I have been taking lamotrigine 25mg for five days as treatment for Bipolar II. I am also on Lithium 1000mg and have been since 2018/19. I have noticed drowsiness, which I was warned about, but also extreme sensitivity/ crying over something as little as a TikTok video (I don't usually cry frequently, especially since starting Lithium, and any emotional outbursts are usually limited to anger and frustration which may result in crying but not this kind of sad/helpless sooking). I've also, for the past two nights, had really long, vivid, detailed narrative-style dreams which I can remember the next day almost completely. I don't usually have dreams at all and if I do, I certainly cannot remember them. Are these just normal side effects of starting out on the medication that will be reduced once I am on the correct dose and my body is used to it? Has anyone else experienced this? If so, for how long?
Lamotrigine - Crying, Nightmares on Lamtrogine?
Question posted by erin1996 on 14 April 2022
Last updated on 14 April 2022 by WildcatVet
Answers
Hi, erin,
Yes, these are common side effects when first starting lamotrigine that affect about 1-10% of users. They generally resolve over days to a week or two.
It's good that you were started on a low dose as this will help your metabolism adjust to the medication in your system.
I've been taking it for about four years now and after the first week or so I wasn't bothered by side effects any more.
Best regards and I hope it helps you as much as it has for me.
Hi, I’ve been taking Lamotrigine for many years and not experienced the sadness or dream problems you described. I take it for seizures though, not bipolar. Currently I take 450 mg/day split into two doses.
I did have a very similar experience with vivid dreams when taking Lexapro and again when taking Remeron. Both are mood medications. I think vivid dreams are a fairly common side effect with mood meds. In my case the dreams persisted for the duration of the time I took the medications. I actually kind of liked it except when they were bad dreams.
I hope the sadness you’re experiencing resolves after your body adjusts to the Lamotrigine.
Best regards, John
Related topics
depression, bipolar disorder, nightmares, lamotrigine, lithium, treatment, crying
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
