Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Sandy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 26, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "For years I had been (mis)treated for clinical unipolar. I went through many SSRIs, but each one 'hit the wall' - had only limited effect on the deepest depression, and none as a maintenance drug. Changed psychs. She suggested an off-label use of Lamotrigine. Within a couple of weeks I felt so much better! We scaled back (and eliminated) Effexor SSRI. I continued to get better. She moved away, so I had to find another psychiatrist - or psych nurse. The new psych nurse did an interview and said I was being treated for the wrong disease. I felt better because Lamotrigine was working on my bipolar! 5 years later, I'm still doing well - mood swings moderated, deep depression less deep and less frequent."

• Helpful
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 13, 2020

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have been taking Lamictal for about 3 years now. It has helped me tremendously. I initially started taking it for anxiety as a mood stabilizer. It was an interesting prescription for anxiety but acted as a mood stabilizer for me. This was really helpful at the time because I was experiencing extreme, crippling, paralyzing anxiety. I was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and found this to help with some symptoms as well. Unfortunately, it does not help me reduce feelings of mania. I do experience most side effects of this drug but very mildly and manageable. I was able to function normally again after beginning this journey on Lamictal."

• Ash
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2021

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Worked wonders for me. Prescribed by my psychiatrist after I spoke to them about my symptoms. I used to feel out of control with my emotions and I would spiral into severe bouts of depressive episodes with heavy thoughts of suicide. This medicine makes me feel like I can control myself and I hadn’t had a depressive episode in a while. This medicine gave me my life back. I feel like I came up on top of Bipolar II."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2024

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I don’t write this review to scare you, Lamictal is an incredibly well-tolerated medication for most people. For me, unfortunately, after only 4 days of taking it at 25mg, my lymph nodes started to swell and I started to develop a small rash as well as small erosions on my eyelid. This could have led to some dangerous conditions that your doctor should talk to you about. I’m disappointed that I had to discontinue it because I really had high hopes. Otherwise it was very easy to start compared to other meds, just some mild tiredness and headache. I only post this so you can be aware of side effects like this that you shouldn’t ignore. Please give the med a try, it might make a huge difference for you. Just proceed with caution and monitor your side effects with your doctor."

• that...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 7, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have suffered from bipolar disorder for more than ten years but only recently sought help for it because it was getting way out of hand. I was put on a few different medications in the beginning, including Wellbutrin and Risperidone. Those eventually made things worse so I opted out of that treatment, and was prescribed Lamictal. It took about a month to fully kick in, but I have noticed a huge difference in my mental state. I have not had a major depressive episode since starting treatment. I have not gone manic yet. For the first time in many years, I feel normal; I get happy when good things happen and sad when bad things happen. My feelings are not influenced by my illness anymore (at least not yet). Thanks, Lamictal!"

• Dazzer
• July 29, 2018

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II after many years of battling against depression. Used to self-medicate with cannabis regularly, but the strength of it induced psychosis, so have been 6 months without it. The first five months off it were dreadful: hopelessness, poor diet, no exercise, spending all time in bed, not interacting with the world and a downward spiral of self-pity. My doctor prescribed Lamictal, and I was doubtful of its effectiveness. However, I noticed a stabilization in mood after just 3 days of taking 25 mg per day. And after a week, the improvements have increased so that I no longer feel hopelessness with no future. In fact, I feel normal, very normal. My diet has improved and my self-care - washing, cleanliness, etc - has returned. The drug really works and has greatly improved my self-confidence and made everything so much easier. I would recommend it to anyone suffering from depression as it really does work."

• Camarie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I tried Lamictal several years ago for mood swings without having received a proper diagnosis, and experienced extreme rage. I was also in an unhealthy relationship at the time and was taking about 100mg Lamictal. Since seeing a psychiatrist, I have been officially diagnosed as Bipolar Type 2, and have come to realize that I am extremely sensitive to medications (and everything else on the planet). I have been taking 25mg (pediatric dose) of Lamictal for about a month now with extreme improvement in moods. Similar to another review - you don't really notice how wonderful Lamictal works until you are put in a situation that would cause you to be anxious or react negatively. It has improved my overall view of myself, I haven't cycled, and I'm dealing with stressful situations in a much healthier way. I also have not had any side effects from this medication so far! Highly recommend."

• Missme
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Duration: 3 years. I am 23. This medication changed my life, and I am not exactly sure why I take it because I feel 'normal'. I wasn't bipolar; however, I was just flat out raging, deeply depressed, would stay up all night. I did crazy things. I also had horrible, life-threatening anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and couldn't sit still. I almost stopped taking it when I finally went to a doctor because I couldn't go to college anymore; I was a complete wreck all the time. Every tiny little thing threw me into anger, depression, and jealousy. The medication made me sick in the beginning, but the doctor told me to keep taking it; this is how these medicines work. After around 3 months, I was not depressed ever, slight mood, but I'm OCD and moody in general! The antidepressant did not work."

• Fores...
• March 26, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I used to be on Seroquel for my bipolar 1. It basically ruined my high school education, making it almost impossible to wake up and stay awake in the mornings because it was physically painful to endure. Lamictal changed all of that and turned my life around. I have now been on Lamictal for 4 years. I have experienced no negative side effects. I am now in college with a 3.5 GPA. My mood is now more controllable, but it doesn't drug me to the point where I am a zombie or a different person. I feel like I can still be extremely euphoric, which is something I don't want to give up. I do sometimes still feel very angry or depressed, but I am able to manage and contain it better than I used to. I highly recommend this to those with bipolar."

• MP1985
• May 4, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've abused alcohol for 12 years now. I just started taking Lamictal the other day and instantly made me feel so much better! I have not had any alcohol cravings either, and I'm looking forward to the future. I'm so grateful."

• saman...
• June 5, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Lamictal has been great for my bipolar disorder! Only 10 days on the medication and I’m slowly increasing the dosage. Within less than 2 weeks, I began feeling better, more stable. No more sudden emotional outbursts, overreacting over small matters, getting angry, and going off on the people I love. I feel like I’m going back to my old self, and it’s definitely significantly improved the quality of all my relationships. I’m so thankful for this medication."

• Heather
• January 13, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have been taking 300mg of Lamotrigine each day for about 3 years. When I first took it, it made me feel sick and anxious and gave me headaches, but after following some simple advice from my psychiatrist I now don't get any side effects at all!! He told me to increase the dose slowly (25mg per week) and to always eat when I take the tablets. I've found this medication very effective as an antidepressant but not effective at controlling mania/hypomania. Despite this, I still rate it very highly because it is so much more bearable than any other psychiatric medication that I've taken in the past."

• SoftBoi
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2021

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "So so so so grateful for this. Have had severe anxiety, depression, SEVERE OCD and depersonalization, ADHD. Who knows?! Lots of trauma in my past and doctors have tried Wellbutrin, SSRIs, buspar, Remeron. Been on so many things and this thing brought some emotions back, way lessened intrusive thoughts, increased a completely non-existent sex drive, helped me with extreme fatigue. Went off and obsessions and worthlessness came back. Went straight back on and I felt a difference immediately. Been able to stop sleeping until 12-2Pm too. Wake up in the morning at 7am, put on a podcast, and I don’t feel like death. Be self compassionate and have hope. I take it in the morning, 200mg, because it can give me insomnia if I take it at night. I can cry, I can laugh, I don’t feel like I’m drowning. Oh, pretty much no side effects I can note besides insomnia if taken at night."

• Kramer...
• March 2, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've suffered with undiagnosed bipolar 2 for almost 3 decades. For almost 20 years, I was on various antidepressants that didn't work and made my depression worsen. My primary doctor suggested I see a psychiatrist for my lingering depression. Due to the stigma of mental illness, I put it off, but finally saw a psychiatrist. She diagnosed my condition, and I started a low 25 mg dosage of lamotrigine. My dosage will slowly increase over the next 6 months to a year. The first time I entered the psychiatrist's office, I was filled with melancholy and regret. My first follow-up visit to the psychiatrist, I was filled with hope and resilience."

• msmac
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I just started this med, and I am on week 5 of the 'starter' pack. I know it's a little soon to give my opinion, BUT I want to give words of encouragement if you're struggling with your diagnosis and taking 'that pill'. I spent so much time in a deep, dark hole, and I started getting 'scared' that I wasn't going to see sunshine in my life again. I became desperate enough to call my Doc and agreed that I was 'probably' bipolar (she saw it, and I was in denial!) and I was willing to talk 'meds'. After the first two weeks, I noticed that life was looking better, and I felt like participating a little...by the end of week 4, I was able to have a conversation. I'm starting to see beautiful colors in my once bleak world!"

• Jhuckmg
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 6, 2018

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've taken this med on and off since it was approved for BP. It's like day and night when on or off it. Every time I start taking it again, I always think 'why did I ever stop this'. I've taken so many drugs over the last 30 years, and this is the only one that works."

• Athal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 24, 2016

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "So Lamictal takes a while to work. In my case, it was about 6 months to reach its maximum effect. I am on 200 mg. If I go higher, it is a total nightmare. Be careful; it depends on the person how much you can take. If you feel you are going more depressed, go back to the dose you were on before and take clonazepam as needed, but not every day. Lamictal affected my sleep; I had to take Ambien, but after 6 months, I started taking melatonin and it worked. I wanted to say that it is important to have family support, and when that is non-existent, then in my case, I grabbed a Bible and prayed a lot, even until today. Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6:10, also Psalm 23. It gets to a point when you have to fight your brain. Doctors and medication help until a certain point."

• Dove
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I love this drug Lamictal. After taking about 10 or so various antidepressants and antipsychotics over the past 3 years...I’ve finally been prescribed Lamictal for my bipolar. After about 5 months on this drug, I feel like I’m completely a different person. I take 150 mg daily alongside 100 mg of trazodone. Absolutely no side effects...and my favorite part? No weight gain!"

• Margo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I was on Lamictal in the past and it was wonderful. It really helped me control my mood and anger issues, but of course, like any bipolar person, I stopped taking medicines. I was put on other meds that affected me the wrong way. I am now back on them and can't wait until I am at my right dosage. You have to give it time and slowly get to the right dosage. It can and will help. In the past, I was on it for 2 years."

• LJDW
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I am so glad I was prescribed Lamictal two months ago after struggling with bipolar disorder for the majority of my life. I had been getting progressively worse over the years with manic cycling frequently to the point I couldn't function. I was very skeptical of numerous medications over the years. I thought nothing would help and within three weeks my life completely turned around. The constant edge is gone, I'm calm, thinking clearly and I feel in control. I am so grateful this works for me, hope it works for you."

• Dani
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I don't wanna ever be without lamictal again. I've tried a lot psych meds over the years but they either didn't work or had unbearable side effects. SSRIs should NOT be used for bipolar I or 2...many docs still don't know this. Lamictal controlled my moods and relieved depression with NO side effects. Nothing is a cure so you have to want to get better and work at it also. I love it, no one is the same, but please try it because it changed my life."

• Pugsta
• March 8, 2017

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I am bipolar 2 and take 300mg per day. Has changed my life so much. Helped me kick my alcohol addiction and impulsiveness. The last two years have been great. No drug is perfect however, and the withdrawals can be bad. Make sure you take it every day. So I gave it an 8 because I feel great if I keep up with it. I take it right after I wake up because it helps wake me up and gives me energy. Also makes me very patient with myself, other people and just life in general throughout the day. At my current dosage I wouldn't hesitate to call it a smart drug for me because it lessens my impulsive tendencies and quickness to anger. If this doesn't work for you, don't fret, I study medicine, and there is usually always something available to help."

• souls...
• March 8, 2014

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I have, since I was very young, displayed what I know now as Type I Bipolar disorder. Probably one of the worst feelings in the world is to have emotions ebb in and out like tall crashing waves. Then the sun comes out and the water is calm. Then a couple of days later, here comes the storm. It is the worst feeling to think there is nothing that will help. I felt that way... time after time, different meds. Abilify, to be one exact example, led me to have hypothyroidism, a condition I have to have meds for the rest of my life. I have, after trying many different meds for depression, found only one medicine I would suggest, and that is Lamictal. If you are compatible with this medication, it will help the mood swings a great deal."

• Anni
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2019

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "I've been taking Lamotrigine (the generic Lamictal) for just short of one month. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder recently after years of thinking I had depression and anxiety. Lamictal has worked miracles for me! I can't believe this is how neurotypical people feel day to day. I've been missing out my whole life and wish I took it sooner! I'm productive, I sleep normally, and I experience little to no anxiety or intense moods. Only downfall is I have had some vivid dreams and nightmares but they're definitely not as bad as my mood swings. Not even 100 percent sure they're from the Lamictal. Only reason why I gave it a 9/10 is because I haven't been on it for too long yet (25 MG twice daily)"

• Ailicec
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2015

Lamictal (lamotrigine) "As a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, Lamictal has worked wonders for me. I was worried about getting the dreaded 'Lamictal rash' but never did. My doctor followed the guidelines for increasing the dose slowly, and I never had any side effects. I have been on the maintenance dose for several months, and I actually feel normal. If there is such a thing. I am currently taking Lamictal in conjunction with the antidepressant, Cymbalta. Finding the right medication(s) can be very frustrating, but please don't give up."