Comparing Lamotrigine vs Valproic Acid

For Bipolar Disorder I have been on lamotrigine for a few years for bipolar disorder. It helped MIRACULOUSLY when I finally got up to 75mg and I weight 120 pounds. (Had to switch from taking in the mornings to night because it caused drowsiness). I have started to randomly experience panic attacks, which never occurred before this year. Thinking it is part of the “anxiety” side effect of Lamotrigine. However, it is very weird that it started after years or being on the medication...

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 I use Valproate Sodium for manic episodes I believe. I take 4 tablets per day. The main problem is weight fluctuation - expect a great increase! - and fatigue. If you forget to take the pills, you find a whole host of problems which is also awful but on the whole it works well.

For Bipolar Disorder My p-doc wanted to get me off lithium, which I have been on for 12 years. Lithium was causing a big strain on my kidneys which would eventually put me on dialysis. Lithium gave me amazing stability, but the combination with Geodon caused ED to be a factor on a semi frequent occasion. I lost 14 lbs recently before I started Depakote, and since I've been on Depakote for 3 months I haven't gone up in weight at all. I've had a bigger appetite. My only complaint has been stomach diarrhea, many times with sudden onset. Sometimes it's constipation for a day followed by several days of diarrhea.