saman...
• June 5, 2019

"Lamictal has been great for my bipolar disorder! Only 10 days on the medication and I’m slowly increasing the dosage. Within less than 2 weeks I began feeling better, more stable. No more sudden emotional outbursts, overreacting over small matters, getting angry and going off on the people I love. I feel like I’m going back to my old self, and it’s definitely significantly improved the quality of all my relationships. I’m so thankful for this medication."

• MP1985
• May 4, 2016

"I've abused alcohol for 12 years now. I just started taking lamictal the other day and instantly made feel so much better! I have not had any alcohol cravings either and I'm looking forward to the future. I'm so grateful."

• Heather
• January 13, 2014

"I have been taking 300mg of Lamotrigine each day for about 3 years. When I first took it, it made me feel sick and anxious and gave me headaches, but after following some simple advice from my psychiatrist I now DONT GET ANY SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL!! He told me to increase the dose slowly (25mg per week) and to always eat when I take the tablets. I've found this medication very effective as an antidepressant but not effective at controlling mania / hypomania. Despite this, I still rate it very highly because it is so much more bearable than any other psychiatric medication that I've taken in the past."

• Kramer...
• March 2, 2016

"I've suffered with undiagnosed bipolar 2 for almost 3 decades. For almost 20 years I was on various antidepressants that didn't work, and made my depression worsen. My primary doctor suggested I see a psychiatrist for my lingering depression. Due to the stigma of mental illness, I put it off, but finally saw a psychiatrist. She diagnosed my condition, and I started a low, 25 mg dosage of lamotrigine. My dosage will slowly increase over the next 6 months to a year. The first time I entered the psychiatrist's office, I was filled with melancholy and regret. My first follow up visit to the psychiatrist, I was filled with hope and resilience."

• Dove
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

"I love this drug Lamictal. After taking about 10 or so various antidepressants and antipsychotics over the past 3 years...I’ve finally been prescribed Lamictal for my bipolar. After about 5 months on this drug, I feel like I’m completely a different person. I take 150 mg daily alongside 100 mg of trazodone. Absolutely no side effects...and my favorite part? No weight gain!"

• msmac
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

"I just started this med and I am on week 5 of the "starter" pack. I know it's a little soon to give my opinion BUT I want to give words of encouragement if you're struggling with your diagnosis and taking "that pill". I spent so much time in a deep, dark hole and I started getting "scared" that I wasn't going to see sunshine in my life again. I became desperate enough to call my Doc and agreed that I was "probably" bipolar (she saw it and I was in denial!) and I was willing to talk "meds". After the first two weeks I noticed that life was looking better and I felt like participating a little...by the end of week 4 I was able to have a conversation. I'm starting to see beautiful colors in my once bleak world!"

• Jhuckmg
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 6, 2018

"I've taken this med on and off since it was approved for BP. It's like day and night when on or off it. Every time I start taking it again I always think "why did I ever stop this". I've taken so many drugs over the last 30 years and this is the only one that works."

• Margo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2014

"I was on Lamictal in the past and it was wonderful, it really helped me control my mood and anger issues but of course like any bipolar person I stop taking medicines. I was but on other meds that affected me the wrong way. I am now back on them and can't wait till I am at my right dosage. You have to give it time and slowly get to the right dosage. It CAN and WILL help. In past I was on it for 2 years."

• LJDW
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2015

"I am so glad I was prescribed Lamitcal two months ago after struggling with bipolar disorder for the majority of my life. I had been getting progressively worse over the years with manic cycling frequently to the point I couldn't function. I was very skeptical numerous medications over the years. I thought nothing would help and within three weeks my life completely turned around. The constant edge is gone, I'm calm, thinking clearing and I feel in control. I am so grateful this works for me, hope it works for you."

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

"so Lamictal takes a while to work...in my case it was about 6 months to reach is 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 to the dose you were before and take clonazepan as needed but not everyday. 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 is 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 in a point when you have to fight your brain. doctors and medication helps until certain point."

• Pugsta
• March 8, 2017

"I am bipolar 2 and take 300mg per day. Has changed my life so much. Helped me kick my alcohol addiction and impulsiveness. The last two years have been great. No drug is perfect however, and the withdrawals can be bad. Make sure you take it every day. So I gave it an 8 because I feel great if I keep up with it. I take it right after I wake up because it helps wake me up and gives me energy. Also makes me very patient with myself, other people and just life in general throughout the day. At my current dosage I wouldn't hesitate to call it a smart drug for me because it lessons my impulsive tendencies and quickness to anger. If this doesn't work for you, don't fret, I study medicine, and there is usually always something available to help."

• Dani
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2019

"I don't wanna ever be without lamictal again. I've tried a lot psych meds over the years but they either didn't work or had unbearable side effects. SSRIs should NOT be used for bipolar I or 2...many docs still don't know this. Lamictal controlled my moods and relieved depression with NO side effects. Nothing is a cure so you have to want to get better and work at it also. I love it, no one is the same, but please try it because it changed my life."

• Anni
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2019

"I've been taking Lamotrigine (the generic Lamictal) for just short of one month. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 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 took it sooner! I'm productive, I sleep normally, and I experience little to no anxiety or intense moods. Only downfall is I have had some vivid dreams and nightmares but they're definitely not as bad as my mood swings. Not even 100 percent sure they're from the Lamictal. Only reason why I gave it a 9/10 is because I haven't been on it for too long yet (25 MG twice daily)"

• souls...
• March 8, 2014

"I have since I was very young displayed what I know now as Type I Bipolor disorder. Probably one of the worst feeling in the world is to have emotions ebb in and out like tall crashing waves. Then the sun comes out and the water is calm. Then a couple days later here comes the storm. It is the worst feeling to think there is nothing that will help. I felt that way.....time after time different meds. Abilify to be one exact example led me to have Hypothyroidism. A condition I have to have meds for the rest of my life. I have after trying many different meds for depression to find only one medicine I would suggest and that is Lamictal. If you are compatible with this medication it will help the mood swings a great deal."

• Ailicec
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2015

"As a mood stabilizer for Bipolar Disorder, Lamictal has worked wonders for me. I was worried about getting the dreaded "Lamictal rash" but never did. My doctor followed the guidelines for increasing the dose slowly and I never had any side effects. I have been on the maintenance dose for several months and I actually feel normal. If there is such a thing. I am currently taking Lamictal in conjunction with the antidepressant, Cymbalta. Finding the right medication(s) can be very frustrating, but please don't give up."

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

"I’m taking Lamotrigine for bipolar PMDD and I’m amazed by the results. I’m now on Lamotrigine 200mg x 2 per day and have very few truly low days. I’m much more engaged with my life, kids, friends; when asked how I am I can genuinely say I feel good or even great. Side effects initially just nausea & nystagmus when I increased the dose. The nausea has now come back & I’m struggling to eat enough. I eat regularly until I feel sick but am loosing 2-3lb per month & I wasn’t big to begin with. I’ve also been more distracted & it’s harder to remember things. I even get distracted when driving & have more extreme hyper days. But I’m also getting much more done so at the moment that feels great. My Dr 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."

• Nickn...
• March 9, 2013

"Depression ever since I can remember. Had 15 good years on Prozac, but it stopped working. Have been trying all kinds of antidepressants & in December I was put on Lamictal. Worked up to 100 mg, stayed on for awhile, not much happening - thought it was just another med that wasn't going to work. My doc said the "therapeutic" dose so am slowly titrating up to 200 mg - currently at 175/day. Just yesterday I think I started feeling the miracle of Lamictal kicking in! Yesterday and today I have felt better than I have felt in soooooo long - don't stop before the miracle happens (unless you have bad side effects, like the rash, which thankfully I do not have). I want to shout my gratefulness from the rooftops!!"