Comparing Lamotrigine vs Divalproex Sodium

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 First, I was put on Divalproex during a hypomanic episode that wouldn't end even with five different psych drugs. The Divalproex worked quickly to quell the hypomania, but at 1000 mg/day this drug's side effects were unbearable. Chronic diarrhea, rapid weight gain of 30 pounds, shaking hands, finger tremors, excessive tiredness during the day, lack of coordination when walking, lack of concentration, & two thirds of my long hair fell out in clumps. My psychiatrist started lowering the Divalproex gradually down to 500 mg/day, & she withdrew three of the other drugs also. All the side effects subsided. Now I'm just taking 500 mg Divalproex per day along with 40 mg Latuda & my moods have been really stable!

For Bipolar Disorder Worked well, controlled my mood swings and hallucinations. Unfortunately I gained 100 pounds in a year and a half. Also remember to get your bloodwork done. My blood pressure and blood sugar shot up really bad.