Has anyone taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) experienced long term insomnia?
Question posted by masso on 15 Aug 2023
Last updated on 26 August 2023
I suffer from bipolar disorder, been on Lamictal for 12 months (used as a mood stabilizer), my dose is 100mgs in the morning. I have suffered from insomnia for about 16 years, but it was manageable until I started Lamictal, as I mentioned a year ago, now my insomnia is very severe. I am aware that insomnia is a common side effect of this medication and that side effects most commonly subside within a week to 10 days when starting treatment. I have researched , and have found articles which indicate that insomnia can affect people long term who are bipolar.
I would like to know if anyone else has experienced what I just described.
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Answers
SU
SusieCatMama
26 Aug 2023
I’m experiencing the same thing. I started taking it in June. It makes me feel so much better that I don’t want to stop taking it, but I’m only sleeping about 5 hours. I can fall asleep but then wake up. I’ve been taking trazodone but it doesn’t seem to help.
Votes: +1
MA
masso
26 Aug 2023
Thanks for answering my post, now I know I am not the only one.
SU
SusieCatMama
26 Aug 2023
And I’m up at 2:15 am answering this question! Lol
MA
masso
26 Aug 2023
I am up like clockwork at 2.00 every day...
MA
masso
26 Aug 2023
What dose are you on?
SU
SusieCatMama
26 Aug 2023
I only take 50 mg. I was taking 100 mg and felt wired on it. Wasn’t sleeping and was talking too much. So I backed down to 50 mg. Last night I had to take a Phenergan to get to sleep. I usually take that for migraines.
