Lamotrigine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• kek...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 29, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "Does anyone experience changes with different manufacturers? I started off with 25 mg for 4 weeks, then my doctor upped my dosage to 50 mg a day, which seemed to be doing okay, but I was on the 'Alembic' brand. I took 50 mg for 2 years, and it was awesome. Then my pharmacy switched me to Unichem, which was okay, but now they've switched me to Aurobindo, and I'm feeling nervous."

• kun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I am taking lamotrigine for both bipolar disorder and panic disorder. Although I will say I am more stable and more outgoing on it, the side effects are quite awful. For me, I swear that not only has it increased my anxiety, but I have these weird cycles now where I will be okay for a week, and weeks where I'm ready to go to the hospital my anxiety is so off the charts and unbearable. I used to sleep like a baby until Lamictal. Now, I'm always up at 3:30 every morning, and when I am having one of my weeks of unbearable anxiety, I sleep two hours and am up for another two in a pattern. And then there is the stomach pain and cramps. It is never-ending and literally feels like I was stabbed in my stomach. It is also constant."

• jma...
• April 12, 2011

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Miracle. I have been on 6 different medications over a 10-year period since I was 17, and nothing seemed to be working. My family doctor was no longer capable of helping me, and I was referred to a psychiatrist. He immediately recognized my symptoms, put me on Lamictal, and I feel like a new man. The suicidal thoughts, the racing, the lack of sleep... all of it reduced down to almost nothing. I still have anxiety at times, but I take a Xanax every now and then to just help me calm down. But overall, my quality of life has improved by 99%. I do, much to my embarrassment, seem to have erectile dysfunction. It is not that I have a problem getting an erection, but it seems to be a self-confidence issue."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I was prescribed this lamotrigine for BPD. I also have partial complex seizures due to a TBI. I took lamotrigine twice. I experienced extreme anxiety and hallucinations. So bad, I went to the ER. The doctor who prescribed this to me told me this would replace my antidepressants and anti-seizure medications."

• Wow...
• June 30, 2022

Lamotrigine "At 19 years old, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I have taken a series of medications for over a decade, and only two of them have worked successfully but have discontinued themselves after 2 years. It wasn't until 2 weeks ago that I was diagnosed with cyclothymia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In terms of the cyclothymia, I explained to my doctor the constant shifting moods that consisted of depression, anxiety, extreme agitation, extreme brain fog, and low energy. The psychiatrist prescribed me atomoxetine and Lamictal, and I must say, though it has been only two weeks, this drug was an absolute miracle. I feel like I'm becoming myself again, and after all else failed, I finally found something that works well for me."

• Tee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Have others found after the first manic episode to be sensitive to meds? I started a low dose of Zyprexa and gained 10 lbs in two weeks, took a half pill of a low dose of Abilify and developed akathisia. Took 600 mg of lithium and became toxic. Now on Lamictal. I started at 2.5 mg and felt great, and 5 mg even better. At 10 mg, I became a little aggressive. Then I tried 12.5 mg and hopefully 25 mg, but I can’t get past 12.5 mg without wanting to rip someone’s head off! I cut that in half to 6.25 mg (1/4 of a tablet). I am hyper, it makes me sometimes feel like I’m on speed, but my head is clear, and I’m extremely active now. I added 5 mg of Buspar twice a day to take the edge off and reduce anxiety. It appears to be holding, but I wonder if I’m the only one sensitive like this. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety in 1997. I’ve been on Paxil and Wellbutrin for years, but I can no longer handle them after my first manic episode. Now I am also diagnosed with bipolar 2 and PTSD. Thank you!"

• lam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on lamotrigine for a few years for bipolar disorder. It helped MIRACULOUSLY when I finally got up to 75 mg and I weigh 120 pounds. (Had to switch from taking it in the mornings to night because it caused drowsiness). I have started to randomly experience panic attacks, which never occurred before this year. Thinking it is part of the “anxiety” side effect of lamotrigine. However, it is very weird that it started after years of being on the medication..."

• Sig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamotrigine saved my life! In the span of six months, I had gone through hypomania, depression, and a mixed episode. I was off the walls, irritable, impulsive, and eventually spiraled to rock bottom. Relapsed in my eating disorder and self-injury, increased drug use, attempted suicide, and almost hospitalized an additional three times. Insomnia, crippling anxiety, panic attacks, and a sense of impending doom. Had an intervention and ended up seeing a psychiatrist where I was diagnosed with bipolar II. I had been suffering for years and did not know it was bipolar. Prescribed lamotrigine and it pulled me out of the worst depressive episode I’ve ever experienced. Anxiety and irritability are minimal, depression is gone. I don't randomly cry anymore. Eating disorder is in remission. I’m finally stabilized and functional. I’ve had literally no side effects from this med. I started on 25 mg for two weeks, then had a dose increase to 50 mg. I can't say enough how grateful I am for this med!!!!"

• Squ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2020

"My psychiatrist prescribed lamotrigine for my ADD. I started at 25 mg/day and worked up to 400 mg over a few months. My wife noticed a difference in a week or less from the time I started using it. I've used it for over 5 years. Either my ADD has gotten worse or the dosage I use has become less effective, but it's still of value. I've noticed no adverse effects, although I did stop biting my fingernails after I started using it. That wasn't expected. I do get low to moderate anxiety if I miss a dose. This is notable because I have had anxiety issues in the past, and I believed that my ADD was causing work-related anxiety. I will retire soon and plan to be weaned off of it then. It will be interesting to see if anxiety becomes its own issue or not."

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2021

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "MDD with mixed features... on the BP spectrum. This drug is like a balloon that helps pull you out of your depressive episodes. Once you experience the littlest bit of happiness. These states, it’s like the Lamictal kicks in and floats you out of that hole. Can be energizing for me, especially each time I have titrated up. Overall general bump up. I do seem to get hypermanic and cycle more rapidly. Not that I mind being hyper, as I get so much done! Oh, does nothing for my obsessional thoughts and anxiety!"

• bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on lamotrigine for 3 weeks and just increased my dose to 100 mg daily. Wowzers! I have been living with cyclothymia (mild bipolar) for years, along with ADHD. This medication has stabilized my rapid mood swings, including bouts of depression, anger/hostility, and anxiety. 10/10."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "My experience with this drug is rather odd. I got good relief from 25 mg, felt even better at 50, 75 also good. Then BAM, when I increased to 100 mg, I began feeling super depressed and very, very anxious. Went back down to 75 mg. It's too bad, really - because I know it's working - I just can't reach a therapeutic dosage. Also, I've had lots of side effects - most of which have all disappeared: no appetite but always hungry (lost 4 kg), itching, a small rash which went away, hypomania right after an increase, uncontrolled eye rolling, numbness in my face, constant throat clearing, and constant blinking of my eyes, acid reflux. When I switched from the generic to the brand name Lamictal, a lot of these side effects went away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I used to be anti-pills until about 2 years ago. For most of my life, I was dealing with mania more than depression. I was manic so long that I learned to cope. After I had hit the worst depression of my life, I decided it was time to go back to the doctors. Lamotrigine has made a HUGE difference in my life. No crying spells, no restless fidgeting, no overpowering loud thoughts, no anxiety, no hyperactivity. I'd certainly give it a try if your bipolar disorder is eating at you."

• cri...
• November 5, 2011

Lamotrigine "I had been on clonazepam 1 mg twice a day, my new doctor doesn't like this medication and decided to switch me to 100 mg Lamotrigine. I still have anxiety and horrible night sweats. I mean, I SOAK the bed every night (not hormones, they checked my level a week ago because I had to have my uterus and cervix removed 3 years ago, but still have my ovaries). This is the only change in medication, and the sweats are unbearable for myself and my husband. Going back to demand my old medicines back. I am glad this works for most. I don't see this listed as a side effect for anyone else, so I am confused."

• Pen...
• March 1, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I would just like to reach out to all of those people who have suffered with severe bipolar II for most of their life. I am 52 years old, was diagnosed with bipolar II about 7 years ago. The psychiatrist I had at the time didn't officially tell me my diagnosis and continued to give me antidepressants without explaining how bipolar worked. After having taken antidepressants since I was about 20 years old with limited success... the typical manic highs and suicidal lows of severe depression, I hit the lowest low of my life after my dad died very suddenly and unexpectedly of a stroke. I asked my GP for a new psychiatrist referral, and she prescribed me lamotrigine. I can sincerely tell you that nothing-and I mean nothing-in my life has ever helped me in the way that this miracle drug has. I am taking 100 mg a day, and I am going to be starting 125 mg until I reach a full therapeutic dose. Life is not perfect, and I still get anxiety, but I am not suicidal."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was taking it (100-200 mg) for about two years, in 2011 up until 2015, in conjunction with quetiapine. I managed to drop my dose and come off it entirely. After that, I felt pretty good for two years. I slipped into depression again, low self-esteem, so I was put back on Lamictal (200 mg), and I immediately felt really good. But it didn't last long; depression, anxiety, losing hair, gaining weight, acne, and today I began developing a rash on my hands and a sore neck. I'm worried, but I'm afraid of taking something else."

• kir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2022

For Depression "I've taken this medicine before and now noticed it has given me severe dry skin, once I started it again after 4 years of not taking it. My sides and back have a few patches of itchy, dry eczema. My headaches are bothersome, and my neck is extremely stiff and painful from the day I started the medication. I'm 5 days in and hope it goes away soon. Googling the rashes scared me, of course, but all the rashes I saw were oozing and wet and widespread. Mine are very dry little patches, maybe only a handful of them in total here and there. Really scary, I'll have to keep an eye on them. More googling told me SJS starts on the chest in the front, and mine started on my hips, so maybe that's good. I realize there's a lot of areas a worrying rash can start. I'll just keep watching it. I know it takes a few weeks for positive effects to come in, but my anxiety has been made more severe. Not sure if it's the omeprazole I started taking about the same time. I can be laughing one minute and crying the next."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm taking 25 mg of this medicine on day 2, and the first night I took it, the next day I was in a new place with myself... I slept for 7 hours for the first time uninterrupted in years. I had energy and motivation for the day. My anxiety peaked, and not one ounce of sadness or drowsiness. I have never had luck with any meds, and this was pure luck. I'm now on the 2nd day and cannot believe how much my body aches have leveled off from anxiety and depression. I have not been diagnosed just yet with bipolar, but after years of research, I self-diagnosed myself through family history. Boy, I am grateful a therapist finally trusted me to try this medicine. I tried Abilify, and by day 3 knew it was not going to work. On Lamotrigine, I am still waiting to feel sad or anxious, and it has been 2 wonderful days to feel alive, not a dead person walking. I know it's not been that long, but I'm convinced this medicine has benefits for myself like no other. I am praying that I can live a better life now and be able to stay on track."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug is the worst for bipolar (for me and many others). When you increase or decrease your dose, get ready for a living nightmare of anxiety, panic attacks, and severe depression. I went from 50 mg to 100 mg daily and saw that my anxiety increased, so I went back to 50 mg, and it was worse, so I quit taking the med at all, and that’s when the panic started. It lasted two full days. I had to go to the ER. I was crying every 5 minutes, and I could not move. I was basically paralyzed in fear. The only thing that took these withdrawal symptoms away was prayer. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, healed me on the second day. Otherwise, I assume this withdrawal would have lasted much longer. It was the worst thing I have ever been through in my life."

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 2, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking lamotrigine 200 mg for about 3 years, and it has worked miracles along with a very low dose of quetiapine (12.5 mg). I have less trouble keeping focus, and I haven't felt 'unhinged' for the most part. It also helped a lot with suicidal ideation. Lately, I've been experiencing more anxiety, but having in mind the whole situation with the pandemic, I think it's rather normal."

• pyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have just been diagnosed with bipolar II. I have been on antidepressants for 23 years and as I got older, the drugs didn't work as well. I suffer from depression, panic attacks, severe anxiety, phobias, and erratic mood swings changing daily, even hourly. So now I am on 300 mg Effexor, Valium, and have just started in increments of 25 mg of lamotrigine. Before this, I took Epilim, which was great, but within 2 weeks, I had a rash everywhere. Now I am up to 75 mg of lamotrigine and I have headaches, tiredness, sleeping up to 15 hours plus diarrhea, sick, depression, aggression, anxiety, the list goes on. It's been 6 weeks and I am losing it... my mental health team is useless. Will this get better???"

• tay...
• May 4, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Pro: Can be a very light bipolar medicine, if hard medicines like lithium and Depakote are too powerful for you. Helped relieve my anxiety and balanced out my cycling. Non-sedating. Anti-seizure agent, so I am comfortable combining it with Adderall IR/XR and Wellbutrin XL. Be careful combining with Depakote, however, because the interaction causes the concentration of Lamictal to increase."

• Jen...
• October 31, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed different medications for issues I was experiencing after my traumatic brain injury and then a murder/suicide involving my father and brother. I don't remember all the different medications I had tried, but I did test lamotrigine 150 mg 2x-50 mg 2x. This medication helped much more than anti-depressants alone, however, it caused me to have anxiety and depression worse. It's somewhat of a catch-22. Now I just changed my bipolar medication to Seroquel and am doing so much better."

• Shu...
• August 23, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I have used lamotrigine 100 mg per day, and the first 4 weeks I have been more anxious, but this medication is working, my depression is down, and my bipolar is taken down. I am so happy with my treatment."

• Ric...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 7, 2021

For Epilepsy "I was prescribed lamotrigine a few years ago now for an alternative drug for my epilepsy. This drug doesn’t seem to work either but is very good for giving me anxiety attacks and suicidal thoughts. I have already tried to take my own life once. This said, the mental health team subsequently asked me if (bluntly speaking) I would think of doing it again or actually do it again, but I couldn’t give a 100% no. This, along with my irregular sleep pattern, feeling depressed, and next to no motivation, and double vision from time to time makes me angry and frustrates me knowing that I have been prescribed drugs for a condition that seems to unearth others that have pretty much always been dismissed, let alone even thought of. Anxiety is the worst. I’m constantly on edge. I just finished a course that deals with anxiety, and it’s early days but if I’m honest, doing the methods learned I can say they will probably not work and are inappropriate to do in public without stares from others."