My husband was recently diagnosed with bipolar II and his psychologist suggested that he take Lamictal. Since his psychologist is not able to prescribe, we have to go through our GP or transfer him to a psychiatrist. He hasn't moved forward at all on this even though he was diagnosed over 2 months ago. He is afraid that if he starts taking the Lamictal he won't be "him" anymore. He's afraid of becoming "an empty shell" and that his emotions will be controlled by taking them away completely. But as anyone with Bipolar II knows, not treating it at all is not an option if there is any hope of having healthy relationships and especially a healthy marriage. I am trying to be supportive through all of this so I am searching for answers that he's afraid to research on his own. Anyone out there taking Lamictal to treat Bipolar II, do you have any insight for what my husband can expect regarding his concerns if he decides to start taking Lamictal? Thanks.
Does Lamictal affect personality?
Question posted by sstribbett on 11 March 2019
Last updated on 18 June 2019 by williep
4 Answers
I am also bipolar (type 1) and have been on Lamictal, as my mood stabilizer, for 16 years. Started out at 25 mg. (I'm fairly certain) and titrated up very slowly to 400 mg. Lamictal seems to be the psych med that has helped me the most. I have been using the generic lamotrigine since it became available and it has not deadened my moods. Many of the meds that I used along with it did cause problems and it took many years to sort it all out.
First I wanted to clarify that I have Bipolar I disorder, not II like your husband. I have been on Lamictal for the past nine months and I am literally at the happiest in my whole entire life! For me, (Ofcourse everybody experiences different things on medications so there is never guarantees on the same effects... ) I feel like myself, and feel that my true personality is shining through and overall happier and less irritable. As you mentioned, treating bipolar disorder with medication is essential in order to stabilize the patient’s mood and to maintain healthy relationships. I plan on taking it for as long as it works for me, hopefully for life as I love it so much! Also I was on Abilify injection prior and started experiencing Tardive Dyskinesia, which for me showed up in my uncontrollable mouth movements. Since I have been on Lamictal it completely took the TD away! I highly recommend this medication!
Hi! I've been taking Lamictal for a while now. What I have found is that it evens out the highs and lows so that your true personality can come out. I'm still me without my personality going up and down. Before taking it I never knew what kind of day I would have. I'm a rapid cycler. Also the mixed episodes are a lot less. I think it's worth a try. If it doesn't work out you can always switch to something else. Like you said, bipolar disorder can't go untreated. Out of all the mood stabilizers, I think this is the best one. It can make you have vivid dreams but they can't hurt you. That's a little uncomfortable at first but sometimes they go away once you're stabilized on the right dose. I have also found that it is weight neutral. Every bodies body is different so I really can't predict how your husband will react. Personally I think it's a good medication.
I've been on a lot of different medications and I like this one the best. That's been my experience anyway. Good luck and I hope your husband feels better soon.
Ruth
Yes it definitely does affect one's personnality and not always ln a good way. I have been diagnosed as bipolar and been taking lamictal for almost five Years up until yesterday. What to expect is blunting of the emotions and the increasing difficulty to interact socially in addition to a handful of other symptoms.plus the withdrawal from this drug is at least challenging.
Related topics
lamictal, bipolar disorder, personality disorder
Further information
- Lamictal uses and safety info
- Lamictal prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lamictal (detailed)
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