Lamotrigine and Nausea: What Users Say

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2020

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I've tried almost all meds for depression/bipolar but no success. I started Lamictal 25mg about 4 weeks ago and I'm currently on 50mg per day. It has really lifted my depression. It's the best medication I have ever taken for bipolar. I have more energy, less irritable, less appetite, and increased sexual desire. However, it has some side effects (insomnia, nausea, mild constipation, and pains on my sides) which are all gradually fading away. I also take 40 mg Prozac per day. Lamictal is a wonder drug. I haven't reached the therapeutic level. I'm titrating slowly. I felt a great need to do this review to help others because other people's reviews have helped me in the past. Good luck!"

• Iza...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has completely changed my life. I take it in conjunction with a low dose of Abilify, and the combination has kept me from having manic/depressive for about a year straight now, something I never thought possible. At first, I was just on Abilify—a pretty high dose—and while it kept me free from hypomania, it didn’t really do much for the depression. Lamictal, on the other hand, has worked wonders in that respect. Very little side effects—I wake up nauseous but it fades after about an hour, and it’s definitely worth it. Other than that, no weight gain, and I believe it may have actually increased my previously nonexistent sex drive. The best part of Lamictal is that I don’t feel flat or subdued. I’m still having the normal ups and downs of life, but for the first time, I feel pretty confident that they’re not bipolar related. It’s really been a miracle drug for me."

• 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."

• kun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2020

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I did quite well on Lamictal for my bipolar on 150mg. Upon reaching 200mg, I had unbearable anxiety, constant panic attacks, headaches, horrible nausea, and vomiting. I would recommend easing up gradually and staying at a lower dose if possible."

• 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."

• dmy...
• June 4, 2021

For Depression "I’ve been on many SSRIs and anxiety medications, and this has 100% been the most helpful one I’ve ever taken. I’m diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and agoraphobia, and this medication has saved my life. It’s the first med I’ve taken that had minimal side effects. When I first started, I would get a bit of nausea after about an hour and then get really hungry. When I took it after a meal or with a snack, it stopped happening. I can’t take it at night because it will give me some crazy dreams, so I usually take it around lunch. My anxiety has decreased dramatically, I have a range of emotions now instead of just feeling sad or angry, and they’re very even. I’m getting housework done, I’ve stopped waking up in the middle of the night at 3 am every night, and I’m enjoying time with my family. If you’ve been prescribed this medication and are nervous, please try it. It is a slow build-up, so don’t go into it expecting the process to be quick. It’s definitely worth it though."

• 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."

• Mel...
• May 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I had tried Lamictal about a year ago for anxiety and depression and worked my way up to 100mg dosage. Mostly I noticed that I would get very emotional while on this medication, to the point that it was completely overwhelming and uncontrollable. My first two days on the medication, I felt good. But I started having very violent and vivid nightmares and insomnia. I would have panic attacks daily. I experienced some uncontrollable tremors and shaking over my whole body for hours. I felt very sick and nauseous. Recently I’ve noticed I had strong impulsive thoughts which triggered panic attacks and just left me unable to function. At this point I feel like I’m not able to function in my daily life. I have had to take clonazepam multiple times daily since I’ve been on this medication when I had gone over two months without taking any."

• Sta...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 3, 2022

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Please do not start this medication for bipolar unless it’s a last resort! I have been “stuck” on it for years, unable to withdraw without suicidal thoughts and attempts. A missed dose can be life or death in more ways than one here. I’m always tired. It never goes away. It’s been an effort to even live without pushing myself to find the energy to be productive. I get nauseous at the same time daily, and my bipolar symptoms haven’t improved enough to justify the mental anguish this pill has caused me. I take the maximum dose and, trust me, it’s not better. I’m pleading to those who are considering it to please research withdrawal symptoms before starting it. It breaks my heart knowing there are others taking it because they’re stuck like I am, don’t take this drug lightly. I’ve withdrawn from opiates, and it didn’t hurt like this pill does. I don’t recommend it for bipolar disorder at all."

• Ind...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2018

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Been on lamotrigine for 2 months and have slowly worked my way up to 200mg. Combined with Prozac (fluoxetine) which I also slowly worked my way up to 50mg. It is saving me in so many ways. No more extreme lows, impulsiveness, I think before I act, anger has subsided, anxiety is slowly creeping away, no suicidal thoughts, no crying at nothing, not up and down like a yo-yo throughout the day. I have been on every medication for BPD and my panic disorder/anxiety. This is the only one that has worked with no weight gain. Initial sleepiness, slight nausea, and diarrhea as side effects. But it subsides if you push through. Thank goodness for this mood stabilizing medication."

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

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

• dbo...
• June 27, 2021

For Depression "Lamotrigine was a last resort for me for my treatment-resistant MDD. I have been on more SSRIs than I could count, emotional flatness, brain fog, genital numbing, nausea, uncontrolled diarrhea, and rather severe hand tremors on all of them. Effexor, Remeron, Trazodone, or Wellbutrin simply do not work. I can't tolerate a therapeutic dose of any tricyclic. I started 25 mg of Lamotrigine and noticed a difference immediately-no crying jags, no passive suicidal ideation, no GI upset, no side effects at all except very vivid dreams. My dose has now gone up to 50 mg, with a goal of increasing up to 200 mg daily if needed. Honestly, this has been a game changer even though I was very hesitant to begin a new med that I associated with bipolar disorder. I am so glad that I agreed to give it a try. No more SSRIs for me EVER! The only reason I don't rate it a 10 is because I frankly expect an even better therapeutic effect as my dose goes up."

• Chr...
• December 11, 2015

For Depression "I am diagnosed with major depression. My doctor added Lamictal because Wellbutrin alone was not effective. The addition of Lamictal improved my symptoms and maintained this improvement. There are three side effects I get with it. I get mild nausea, mild euphoria, and sleepiness. I highly recommend it. My doctor says he has great results using it with his patients."

• 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."

• Clu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am autistic, not bipolar, but was prescribed Lamictal (400 mg). It really worked for my major meltdowns. It has decreased my issues by 80-90%. My family can definitely tell when I forget to take it because I turn into a hot emotional mess! I wish I would have had this as a kid because it would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. The ONLY drawback is that the pill tastes absolutely horrible. If I get a taste of it on my tongue, it makes me want to vomit. Sometimes it just won’t go down with my other pills, so I’m left struggling to swallow it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

For Depression "Really, really bad experience. After two months being on it, I started experiencing crazy side effects. Never been so sick in my life. Sore throat, dry red eyes, dry mouth, muscle pain, muscle spasms, disorientation, neck pain, back pain, lost 12 kg, no sex drive, burning sensation on the skin, tiredness, insomnia, vivid dreams, hard to breathe, chest pain, flu-like symptoms, confusion, memory loss, constant nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constant headache. Really bad, bad drug. I will never take any other drug again."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on this medicine for a month. I thought it was making me feel better, but it’s not. Every night I have to run to the bathroom because of diarrhea, not to mention stomach cramps and nausea in the day. Which at first I thought was because of stress, but then I did some research as I tend to be sensitive to a lot of medications. This stuff isn’t working for me, needless to say, I am to call my psych doctor ASAP. Lashing out at my husband over stupid stuff isn’t fun. I feel like rubbish, and I feel like everything’s my fault. I seriously don’t wanna be here, and I really don’t wanna end up in the psych ward before I can see the doctor because I can’t ever get the right medicine."

• Ton...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "It was rough with nausea for over 2 months on Lamictal when I first was adjusting to the medicine and the right dosage, but now - almost 8 months in... I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time with bipolar! I have lost weight... around 10 pounds, which has never been easy for me to do, but I’m thinking it’s only because I’m more stable and level-headed. I also deal with PTSD from childhood abuse and early adult years. I take prazosin at night for it to curb nightmares. I did notice I began dreaming more often when I started taking the Lamictal and nightmares... taking prazosin at night has done wonders."

• 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."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2021

For Anxiety "I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression at 19. I saw a psych who gave me SSRIs and have been on them most of my life. Fast forward 45 years. Recently had a panic attack so severe that I was on the verge of a stroke. I immediately saw a psych who told me I had been misdiagnosed all those years and that, in fact, I was Bipolar 2. He prescribed Lamictal 25 mg. The first 2 days I felt like I was in a fog and a little bit nauseated. Called my doctor and he recommended taking it at night. What a difference! He slowly weaned me off Celexa and Buspar and slowly increased the Lamictal. I am now stable on 100 mg at night. No weight gain, and I'm back in the gym weight training. No more panic attacks. I'm a bit more emotional, but I think it's situational as I just lost my dad 4 months ago. I highly recommend it!"

• mag...
• January 2, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this for 2 weeks, and it has saved my life. I started to feel much better after only 4 days, racing thoughts were gone. The only side effects are nausea and loss of appetite, which is okay. I also take lithium (I am weaning off after 10 years on) and Paxil 40 mg. I wish I had been on this years ago."

• Kik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Prozac for 2 years for post-traumatic stress disorder. In May 2012, I had gastric bypass surgery and recently went back to my doctor because I felt like I wasn't even on my Prozac anymore (I wasn't absorbing it after surgery), so he doubled the dose. After 3 days, I felt way worse! So we dropped the Prozac back down and doubled my Topamax. The combination of Topamax and Prozac made me feel awful! I had uncontrollable crying, bad nausea, and was probably the most depressed I've ever been. I was diagnosed with a mild form of bipolar disorder, so we started on 50 mg of Lamictal for 3 days, then we bumped it to 100 mg. It's been 5 days, but I can honestly feel a difference! Haven't cried since, feel better mentally, and I'm just happier."

• OCD...
• March 6, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I've been taking Lamictal for two months to stabilize my moods, for OCD and PTSD. I started at 25 mg and increased every two weeks to 100 mg. Four hours after taking my first dose, I itched (no rash), so I took a Benadryl. The itching left and never returned. I was sleepy the first week, so I took Lamotrigine at bedtime. After the first week, I switched back to mornings. A few days after my first dose, I felt calm, not moody. After a week at each dose, I felt the need to increase because I could feel my moodiness returning. I am throwing out things that remind me of traumatic events. I'll need to increase past 100 mg to get more relief from my depression. No sexual side effects, no rash, no effect on my menstrual cycle, mild nausea that doesn't last all day, mild decrease in appetite, have lost a few pounds, thoughts that trigger my OCD are still there, but I can see when I am about to engage in an OCD ritual; rage is better; no explosive outbursts in several weeks."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Absolutely horrible experience. At only 25 mg, I experienced extreme nausea and vomiting. Only at 50 mg, it sent me into a mixed state. Couldn’t reach 100 mg. It has worked for so many people. It just wasn’t for me."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 26, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Began taking lamotrigine for bipolar one year and five months ago following a suicidal episode that nearly required hospitalization and a few months of almost-daily panic attacks. Ramped up to 150 mg over about six weeks. The 100 mg dosage came with the side effect of nausea, which went away after going to 150 mg. Effects have been positive overall -- peaks and valleys are smoothed out, focus improved, no suicidal thoughts. Panic attacks emerged briefly after one year, which went away after doc added 20 mg buspirone (short story, negative side effects/interactions of buspirone were also very bad). I was able to launch a new business after two months on lamotrigine -- had been unable to work for three months prior. My life has really turned around over the past year, and I wish I had sought a solution like this 10 years ago."