Comparing Lamotrigine vs Lithium

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 Bipolar Disorder: I've been on lithium for 6 months for Bipolar I and have had such amazing results. I feel like myself, and hadn't since over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. I would give it a 10 if not for the side effects and necessary bloodwork. When I first got on, I noticed it felt like my legs were giving out when I was walking. First 2 months on it had significant hair loss but don't experience it anymore. I think it made me lose about 5 lbs. Gave me moderate acne which is improving but I also went on spironolactone for the acne... if you can deal with the side effects, it's pretty great!

For Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosed bipolar 2 in 2018 took Latuda 30mg and lamictal 150mg hated the teeth clenching and the skin crawling feeling. Quit medications January 2019. Manic episodes lasting 3 months until starting meds at the end of October 2019 lithium 300mg twice daily and latuda 30mg daily. Lithium side effects craving salt, slight hand tremors, numb feelings and acne little noticeable. Lithium took effect almost immediately I love it. I was close to destroying my entire life until taking lithium. Don't give up! ♥️