Comparing Lamotrigine vs Sertraline

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 Depression 19 yr old male going on 20. Had been suffering from extreme anxiety, depression, paranoia, intrusive thoughts for the best part of a year. Day to day life was a living hell and I rapidly began to lose any motivation and hope I had left. Started on 50mg, probably made things worse for first 4 weeks, upped to 100mg, wouldn't class it as life changing, anxiety and thoughts are still there, but a lot less intense. Much chirpier and can finally engage in day to day life with a lot more ease and comfort without feeling completely messed up and hopeless. Would recommend, just hang on in there. Things do get better.

For Depression Long story short. I have suffered depression for 20+ years and anxiety for the last year which led me to resign from a stressful management position, my co worker recommended zoloft, my GP started me on 50mg which I took for 2 weeks, my dose was increased to 100mg, it has now been about 6 weeks, I had very few side affects for a few days, slight insomnia, loss of appetite (have lost quite a few kgs) and a little jaw clenching, I feel a lot calmer, I have a little more interest in activities, showering, cooking and cleaning more which are all great results, family members have noticed subtle changes, laughing/smiling and doing more, In saying that I feel as though my dose needs to be increased but will give it 2 weeks, Give it time:)