... me about your experience with it? I have been on 4 different antidepressants so this is my new drs idea... i have heard some not so good things about it and am wanting to get a general feel from real people taking the med or people who have taken the med. Thanks
I was just prescribed Lamictal for major depressive disorder. I'm not so sure about it. Can you tell
Question posted by yurpotay007 on 20 Sep 2012
Last updated on 3 November 2019
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
12 Answers
kh341703
30 May 2019
I have major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I’m on multiple anti depressants (abilify, wellbutrin, effexor, etc) and I just wasn’t getting better. My doc suggested we try this med and I’ve only gotten worse. I am so depressed and I’m suffering major memory loss from this drug. I called my doc and she is taking me off it - it’s been awful. I don’t wish this upon anyone!
ArtyB
19 Nov 2018
Hi, I was diagnosed with mild depression and prescribed Lamictal.
I'm 31 years old and I've been taking lamictal for almost 3 months now. Currently on 50mg, started on 25mg. I'm sensitive to medicine so I told my doc I was worried about side effects and he assured me the side effects were very mild. I experienced absolutely NO side effects at all.
That being said I've had a good experience with Lamictal, despite being on such a low dose I did notice within a couple weeks that my mood had stabilized a lot ( before taking lamictal I was in a terrible mood almost daily, I felt like I couldn't even be myself). Another very noticeable change was that I woke up feeling a lot more refreshed in the morning ( I used to wake up tired and I would have no energy all day). Also found that my quality of sleep had improved slightly.
Hope this helps.
2002mf
24 June 2017
I don't recommend it I take it I it makes me super depressed and it makes it worst for me and I have took it for a while but my symptoms get worse it makes me very depressed I didn't take ithe for a week or so and I felt way better
amberkray
25 June 2016
I suffer from major depression and generlized anxiety, i have tried 4 different types of anti-depressants, some had immediate results but they all bottomed out after a few months. I started on Lamictal and risperidone about 2 months ago plus clanozapam for anxiety. I am now on 100 mg lamictal and have my next follow up on the 7th. The first month was great, i felt like i had more energy and the clanazopan made me very calm and no longer anxious over simple things. But when it came time for my first follow up my doctor is still seeing if i am bi-polar since i still think i haven't experienced a manic episode. It is now the end of the second month and I have days where i feel like i am back where i started, some days im very happy and some days i go from 100 to 0 in a matter of minutes.
very dark thoughts and then i have days where i cant leave the house and i cry for no reason, i throw temper tantrums like a two year old like im not in control. I hope this medicine works for you because im not sure if my doctor will continue when i come back for my follow up.
Beckypledger
3 Aug 2016
Hi I've just been prescribed this as I've been on setraline and my doctor thinks the setraline has triggered bipolar traits, I've had regular manic episodes but they only last a few hours and no longer but then I drop into severe depression, I'm more of a low than an up and most days don't want to live even though I have three great children and a supportive husband, at the moment I don't understand the bipolar side as doctors seem to be saying you have to be on a high for a couple of weeks to be diagnosed but have have lots of other symptoms of bipolar, I'm a bit nervous at the moment as I'm worried if I have an episode I may do something stupid without realising as when I have an episode I'm gone and not there but no one seems able to help me
thm
20 March 2017
Lamictal changed my life. I have major depression disorder. I've been on Wellbutrin 450 mg for years, but it wasn't working so great. My psychiatrist wanted to try Lamictal as there was a lot of evidence coming out that it was helping with unipolar depression. After getting up to a therapeutic dose, everything changed for me. For the first time I thought that this must be what normal people feel like. I've taking 600 mg + 450 mg of Wellbutrin for a couple of years with great results. Recently, I dropped the Lamictal down to 500 mg and plan to go lower if I can maintain the results. As a result of my experience, my doc is using it on more of his patients with similar results he said.
akshea
22 May 2017
I have been taking 150-200 mg of Lamictal for about 3 years now and it completely changed my life. I was battling severe depression that would come and go and I was initially prescribed a SSRI, which I reacted terribly too. I had very bad insomnia for about a month before finally insisting that I come off it. Because of this, my psychiatrist assumed that I had bipolar disorder, even though I never experienced any manic episodes (other than extreme insomnia - but certainly not the kind that I felt great after!). She switched me to Lamictal and I responded amazingly, never felt so stable in my mood. For years I've assumed I was bipolar because I reacted well to the Lamictal and my mood stabilized so quickly. It really is a great medication. I'm only finding out now that it can be used to treat unipolar depression. I also have a new psychiatrist who does not think I have BPD and I'm starting to believe her. Either way, I'm very happy with my Lamictal and I definitely think it can be used to treat depression/anxiety, not just bipolar disorder. Good luck!!
susanmi
21 July 2015
It is actually frequently used as an antidepressant with good success in people who cant take seretonin medications or other antidepressants. I just started on it and I am looking so forward to success. I have been on many antidepressant over the years. they all eventually poop out and I have become more emotionally reactive and depressed at this stage in my life afe 60). Im hoping this is my answer. 4 days so far. Did any body else feel a little sleepy on it at first?
MeggieGirl
25 July 2015
Hi Susan,
Lamictal is known to either cause stimulation (i.e. major insomnia) or sleepiness. I think, for the most part, the sleepiness is the most common, which is why many doctors say to take it before bed. If you're having trouble waking up in the morning, then take it a few hours before instead of immediately before bed - you get the point.
I had the opposite problem. I took it at night and was still up at 5 AM. I adjusted and, because I didn't know how it might affect my driving or if it would make me sleepy at work, I started taking it immediately when I got home at 6 PM, and haven't had the same problems since.
I have heard, for people who have the insomnia problem, many of them do take their dose in the morning. For you, it would certainly be the opposite, it seems.
Best of luck! :)
Moshawn
12 Jan 2016
Would be interested to know how you're doing now. Just starting this med. maureen
DWMALONEY
19 March 2016
i HAVE BEEN TAKING 200/DAY FOR A FEW YEARS. I never realized I was depressed in the 1st place, but apparently my wife left me because she couldn't handle it.. I think I have been a better person while I have been taking it. I don't see any negative effects but there may be some. My problem is that I seem to be unaware of what's going on around me. I had a good routine so I wouldn't miss my evening dose, but I think I missed one. I started again as usual. I was very tired for almost 24 hours. Now I smell an unusual smell which I think somehow comes from the drug. I don't know how. It is 4:30 AM, I'm not tired. I have weird dreams. I like to listen to music more now. Lessons learned I hope-don't miss a dose I guess. A month ago I fell and went faint. I wasn't injured, but I was way out of my head Dr. recommended seretonin, but I never took it. Some people are concerned about my driving, but nothing has occurred since I started on the lamictal.
Before the lamictal I had sleep attacks while driving. I haven't driven since I missed the dose. Let me know if you have any questions. It actually helps me to answer, Makes me more aware of my situation.
DWMALONEY
19 March 2016
i HAVE BEEN TAKING 200/DAY FOR A FEW YEARS. I never realized I was depressed in the 1st place, but apparently my wife left me because she couldn't handle it.. I think I have been a better person while I have been taking it. I don't see any negative effects but there may be some. My problem is that I seem to be unaware of what's going on around me. I had a good routine so I wouldn't miss my evening dose, but I think I missed one. I started again as usual. I was very tired for almost 24 hours. Now I smell an unusual smell which I think somehow comes from the drug. I don't know how. It is 4:30 AM, I'm not tired. I have weird dreams. I like to listen to music more now. Lessons learned I hope-don't miss a dose I guess. A month ago I fell and went faint. I wasn't injured, but I was way out of my head Dr. recommended seretonin, but I never took it. Some people are concerned about my driving, but nothing has occurred since I started on the lamictal.
Before the lamictal I had sleep attacks while driving. I haven't driven since I missed the dose. Let me know if you have any questions. It actually helps me to answer, Makes me more aware of my situation.
MeggieGirl
19 March 2016
Hi, Maloney. I'm sorry that your symptoms of depression led to the end of your marriage. Remember that it takes two to make a marriage work, a vow is for better or worse and, if you were blindsided, it is a shame that communication didn't come first.
I believe I can help you understand your symptoms. First, there is something called "taste perversion," and it is listed as an infrequent side effect of the med. It means that a person's sense of taste and smell are altered.
Second, when your Doctor is recommending the addition of serotonin, it is essentially the suggestion of adding an SSRI to your treatment plan, which basically means... antidepressant.
Third, the medication is known to cause hypOglycemia, which is a (sometimes dangerous) drop in blood sugar. This will cause symptoms that match those you have listed. I will post them, below. In your case, you will need to make a concerted effort to never take your medication without food. The food will raise your blood sugar, cause your insulin to balance it out, and you should have a calm system rather than a storm. I sincerely hope this helps. Here are the possible symptoms of hypOglycemia (vs hypERglycemia):
Shakiness
Nervousness or anxiety
Sweating, chills and clamminess
Irritability or impatience
Confusion, including delirium
Rapid/fast heartbeat
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Hunger and nausea
Sleepiness
Blurred/impaired vision
Tingling or numbness in the lips or tongue
Headaches
Weakness or fatigue
Anger, stubbornness, or sadness
Lack of coordination
Nightmares or crying out during sleep
Seizures
Unconsciousness
maminor
6 Dec 2017
Yes, I had a sleepiness problem so my dr switched my lamictal to the a. m. It made a huge difference -
bumblebee90
5 Oct 2012
Dear yurpotay007,
Hi, and hope all is as well as can be. I almost always say on here that people are different, and have different experiences with drugs. I, too have taken many antidepressant's and haven't had much success with them. It's strange what people hear. You said you heard bad things about it, and I have only heard good things about it. I was going through some pretty big struggle's, ( still are. lol.) and my mood was all over the place. I was either real happy for a while, then bawling my head off. I litteraly felt like two different people, and my husband, bless his heart, has no clue about depression, or mental illness. There was some not so good times, because of that. It was very frusterating for him. Finally, my psychiatrist said... Why don't we try Lamictal. He started me on 25mg and slowly titrated me up to 250mg. In two weeks I will go to 300mg. and stop there. I cannot express how this medication worked for me.
It completely levelled me out, and oh, I'm telling you, everybody noticed it. I stopped crying all say long, and calling my husband at work 50 times a day. This is just me talking, but I would definately give it a try. They start you out on a slow dose, they did me, and slowly titrated me up. I'll be honest, the first couple of weeks I couldn't tell much, but when he upped the dose, I could tell a difference for sure. I hope you at least try it, and I hope you have great success with it. I know how it is to be leary though. I went to the doctor this week, because of something devestating going on in my life, and told the doctor I was having severe headaches. I just took the script and trusted him. Oh my gosh. He started me out on the highest dose, and talk about mellow. i was too mellow. I had a doctor's appointment today, and I seriously almost wrecked three or four times. I'm like what the heck is this stuff? I went online and checked it out and read some reviews. My 18 yr. old thought I was high when I got home. I took the medicine and got rid of it completely. I couldn't believe he started me on this. But Lamictal is nothing like that. I hope you the best of luck, and may you feel better soon, hon. I'm here if you need to talk. You're Friend, Ruthie
primadonna330
4 Oct 2012
I have been on 200 mg of Lamictal for about 3 yrs now for Bi-polar disorder. I like the lamictal because I have not had any bipolar episodes recently but I have gained 35 pounds, which I am determined to loose.
ConMoth
15 Feb 2015
My son just diagnosed with Bipolar. He is 40. Dr starting him on Lamictal. Sounds like this is the only drug you're on and finding success with it. I'm hoping that my Son's life will turn around.
Condee
4 Aug 2015
My son is on both lamotragine and an antidepressant. He was tested for bi polar disorder but negative although many doctors came to that diagnosis. Once being put on lamotragine he started to feel better but is always tired and has no motivation to get out. He is so up and down in life he tells me he just puts on a face but is never happy. Sometimes I think all the meds he takes depress him and don't allow him to think for himself. Is that really stupid thinking. I wish they'd wean him off everything and start again! I'm desperate to help him.
Toleruoti
27 April 2016
I'm sure one needs constant calorie surplus to gain excess weight.
Rezaaaaa
16 Sep 2016
Just try Edronax maybe this one help at first make the depression worse but after couple of days bring motivation and enery,search about nadh as well
pickles503
22 Sep 2012
Hi. I've been taking Lamictal for over 5 years and it's worked wonders for me. If you want info from real people and not the internet, this is the place to find it. We have some friends on drugs.com that are just like us in that they have severe health problems, yet they dedicate their lives to helping us. We're so blessed to have them. So, your going to get some fantastic answers. If I can do anything to help, just holler! I am sure our other friends will help, also.
God bless you, yurpotay007,
Anna
kipstreet
4 Nov 2015
just put on lamictal,, because my Cymbalta was not helping. Read the side effects, not afraid to take it.
Ldybeth
3 July 2016
Hi kipstreet, I just started Lamactil as an add on to Cymbalta, as well due to it not working any longer. I was wondering how Lamactil has worked for you since your post last November?
Sizan
27 Dec 2016
I've been prescribed lamictal but just read what it's used for. That is adding to my depression. I really appreciate hearing anything that may help the depression because I'm not bi polar or have seizures. Thanks
Ann1951
21 Feb 2017
Where do i find this address or help
Schmokey
28 Dec 2017
Hi yurpotay I was wondering how long it takes for lamicital to work I just starting to take 25 milagrams yesterday night for severe depression I'm not bipolar
Inactive
21 Sep 2012
I don't personally take this drug, but know several people that do, & it really helps them a lot. It sure can't hurt to give it a try, & it may be just the one for you. Hope you get to feeling better...
kipstreet
4 Nov 2015
Hello, I am not BP, but my depression is really bad.. My doctor increased my Cymbalta, and put me on Lamictal as well. She told me to stop if I have a rash, and I made the mistake of reading the rare side effects. There are some very serious side effects, now I don't know if I want to take it. although my depression is so bad.
12181939
25 June 2016
I took this drug for major depression. It worked for me. When Dr. increased dose, I began having symptoms of stroke. Had to stop treatment. Not on anything now. Very painful emotionally.
Beckypledger
3 Aug 2016
Hi I've just read your post, and I feel for you it's the worse thing to suffer from severe depression,I've just seen my doctor and I've been prescribed this drug as I've been on setraline and my bipolar traits have excelled since being on this drug, my doctor doesn't think I'm bipolar he thinks it's the setraline but I'm very confused. I've just started the lamotrigine today and am nervous that it won't work and I'm struggling to do anything I get home from work and I'm exhausted because I've had to be up beat to customers and inside I can't breathe, most days I don't want to live and am so sick, I've had major depression for over 15 years and have been on antidepressants for nearly all of that time, doctors have just given me more pills and I'm even more sick now than ever, if anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated thank you .x
Inactive
20 Sep 2012
I took Lamictal (lamotrigine) for some time, it is an anti-epileptic med and mood stabilizer, not an antidepressant, I am saying it in a good way, not attacking you at all.
My experience was very succesful with this medication I suffer from BPD, and it did achieve its objective, it stabalized me. I found it to be very effective, but I have been taking meds for a long time, so my tolerance levels are very high, I reached a very high dose, and then the problems began, so along with the Dr. we decided to try other medications. But overall I would recommend lamictal.
https://www.drugs.com/lamictal.html
Take care,
maso.-
kerm202
30 Jan 2015
My psychiatrist prescribed lamictal for anxiety and depression - not bipolar depression. It's an off-label use but he said that for anxiety/depression the therapeutic dose is between 100-150mg per day. I'm unsure about its effectiveness in my case.
Up2methistime
16 Oct 2016
I've taken Wellbutrin 300mg for yrs. New Dr increased to 450mg... I didn't notice any difference..he started me on lamictal in addition to the 450mg. I noticed a huge difference..I take 50mg, and no longer wake up depressed. Now, my Dr says I have bi~polar because a mere 50mg made all the difference in the world. I can't even find any info where someone is taking 50mg, as treating doses are usually 100~200mg per day, and up to 500+ mg per day. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in 2003. The depression was ever present until I started lamictal in Feb of this year. I have no signs of bipolar, with the exception of depression and anxiety. I'm 60 yrs old , and all of the sudden I 'have bipolar' because 50mg, as an add on works for me..
Nrcase76
25 May 2018
I meant to comment to a comment though I seen from 2016,. doubt will see mine now but I read someone saying was diagnosed for major depressive and then changed to bi polar,. caught my eye like my pants on fire,. appears in my case I was treated for bipolar for yrs and now it's labeled as major depressive. Same meds,. same 15min if that shrink I see, don't know when or why the label changed on my being,(left other details out too) was a letter he printed up for me in my defense. I keep forgetting to ask him about it,(been 2yrs now since)but does make sense too.,no mania in me at all :/ I used to be on Lamictal,. I don't know why or when I stopped. I kinda think was when I changed from my 1st to my 2nd and only shrink. Would starting Adderall be a reason to stop it?
kjcspider
3 Nov 2019
I'm on 50 mg for a month still only a little better?
LaurieShay
20 Sep 2012
I took Lamictal for years. It helped keep my mood level. I recommend you give it a try. I now take a different mood stabilizer, but not because I didn't like Lamictal, just that the doctor felt like I didn't need to be on it anymore.
mcmwhitley
23 Feb 2014
Why would your doctor take you off lamictal if it was keeping you stable and put u on another mood stabilizer. If you dont need a mood stabilizer why then switch to another mood stabilizer
LaurieShay
23 Feb 2014
Actually, I was on two mood stabilizers at the same time, Lamictal and Abilify. My doctor thought it was unnecessary to be on two so we discontinued the Lamictal. Sorry if I didn't explain this in enough detail.
mjb2mjm
6 July 2014
Considering a mood stabilizing med... wondering about abilify... I have been treated for depression for years and after finally finding celexa l am now at the dose max. NEED something for struggle to concentrate, memory, low-grade anxiousness from frustration with my ability to ground my ability to be creative and even to organize my art-supplies myhouse
LaurieShay
6 July 2014
Abilify is a good adjunct to an antidepressant. It can enhance the effects of the antidepressant as well as be a mood stabilizer. If I may ask, what is your dosage for the Celexa?
dapperdog
22 Dec 2016
What mood stabilizer do you take now and does it work as well?
LaurieShay
22 Dec 2016
I am still on Abilify as far as a mood stabilizer. There are many and what works for one may not another; it really depends on the individual's physiology and symptoms.
kaismama
20 Sep 2012
I was on it and never felt so good. Now that I have insurance I plan to ask my doc for it back. As long as you start it the way its prescribed, you shouldn't have alot of trouble with it. I had no side effects at all.
Related topics
lamictal, depression, antidepressant
Further information
- Lamictal uses and safety info
- Lamictal prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lamictal (detailed)
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