Comparing Lamotrigine vs Venlafaxine

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 After being on 900mg a day of quitiapine and gaining 8 stone in weight, I knew something wasn't right. Yes I was stable but I was also numb and lack lustre. Tried a few other meds but none agreed until lamotrigine appeared. Hallelujah!! 5 stone weight loss over 4 months without dieting and I felt like me again for the first time in 8yrs. Took a while to get correct dosage as it was originally too high and made me vomit. I still have major down times but they only last days instead of months. Mostly I am energetic and full of life but not to the point of hypomania. My outlook on life is far more positive and I am more responsible and far less chaotic. I also take small doses of pregabalin and respiridone.

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.

For Depression Well. I started on 75mg a day of venzip XL. They elevated my depression hole I was in. My brain did feel doped up for the 1st week, had headaches and took a couple of hours each night to get to sleep. So I decided to stop taking them. I had the best 2 nights sleep after that I have ever had. Just got my National Nealth Service CBT therapy session a week into taking tablets and she suggested taking 1 every other day. So only 2 weeks into my tablets they are stabilising. Not as much headaches, not feeling too doped up and still can't fall asleep though I'm waiting for an appointment to see my gp for a follow up on them. Having problem trying to see same doctor as he's a fill in. Hope my suggestion help other. All I say is stick at them Start on a very low dosage and increase amount slowly. Best of luck.