Comparing Lamotrigine vs Venlafaxine

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 Was on lexapro for 9 years for anxiety/panic disorder. Right after the holidays I was plagued by OCD intrusive thoughts and depression. I switched to venlafaxine ER in May, it was a direct switch. I did have some stomach upset the first couple of weeks. It helped me function. I still had some obsessive thoughts and anxiety and was definitely lowered but that may be bc I was primarily depressed. Missing a dose will cause horrible withdrawal. Now am switching to Zoloft and has not been easy. I am currently on day 4 of feeling hungover (dizzy, nauseous, brain zaps, stomach upset, sweats). I also wanted to be on something safer for pregnancy. I’d advise you to think long and hard before trying this med.. if you are desperate to feel better and know you will never miss a dose and can be on it for life or don’t mind the horrible withdrawal even when just switching to a different one. Regardless, I hope you find one that helps you. Stay strong. You are loved & worthy of it.

For Depression I just started taking it within the last few days, and I have been so nauseated since then. My head feels a little cloudy, too. I'm really hoping those side effects go away soon.