Lamotrigine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2017

Lamotrigine for Epilepsy "I have taken 150 mg of this drug for 3 and a half years for a condition known as benign epilepsy. In that time, I've continued to have seizures every six months on average, as well as experiencing a number of negative side effects including insomnia, constant sighing, impaired short-term memory, lack of motivation, depressive thoughts, and difficulty completing tasks due to lack of motivation."

• Fru...
• March 15, 2010

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I have been taking Lamictal for the past several months, with a maximum dose of 500 mg/day (I was on 150 mg/day, but that wasn't controlling my seizures). Unfortunately, the seizures have not stopped. I haven't missed a dose, yet they keep coming back. My seizures on Tegretol were so infrequent (1-2/year), and now they are much more frequent. Plus, it is giving me horrible acne on my face and chest, and strange itchiness on my skin now and again. Also, I cannot sleep well. Overall, I do not recommend this, but who knows, everyone is different."

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am on the 3rd day on this medication. After just one pill, my mood became much better, but the downside is that it causes insomnia, and when I fell asleep finally, I have nightmares. The dry mouth bothers me the most because it causes bad breath. Also, in the afternoon, I get so tired, I have to sleep when I am not working, and I sleep a lot, like 3-4 hours."

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

For Depression "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."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2020

For Anxiety "I was on lamotrigine for over 12 months. It's now causing pressure in the head, bad anxiety everywhere I go. I'm having sleeping problems, certain foods trigger anxiety where it didn't before. It has got to the stage where I'm scared to eat certain foods and drive anywhere. The anxiety is constant. Some days are better than others. The doctor is weaning me off it. I've had enough of this drug."

• lan...
• July 16, 2009

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal is a great drug for me, except for the side effects. I now have had to be put on sleep medicines or I stay awake all night. I have also lost quite a lot of hair over the years of taking it. At one point (400mg) per day. Now at 200mg a day, it has not been as bad, but still significant. My memory has gotten almost to the point of giving up the medicine because it's so bad. I also have trouble thinking of words that I want to say and have never had that problem until taking Lamictal. It does have less or (better) side effects than some of the others, or I would have tried something else by now."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have CPTSD with some bipolar II symptoms, but not too strong. I've just reached 100 mg of lamotrigine, and after a week, was amazed with results. I feel calmer, but not numb. I actually feel like I'm not taking any chemicals. The only downfall is its increased insomnia and not needing to sleep as long. However, no other side effects. My doctor is happy for me to remain at this dosage as long as it keeps working. I've tried Seroquel, lithium, sodium valproate, Cipramil, and this is 100% compared to other meds that gave side effects. I'm thrilled. Doesn't mess with libido or weight gain/loss, absolutely nothing for me. Definitely the right med for me. Highly recommend for PTSD. Way better than an antidepressant by far."

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2024

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Recently diagnosed with cyclothymia after it being misdiagnosed for 2 years as depression. Used to be on Sertraline 50 mg, now tapering off of it and just started Lamotrigine 2 weeks ago (50 mg currently being increased to 100 slowly). This medication is amazing, I used to have multiple mood swings every day, which were making it impossible to study and even affected my social life. Since I started it, I feel like I'm back to my normal happy, stable self that I hadn't seen for a while. From my experience, I felt like antidepressants didn't change much of my emotional reactivity (except for anxiety), but with this one, it really cut off the edges of the too intense ones. Didn't get any side effects except small skin irritation the 1st day (but there is a rare but real risk of lethal skin reaction with it, so please be careful). The only downside is the increased hyperactivity and sleep disorder I already had from Sertraline, but I'll take that over the mood swings anytime."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I moved from quetiapine to Lamictal about six weeks ago. I have stopped itching as badly now and feel quite good. Currently taking 200 mg. I am having trouble sleeping. Here in England, the doctor doesn't prescribe sleeping pills. I'm very tired in the morning as a result and early evening, then come alive! I feel things better, my anger and irritation have subsided. I have lost a stone in weight in the last 8 weeks. This has helped, so I feel more positive. I wish I could relax, though."

• Gay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2017

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I've been on Lamictal for 1 year for seizure prevention/mood swings. I gained weight, have a dry mouth, and insomnia. I told my neurologist I wanted to come off seizure meds as I haven't had a seizure for 5 years, he said no because the next seizure I have may be fatal! Great bedside manner! Now I have to live with side effects as I'm scared to come off Lamictal."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "This had had a life-changing effect, and I couldn't describe it any other way. I had to come on here and make a review. Before taking this, I was scared to leave my house, scared of people, dealing with all sorts of issues. Would have panic attacks daily, silent scream in the shower to get all the emotions out, my body was in chronic pain from all of the anger and big feelings. I'm just telling you this to describe HOW BAD it was. 25 mg of lamotrigine, and I feel like a normal human being. I no longer have to worry about what I will wake up like. If I'll be in a bad mood or a good mood. I'm just... stable. For the first time in my life. My muscle pain melted away, I can stand up straight, I've maybe had one mild panic attack in 2 weeks (and that was because of external stress issues). The only side effects were some diarrhea and insomnia, which is going away. Before, I had so much anger in me that I could see people being extra cautious around me. Now, people are responding to me differently. I am a happier person now."

• Cas...
• August 8, 2017

For Depression "After falling ill with major depression this past spring, my doctor prescribed Lamectil. I noticed a positive change at 50 mg, and am now up to 75 mg. I'm looking forward to titration up to 100 and hope that will be the most effective dose, as with fibromyalgia, I am very sensitive to meds. This med has also changed my life as I became nonfunctional prior to taking it. I pray the positive effects last, as I was in a very dark place without it. I take my dose in the morning, as I was having difficulty sleeping at night (and take melatonin and benzos) for that. My appetite has also not yet gotten back to normal, but I am taking in enough calories to maintain the weight I lost during the depression."

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

For Epilepsy "I took lamotrigine for about 6 months, and it worked great to control my seizures. Side effects were both positive (gave me more energy, I wasn't tired, wanted to go do things) and negative (insomnia). I tried switching to Keppra but had horrible side effects from it, so now I'm going back on lamotrigine and hope the insomnia doesn't come back or that they can find a medication to take at night to help me get to sleep. I recommend this medication."

• mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Lamictal for about a month now. I started on 50 mg, 2nd week 75 mg, and 3rd week 100 mg at night. 1st 2 days in on 50, I felt borderline aggressive and very irritable. This evened out on the 3rd day, and I began to feel very motivated and able to think clearly. I still experienced a few depressive episodes, but I hope to get onto an antidepressant once my dose is high enough. I've begun taking 25 mg in the AM to slowly move up to 100 in the AM on top of my 100 at night. Since I have, my memory, attention, and anxiety have worsened, and other side effects have been sweating, raised heart rate, some trouble sleeping, and slight photophobia. Most of these have subsided as I adjust, so overall, it's best to stick with it for a bit."

• Lon...
• February 7, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "After years of antidepressant tablets that worked only to blank out my memory and let me survive, I went on to lamotrigine six months ago. Suddenly and quickly, I started to feel normal again. My long-term memory has returned, and I take pleasure in music and nature again. I feel so much happier. On the negative side, the fatigue became a problem but has reduced as I reduced my dose to get to optimal. Insomnia and vivid dreams have increased, but I can deal with that. Also, blurred vision and dizziness that are slowly disappearing. In short, a miracle for bipolar 2. I also take Lexapro."

• Lls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I can’t believe the miracle this drug has been for me. A lifetime of hospitalizations and suffering. I have been diagnosed incorrectly with about every psychiatric disorder known to man. Have been on just about every drug for depression starting at 23 years old. Finally, my depression and irritation became so crippling that I considered ending my life again. My care provider believes I have a bipolar II disorder and prescribed lamotrigine. Within a day, I noticed a huge change in my mood. The irritability and depression became much better, and I feel like living for the first time in my life. My issues with insomnia have gotten worse, but I will deal with that. I believe I have been given the chance to live the remaining years of my life in peace. Truly an answer to my prayers."

• him...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2018

For Epilepsy "I have used lamotrigine for 15 months, I have been seizure-free on my 150 mg per day. The side effects are as follows: severe weight loss, I have lost 3 stone, insomnia, I go to bed, doze for about an hour, and I am fully awake, ready to get up. Constipation is another, my doctor says it's just my body rejecting the medication. Memory: impossible remembering things, everything I do has to be written down, including when I finish work. Remembering people, names, faces, etc. - I've lost 'friends' because I can't remember names, and they think I'm being 'funny' with them. The nurse said I will be on the meds for 2 to 3 years, I could do with coming off it sooner, but I am so scared because I am afraid I will have another episode. I am stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea - yes, it works for me... but I don't want to end up feeling how I am now - for someone who could remember everything to how I am now is just shocking - good luck to you if you are taking it."

• elf...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamotrigine was the first medication I was prescribed after being diagnosed with bipolar II at 32 years old. Almost immediately, I felt more even. As I was titrated from 25 mg to 250 mg over a few months, I was lifted out of a severe, crippling depression. Lamotrigine is my “pep” drug because it works for me as an antidepressant. I did go manic on it a couple of times when the medication dosage was increased and had to go on a second medication (Neurontin) to “bring me down.” But the two meds together work to even me out. Overall, I think this is a great medication. I’ve had no major side effects except severe insomnia, but the second medication, a sleeping medication, helps manage that."

• Roa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 20, 2019

For Depression "I have found Lamictal to cause insomnia and restless legs when taken in the evening. I was prescribed Lamictal for treatment-resistant depression. I can't be certain whether it's helping or not, but it does cause a noticeable restlessness when I take it in the evening as prescribed. I am going to start taking it in the morning instead."

• peb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2018

For Depression "I was on Celexa and Buspar for about 15 years - no highs, no lows, but felt after that long I should try something new. I started with Lamictal @ 25 mg while I was lowering my Celexa and Buspar. The first two weeks were almost euphoric. Then I stepped up to 50 mg (again while decreasing my other meds), and I started seeing things. I googled this and found others were experiencing the same issue. Then I stepped up to 75 mg, and my world fell apart. Dizziness, hostility, itching, 'buzzing', sleep issues, nausea, and uncontrollable sobbing. I'm stepping down now, but it has been a 6-week process. Now I've been prescribed meds to calm the dizziness and nausea, and I'm still stepping down while going back on Celexa. Great when it works...a complete nightmare when it doesn't."

• mu9...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2021

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal for almost 2 years now, and it's really helped (I take 250-300mg a day). I don't get manic episodes at all (apart from some mild hypomania), which has been a big help in my social life. I also don't get manic --> depressed crashes (because, no manic episode). The only downsides have been I found it doesn't help with my sleep, and because it stabilizes so well, and I have always struggled with depression, it can keep me stable but at a very low mood. In those cases, I have used it with an SNRI and felt much better. Also, I had very few side effects (apart from sleep and feeling a bit head-coldy when not actually sick), and if I'm consistent with my medication, I can finally feel and function as basically neurotypical :) Highly, highly recommend! And I'm so proud of you for looking into getting help!"

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2023

For Anxiety "This medicine was a miracle drug for my daughter who suffers from anxiety, lack of sleep, auditory and visual hallucinations, and a triad of other things. It has 'normalized' her and made her stable. Sadly, for my nephew who took his own life within days of being on this medicine, it has become a very traumatic event for our family. It looks like it does more harm than good for many people and should not be used unless the person is being wholly monitored in a restricted setting for the first several weeks. My nephew was an adult living on his own. He had no monitoring, and because of the laws of medical confidentiality, the family was unaware of the meds and the risks. It was the coroner who advised the family that this medicine was probably the reason he committed suicide."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2012

Lamotrigine for Schizoaffective Disorder "Makes me a speed freak, can't sit still, constantly moving my hands or my face or something, like a panic attack without anxiety! It seems to have helped with anxiety, though, but I still take Xanax for when I just literally cannot stop moving around, grinding my teeth or jerking my neck around. I have severe muscle spasms in the neck. I think it has helped me in some ways but not others, it made my already severe insomnia worse, so now I have sleeping pills (which still don't work sometimes). It has sort of improved my mood, some people say I'm less erratic. I am not sure, though. I'm giving it a 5 because the neck pain is bad, and the increased paranoia is bad, and I don't really think it has helped with dissociation too much."

• Ano...
• December 30, 2011

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Lamictal for 4 years (400 mg). I had severe mania for 3 years before that. Went through 13 different medicines. They all seemed to make things worse and became very destructive not only to my life, but I also became dangerous to others. If it were not for Lamictal, I would most surely be dead. I sometimes still go through depression and have added antidepressants, but there are too many side effects. I have insomnia, so I also take Ambien CR and Xanax. It's not a healthy combination, but it all works for the most part. I'm sad for those of you that had to stop taking Lamictal for some reason or another. It's a great thing not to be sick anymore."

• sle...
• May 17, 2017

For Depression "It only took 4 doses of the 25 mg starter pack to cause major issues for me. I experienced sleep disturbances that exacerbated my depression and anxiety. It's been a few days since my last dose, and I'm still struggling with insomnia, panic, and frequent tearfulness."