Lamotrigine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kow...
• February 14, 2022

For Depression "I am just taking lamotrigine. This is only my second week, but today I woke up very depressed. I’m only taking 25 mg, and I’m wondering if anyone has the same experience and if it will subside soon. It definitely feels worse than before I started."

• Nad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal for 6 weeks, titrating up from 25 to now 200 mg for 3 days now. I had a couple of days at 50 mg when I was feeling better, then at 100 mg, I felt pretty good. I noticed feeling a little depressed again and still feeling this way at 200 mg. Is it normal to dip after feeling better? What can I expect and when can I expect my mood to stay elevated? Thank you for any responses!"

• Lel...
• July 10, 2017

For Depression "It caused me worsening depression, facial acne, and messed up my comprehension! I could barely come up with words to say. Be aware that depression is an adverse side effect and should be stopped immediately as it only gets worse. I am 21 years old and experienced induced mania because of SSRIs. I was prescribed Lamictal 25 mg after a psychotic attack. I took it for only 10 days because the depression got significantly worse day by day, especially when I upped the dose, to the point where I didn't even know who I was. Plus, it made me numb and nothing was exciting."

• nam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Lamictal at age 18 years old for bipolar, and I’m still on it at age 21. Lamictal reduces the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes. I’ve experienced fewer side effects on Lamictal than any other mood stabilizer or antipsychotic I’ve taken. The risk for harmful rash (STS) is present but rare (I think it’s 3 in 1000 people). This risk is reduced by ramping up slowly. It took time to achieve a therapeutic dose. Lamictal is less effective when combined with hormonal birth control, so I take a higher dose. I’ve experienced depressive and hypomanic episodes on Lamictal, but they were efficiently managed by increasing the dose or adding an antidepressant. (I take Wellbutrin and Buspar for my total drug cocktail). I recommend this medication because it works without harmful side effects (like weight gain and brain fog)."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my doctor put me on this medication. I started at 25 mg and eventually went up to 200 mg. This medication is horrible. I was losing myself in the way it changed who I was. I became very irritable and unhappy. The littlest things set me off. I was not myself while taking this medication. I lost friends and my creativity. I wish I never had started this medication."

• Hor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "After taking Dilantin (and Keppra, which cause depression), it kept me and my mom extremely, extremely cool. Depression faded away. It does well with seizures unless I miss a dose. Now I ONLY have nocturnal seizures. Side effects got worse. I have double vision, stuttering, Alzheimer's type memory, can't walk at all, dizziness, and rashes. Other than seizures, side effects are MUCH worse than the medicine itself. I encourage you NOT to take it at all. AT ALL."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2015

For Anxiety "I have taken this medication now for about 3 weeks to help me sleep. The odd thing is I have woken up at odd times of the night, not being able to fall back asleep, which triggers my depression later on in the day if I do not get enough sleep. I found out I had anxiety and depression while I was on my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have felt better since being on medication, but I am still waking up at odd times in the night!"

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have only been taking this for a couple of days. I feel emotionless and numb and have no interest in doing anything that I normally love to do. I can easily see how this can lead to dark or suicidal thoughts. I would much rather live with my disorder and have some passion in my life than be so unbelievably numb. Also, it will dumb you down, and being in school I have no time for this. I have been taking 25 mg four times a day."

• Coo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2023

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was always wondering... Is this just how I am? Is this just my personality? After turning 35, I finally visited a psychiatrist and she prescribed me Epitec. I've been on this drug for almost a year now... Gradually moving up to 250 mg a day. I seriously am a changed person! I'm happy with who I am, I love myself again, my relationships are better with everyone. No constant irritability, mood swings, anger, depression. 10 out of 10!"

• cc ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I started lamotrigine about 6 weeks ago, currently on 100 mg per day. Problems I have run into: sleepiness, insomnia, excessive yawning, aggressive behavior, panic attacks, increased depression, headache, pain in neck/shoulders, coughing fits, dizziness, especially when standing up quickly. After this experience, I have been looking up side effects of any new medication, so I can know sooner if I'm experiencing side effects or an adverse reaction, or some other medical issues..."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed this drug after I had what my psychiatrist called a period of elevated mood during which I engaged in some illegal behavior, misdemeanor attempt to invade the privacy of another. I recognized my inappropriate behavior, amended it, and have not repeated it in 9 and 1/2 years. While on Lamictal, I was mostly flat. Nothing excited me, gave me joy, or was even much fun. Over the next couple of years, I had several episodes of brutal depression. I really didn't like the drug. I eventually weaned myself off of it and feel much better. No manic or hypomania since cessation and less depression, and it’s less severe. I believe Lamictal permanently altered my brain function. The inability to have fun, the lack of anything exciting, and the flatness of emotions are less severe but still present in my life. I wish it were not so. I’m still somewhat resentful for having to ever take this medicine."

• Son...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Just found out that lamotrigine and other anticonvulsants deplete vitamin D! I was feeling more tired and finally had a doctor do a blood test, thinking I was low on B12. Turned out I was 8 ng/mL in vitamin D, which is a severe deficiency. So take supplements and/or get tested while on this. Aside from that, lamotrigine seems to help without obvious side effects. I can't say it helps greatly, though. I estimate it takes me from a 3 to a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 for mood (it somewhat decreases anger and hopelessness)."

• cau...
• February 7, 2012

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "For bipolar 1, Lamictal has worked wonders for me. I did have to watch my moods because, with all mental health medicines, it can make side effects better or worse, and it did induce me into a state of depression. Other than that, I have been on it for 9 months and it has been doing good so far."

• pur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Used Lamictal for 8 months for bipolar, and my dose was titrated up from 50 mg to 100 mg. I felt pretty decent for a bit, then felt bad after 5 months, so my dose went up to 200 mg at night, and I was feeling like a slug. I could barely get out of bed 10 minutes before my shift and get to work. I was slumped all day, couldn’t remember a thing to save my life, and the doctor pulled me off it because I got very, very depressed. I’m young and have BP2."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 9, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamotrigine (Lamictal) since August of last year, and I believe it has been vital to my treatment of Bipolar II, specifically helping to 'level' me out. However, I did need to add an antidepressant (Celexa) in order to really treat my depression. I have been on this combination for several months, and this is literally the longest period of time in my life since battling depression (over a decade ago) that I have felt okay, and dare I say happy. Of course, I still have my moments, but they are fleeting, whereas before I was entirely consumed by depression and couldn't think or function properly, and the only thing on my mind was dying."

• 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."

• Muf...
• November 29, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar 3 years ago and have tried just about every drug, ketamine treatment, electromagnetic therapy, counseling... Started Lamotrigine after hearing so many success stories. Went very slowly and am now on 200 mg for about a week and still suffering from depression, some days I cry all day. Can Lamotrigine ever take more than 8 weeks to work?"

• Vee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamotrigine caused really bad depression for me. I was diagnosed with depression at 15 and was suicidal for many years. After trying everything under the sun, a sleep doctor (of all people) put me on Citalopram and has been the best so far for my depression, but I still always felt “off.” Four months ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was prescribed Lamotrigine - I would sleep endlessly, was calling into work just to sleep, my mood was so bad I started picking fights with my partner for no reason, I wanted to cry nonstop when I was awake, I couldn’t concentrate or remember anything. I was in a completely different world and it was a horrible feeling. I have been switched to a different medication and I am crossing my fingers."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 28, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've suffered from ADHD, bipolar 2 with major depression and anxiety for years. I have to say I've found the right combination to give me some stability. I started with risperidone 2 mg 2x a day, Citalopram 20 mg a day, lorazepam 0.5 mg a day, and 10 mg 2x a day of Adderall. While I should say that the medication worked well for my depression and psychosis. I had to stop taking risperidone because I gained 20 lbs in the first 4 months of taking it. It made me sleepy, no motivation whatsoever. So, we replaced it with Lamictal 25 mg 2x @2 and 9 pm, Adderall 20 mg 1x @6 am, Citalopram 40 mg 1x @9 am, lorazepam 0.5 2x @1 and 6 pm. So, no medication takes away from the other. Taking Adderall and Lamictal together will decrease Adderall effectiveness."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2020

For Depression "I've been on this medication for a month or so, and I've had nausea for about 2 weeks straight. I have to take Dramamine just to ride in a car, and I've never been carsick before. I also cry for no reason all the time and barely feel any emotions. I just want the nausea to stop. I can barely eat anything. I'm scared to death of vomiting, so most days I eat the bare minimum to survive and lay in bed all day so I don't disturb my stomach more. Please don't get on this medication. It's awful. If I could rate it a 0/10, I would."

• Reg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2022

For Epilepsy "I believe taking this drug has reduced my lifespan due to severe rapid heartbeat, 190 bpm, and other stressful side effects, like lack of restful sleep, panic attacks, night terrors, hair loss, depression, cherry angiomas, spots/papules, constant tiredness. I was prescribed lamotrigine after one seizure, after a time of severe stress and exhaustion. I was labeled epileptic and prescribed 200 mg of lamotrigine. I am healthy and have no history or family history of epilepsy. I take no other medication, not even paracetamol. It was never looked into the “cause” of the seizure. As I am anti-medication and did not believe I was epileptic, I refused the drug for a year, but seizures increased. Lamotrigine stopped the sleep seizures, but over the 2.5 years on the drug, there are so many more issues and side effects I question why this drug is on the market. There is not enough in place to help people come off the drug. Stopping suddenly, even from a small dosage, has very severe side effects."

• Yea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed BP2, diurnal mood variation, anxiety, and depression in my life. (Psychs can’t make a decision, lol). Started this med back in August, 25 mg, and every two weeks go up another 25 mg. At 100 mg, I started to feel a little better. Anxiety gone, I wouldn’t feel so bad anymore about my thoughts or decisions (they’re not bad crazy ones). I could function better. I could handle work better. Went up to 150 mg, and after 3 weeks on it, I noticed I started to become depressed about how I automatically think and perceive life. It’s really, really strange and hard to explain. I went down to 125 mg, and added Pristiq 25 mg. I’m still not significantly better, but it’s early on with Pristiq. So Lamictal was not effective as monotherapy :( also doing CBT, etc. Best of luck to you!"

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2022

Lamotrigine "I don't think I have bipolar, but I tried this med to try and help lift my treatment-resistant depression. I started it in mid-2020 alongside Effexor (which did NOT work for me) and then alongside Zoloft, and I'd read so many positive reviews on here that I had hope. But sadly, it did nothing at all for me. I slowly titrated up (I was scared of that burning rash thing), and after weeks, I still felt no change. I may as well have been taking Tic Tacs or chalk! Only once I got above 150 mg per day did I finally notice something, and that was an even more extreme sense of boredom, apathy, and lack of motivation than I already had, and a cognitive decline (like I'd lose track of what I was saying in the middle of a sentence, and not be able to find words when usually I have a wide vocabulary). Eventually, I just tapered off it after a few months when I couldn't even find the mental energy to go back to my doctor."