Comparing Lamotrigine vs Depakote

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

For Bipolar Disorder For mood stabilization, depakote worked out well for me, but it also helped me gain about 50 lbs! Once I started slowly switching off it, the pounds started coming off.

For Bipolar Disorder I have been on Depakote ever since I was diagnosed (finally) with bi-polar disorder. I am currently on 1000 MG per day, but have taken as high as 2000 MG per day. On 1000 MG per day I am (or have been somewhat stabilized, which leaves me somewhat hypo manic which seems to be the best level for me. I say somewhat stabilized because I started to go hyper manic in the past 2 weeks, have no idea why. Going to see doctor tomorrow). For the 2 years or so when I was on 2000 per day I was also taking 40 MG per day of Paxil. My moods were stabilized all right, but I turned into a zombie. I have never taken another mood stabilizer so I can not make comparisons. Depakote makes me gain weight big time!