Comparing Lamotrigine vs Clonazepam

For Bipolar Disorder: Lamotrigine has been pretty good along with lithium (bipolar). Have been on 200Mg for 3 years and lithium for 15. I decided to ramp up lamotrigine to 400 mg and I had more energy and zest and best moods but also had more anxiety, math/memory issues, and a touch of hypomania. However, I did have incredible orgasms!!! Back down to 300mg and I am experiencing a bit more depression but seem to be pretty level. Lamotrigine seems to lessen the severity of my depressive episodes but does not eliminate them. It helps me enough to stay on it.

For Bipolar Disorder: Have others found after 1st manic episode to be sensitive to meds? I started low dose zyprexa & gained 10 lbs in two weeks, took a half pill of low dose abilify & developed akathisia. Took 600 mg lithium & became toxic. Now on Lamictal. I started at 2.5 mg & felt great & 5 mg even better. At 10 mg became a little aggressive. Then tried 12.5 mg and hopefully 25 mg but I can’t get past 12.5 mg without wanting to rip someone’s head off! I cut that in half to 6.25 mg (1/4 of tablet). I am hyper, it makes me sometimes feel like I’m on speed but my head is clear & I’m extremely active now. I added 5 mg of buspar twice a day to take the edge off & reduce anxiety. Appears to be holding but wonder if I’m the only one sensitive like this. I was diagnosed major depressive disorder & anxiety in 1997. Been on Paxil & Wellbutrin for years but now can no longer handle them after first manic episode. Now I am also diagnosed bipolar 2 & ptsd. Thank you!

For Anxiety: This clonazepam has been a godsend for me. I have severe anxiety and possible panic disorder, so whenever I feel really bad anxiety I take 0.5 mg and feel better within 20-35 minutes. It can also help me sleep sometimes, which is a plus. The only con is that if you take this during the day (I've had to many times) you WILL get drowsy. Other than that, this medication has been amazing for me. I'd definitely recommend it, although everybody is different.

For Anxiety: I've taken 1mg daily for anxiety and panic attacks for over 20 years. I've never experienced any side effects from Clonazepam. I've tried to stop, and have been successful, but the anxiety and panic attacks return. I live a much better quality of life with it, and I accept that.