Comparing Fluoxetine vs Lamotrigine

For Depression I have battled OCD since my early 20s (I'm now in my 30s). Finally after moving to a new city and starting a new job I noticed not only my OCD had increased but I had fallen into a deep depression. I had always been wary of drugs in the past but in my despair decided to see a psychiatrist and she prescribed me 20mg fluoxetine. I can say that fluoxetine has helped immensely but it took time. At first I definitely experienced a worsening of symptoms that lasted about 2 months. I kept with it though because while the depression had worsened I noticed that anxiety was becoming less and less prevalent. Finally around week 11 I woke up happy. It was as if a cloud had finally lifted. It wasn't euphoria but I finally started feeling like I was in control of my emotions again and began to find a quiet contentment in life again. I am so glad that I stuck with it.

For Depression I started on this drug about 3 months ago and have lost 30 pounds already. It suppresses my appetite and with the weight loss that has helped not only my diabetes but my depression and moods as well. I'm happier, more energetic and my anxiety is better.

For Bipolar Disorder I have been fighting mood swings and depression for years and have tried all the antidepressants which for the most part didn't work and sometimes made me worse and more crazy, so I went to clinic and was lucky enough to tell this to a random doctor, she said it common for doctors to prescribe antidepressants for bipolar by mistake, I took a questionnaire that basically suggested I was Bipolar. I saw my regular doctor after this and he agreed and put me on Lamotigrine and it was like the lights went on, I am three days in and so amazed how I feel with no noticeable side effects I am stable and not constantly self talking and feel bad weak and discouraged , it works for what it was made for, keep looking and get diagnosed for the right thing because you can spend years taking the wrong medicine. Wow

For Bipolar Disorder First let me say thank you to all who have posted. I have been hoping to find a forum like this. Having suffered from depression and rapid mood swings (hypo mania) for more than 37 years it is a relief and very validating to hear other people's experiences if even if all of them are not applicable to mine . I experienced a severe depression with a suicide attempt 36 years ago. Since then a variety of medications have treated my depression quite well. I also found a loving husband and have a job I really like. Those external things can make a big difference too. I started lamictal 15 years ago and it helped take away the rapid mood swings & lessened some of the stronger depressive moods.Thanks to all for sharing. Now I don't feel as alone