Lamotrigine and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 24, 2020

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Have successfully managed my bipolar since 1999 with Lamictal. On 400 mg/day for the last 10 years. The only issues sometimes I get dizzy on a step ladder (I avoid it), blurry vision late at night, feel a little flat, and increased sex drive. I went undiagnosed for 35 years. This drug has saved my life! I’ll take feeling a little flat over crying for days at a time or 5 days straight with no sleep, cooking, repainting, and redecorating 3 rooms in the house. This includes DIY furniture and window treatments and yes, spending money I didn’t have! Now I have several businesses, cash in bank, bills paid, and fairly regular sleep. Lamictal saved my life after my divorce 21 years ago."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "When I started taking it, I had the worst side effects (dizziness, diarrhea, blurred vision, nausea). Some days, I couldn't go to class. I started with 25mg and went all the way to 150mg. But it is really working. I've been taking it for 4 months and I've never been this stable in my life. I feel good, better than ever. I underestimated the illness, but medication is the key. Therapy helps a lot too."

• car...
• February 3, 2020

For Anxiety "Lamictal completely changed my life. Before I started it, I'd have bursts of anger due to pent up anxiety over the nit-pickiest things. I thought I was just a jerk and didn't understand why. Quickly after I started taking Lamictal (250mg for anxiety) I noticed a huge difference. I felt relaxed for once. Not euphoric, or like a different person, just... Normal! Calm, collected, but still sharp. Lamictal was like a valve that drained my anger out when I was just about full of rage. I personally haven't noticed many side effects, at least none that I don't already have from SSRIs. Loss of coordination is a big one and I only get tremors if I haven't eaten, but that might just be low blood sugar. In conclusion, being someone who suffers from chronic general anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, I can definitely see Lamictal being an effective long-term medication. Works great for me."

• Cor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Ok, so when I first started taking this medication, Lamotrigine, for borderline personality disorder, I felt really dizzy, slightly sedated, and had nausea. I read a lot of other people's reviews saying if you can push past this initial stage, your body will adjust to it, and what do you know, it took about six days to get over the initial side effects from lamotrigine. I feel WAY more balanced out. I am not overthinking, and the things that used to worry me or give me anxiety no longer do. I don't hold on to the negative obsessive thoughts like I used to. If something upsets me, I am able to take a step back and look at the whole picture without blowing up. I realize it takes 6 weeks to reach full potential, but oh my wow, I must say I see and feel a difference within myself. I am going to keep taking this medication, as I can see its potential to change my life, the way I feel about myself, the way I feel and interact with others, and my whole outlook on things in general. I am starting to feel normal, and I haven't felt like that in a while."

• tig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2014

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I've gone from 25, 50, 75, 100 and been on 200mg a day for 4 weeks now. I've been on lithium, Seroquel, Seroquel XR, and could not handle the side effects of all. Lamictal has been magic. I can feel the change completely, I just feel like everything is a little 'slower' and that I'm not racing all the time. Bipolar 2. Best medication I have been on by far and can honestly say that this is one I plan to stick to. The side effects were small but there, dizziness when standing, headache, and a little nausea for the first 6 weeks on and off but nothing compared to the emotions of bipolar."

• gen...
• November 26, 2013

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I've been taking Lamictal for 3 years now. I haven't had a grand mal seizure since then. I was having seizures in my sleep and still think I do every once in a while but none during the day. I am lucky that I do feel a seizure coming on. The only problem is I'm very unbalanced and it's easy for me to trip. I also feel like I'm in a fog sometimes and my cognitive abilities like thinking clearly, number and word recall and multitasking are very affected."

• Tex...
• September 6, 2019

For Anxiety "I am on my third month of the med using for anxiety. I was on 25 mg and just went to 50 mg this past week. It has helped with my anxiety. I am now able to go out places and not freak out. I rather stayed home before, but I can do more now without the anxiety. I also use Latuda for bipolar and Ambien at night. Since starting this, it has truly helped me all around. I have lost some weight and had a bad acne breakout, dizziness, and memory loss, but I’m going to continue it to see what happens. Thanks."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2024

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I was having extreme mood swings and lows and then even lower lows. I would cry EVERY SINGLE DAY without fail, and I’m not even joking about 10 times a day. I felt so lost and didn’t want to be here anymore. I decided to do my own research as I had tried pretty much every antidepressant. Lamotrigine had more positive reviews than any other MS. I started taking lamotrigine in the middle of July at 25 mg for 2 weeks and then was increased every 3 weeks. Side effects at the start were tough: dizzy, nauseous, being sick, difficulty sleeping, and blurred vision. My anxiety increased also, so I now take 100 mg pregabalin, which works a treat. I take 200 mg now. I am a lot more chilled, I am less snappy and argumentative, and I cry a lot less. Before, someone could look at me funny, and I would go mental. I still have mood swings, but they don’t last as long. I’m starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this helps someone who is where I was 3 months ago, 100% recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 12, 2014

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I have been on this medication for a little under a year. I will say that I have not had a seizure since I started taking the medication. Unfortunately, there are a lot of side effects with this medication: dizziness, vision problems, and headaches. I think my dosage may be too high, but my neurologist refuses to lower it because of its outcome thus far. I have tried to learn to deal with the side effects. I do not think that they will ever go away, but I guess I can just be happy being seizure-free. I was on Trileptal before and was having seizures every time I was stressed about something. Overall, the medication has given me back control!"

• bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 6, 2015

Lamotrigine for Schizoaffective Disorder "I was on several psych meds trying to get a good combination. Everything I tried only got me so far. When I introduced Lamictal, it was amazing! I read someone said it was their miracle drug. That's for me also. The things I don't like about it are that (it doesn't happen so much anymore) it makes me off balance. Kind of like I walk like a drunk person. Then the only other thing is that if I miss one dose, it takes 2-3 days to get the brain/body shocks to stop. If you miss three days/doses, I was told that you have to start taking the drug over again like you've never used it before. Don't miss getting your refills on time. I am definitely a 'person' now as well. Without it, life is extremely bad. I've been taking it for over 6 years."

• T-F...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2019

For Cyclothymic Disorder "Lamotrigine changed my life! I finally got the right diagnosis for my mood disorder in 2017 and started lamotrigine for my cyclothymic disorder. The only side effect is that it made my coordination a little worse and my dreams WAY more intense. But that's not a problem. I'm also autistic and have joint problems, so my coordination is already off. Lamotrigine helps me so much! I'll be on it for the rest of my life. No more insane fast-paced mood swings, just regular ones, lol. My impulse control is SO much better. That's a huge thing for me. I feel so much more in control of my life, and since going on the medication, everything has gotten better for me."

• sul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2016

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I've been bipolar for 20 years. I'm a scientist when I'm working. Lithium has always been helpful but is not so great for depression, though it does help if you take it a while. I finally started lamotrigine about a month ago. Lots of friends and professionals I know and trust said I should. I was skeptical since drugs tend to be bad news. After just a month (I titrated up quickly, so I've been on 100 for 2 weeks, probably best not to do that, there's a fatal skin disease you can get), my low-level depression feels better. I'd say it's genuinely beneficial for bipolar depression. A little dizziness but not so bad, and it fades. My friends say there's no evidence that more than 100 mg or 150 helps, but it could increase side effects. 100 is good."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "A psychiatric nurse practitioner at a world-renowned medical center saw me for depression and anxiety. When I mentioned I had been diagnosed with bipolar years before, and refused to let her put me back on an antipsychotic (I'd been off of those 6 years with no relapse), she prescribed lamotrigine. It was almost as bad. I only took 1 pill, and it took me FOUR DAYS to recover back to where I had been when I started. She put me on the standard beginning dose of 25 mg per day. I had irritability, a bad headache, nausea, my head was spinning with dizziness, and I was so sleepy I could not even think or drive or leave my apartment. I would much rather suffer severe depression and even anxiety than the hell of lamotrigine. She suggested I continue taking it to see if the side effects would eventually go away. No. Why would I do that? Any medicine that makes you feel that wretched can in no way help with depression. I only felt worse."

• Vib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2017

For Depression "Wow, what a difference. I've tried 4 SSRIs, 1 SNRI, Wellbutrin (made me irritable and couldn't sleep), Viibryd, different ADHD stimulants, and the list goes on. Currently, I'm on sertraline (Zoloft generic) 100 mg, and it was working out okay, but I still struggled with my temper and depression. After 5 weeks, I'm finally on lamotrigine (Lamictal generic) IR 100 mg once a day. It took 3 days after I started the 100 mg to notice a big difference in my behavior. Side effects you might notice while starting it are dizziness (minor), slight sedation or tiredness, and depression. My depression is now gone. I believe it was my brain adjusting to this miracle of a medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 31, 2013

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I have been on Lamictal for 7 years and have not had any seizures. My seizures were caused by scar tissue from having a brain tumor removed. I started on Dilantin, but the side effects were so bad I couldn't work, so my neurologist started me on Lamictal. I didn't lose weight, but I am frequently dizzy and definitely have cognitive and memory issues. I find I have to focus on tasks and don't multi-task effectively anymore. I wouldn't give this medicine up because it controls my seizures. I'm fortunate that my medical plan covers the brand name, but I have to pay more."

• eba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2017

Lamotrigine for Epilepsy "I do not like this drug! It gives me an upset stomach, dry mouth, gaining even more weight, makes me feel like I'm about to barf sometimes, I get double vision, dizziness, and even blurred vision. My doctor thought it was such a wonderful idea, and I have told her about my reactions to this medication, but she still thinks it's a great medication. I wish she were in my shoes!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 23, 2024

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "From my experience, ever since taking Lamictal, I’ve had a tough time even explaining how I used to feel with the bipolar. When I do start feeling manic, it’s more of a dizzy feeling, so I upped my dose, and that feeling went away. Overall, I really do think this is a great medicine and has helped me tremendously."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Starting Lamictal with the smaller doses did not offer much alleviation until I was titrated up to about 75-100 mg. It's been a wonderful experience so far with 100 mg, and I do believe it can be an extremely effective drug for Bipolar 2 patients! The only side effects I faced upon starting and a few days after titration include dizziness and mild insomnia."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2025

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "It’s amazing! I’m on 100 mg, and it’s really stabilized how I feel. I was really scared and skeptical at first because previous medication didn’t work, and this one does wonders! I am doing well, and I actually get things done. I haven’t felt any extreme emotions in a while. It helps so much with the very depressive lows, and I haven’t hit rock bottom in a long time. I have been able to keep a job, and I’ve also been in college, and I’m doing well. My psychiatrist has paired this with Wellbutrin to increase my motivation, and I’m so glad it works. I thought I was gonna have to give up forever. I was taking 200 mg, but it was making me feel physically bad, like I would get dizzy all of a sudden and would shake a lot, but this would only last for about 3 minutes every day, and I would randomly “tic.” Since lowering my dose, nothing has happened, and I haven’t felt any side effects. I’ve been on it for almost a year now, I recommend it! :)"

• div...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "My experience has been terrible. I am 42 and an educated woman who works in a high-capacity job, and I can't function. I have been to the emergency room twice for disorientation and garbled writing/texts. I have had several falls or balance issues, one fall caused a concussion. Now I walk with a cane on occasions. I constantly forget things, events, appointments, and more. I finally had to go out on medical leave. I am in the process of discontinuing all psych meds, as they are ruining my life!!!"

• 3br...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2017

Lamotrigine for Schizoaffective Disorder "I've been taking Lamictal for over 15 years. I have to be on a high dose, which does give me side effects. My memory is very bad, and my balance is a little off. For as much as the memory thing bothers me, I'd rather have that than the alternative, which is crazy. I hadn't tried 'everything' before I tried Lamictal, but I tried enough meds to know how they did not work like Lamictal did. It didn't happen overnight. I had to ramp up very slowly, not just because of the physical, but to see how my mind was. It took about a year to get to my therapeutic dose, and it was worth it. Talk to your doctor about everything it does to you. Work together."

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 18, 2023

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Lamictal since 2003, when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My dose has ranged from 200 to 300 mg, once a day. Lamictal, in combination with therapy and an SSRI, has enabled me to have stable relationships and do work that I enjoy. The best way I can describe it is that it takes the edge off both the highs and the lows. There are side effects: I have had extreme dizziness and occasionally have fainted (I have low blood pressure), lowered libido, and a decreased tolerance to alcohol; I gave up alcohol for the first several months I took Lamictal and now drink very moderately. It’s been 20 years of no hospitalizations or self-harm, so the side effects are worth it for me!"

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

For Depression "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."

• Psy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal is a great medication. The titration takes quite a while, but it's worth it-honestly. It isn't too effective at controlling the hypo or full-blown mania-as something like Geodon-but it's a crown jewel for depression, especially treatment-resistant depression. In terms of side effects, there are few to none for most people. What I got was some mild dizziness and photosensitivity/blurred vision (a little irritating but nothing serious). In combo with Zoloft, this was the 'power cocktail' I was on for years."

• zzz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2022

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "The longer I'm on Lamictal, the more problems I have - I'm taking it for nocturnal seizures (I had 1-2/yr before meds). When I began taking it, I erupted in a burning facial rash, so we scaled the dose back. Since then, my days begin with vertigo/severe fatigue, my vision has become blurry (the optometrist saw no literal vision changes during testing), I have tremors periodically, short-term memory is practically non-existent, difficulty concentrating, my limbs feel weak/tingly, and I'm still having seizures! I've been doing all sorts of tests and haven't been diagnosed with a new health problem. Why do anticonvulsants all cause so much misery? I'm essentially a stiff, wobbly, forgetful zombie on this medication. I'm really sad that it isn't working because I heard it was a tried and true medication. My neurologist is weaning me off, thank God. I wish there was something out there that actually worked and didn't crush you under the weight of debilitating side effects."