Lamictal and Anxiety: What Users Say

• kun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I did quite well on Lamictal for my bipolar on 150mg. Upon reaching 200mg, I had unbearable anxiety, constant panic attacks, headaches, horrible nausea, and vomiting. I would recommend easing up gradually and staying at a lower dose if possible."

• Oty...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I went my whole life undiagnosed with symptoms that started at 4 years old. I’ve suffered every day. Within 3 days of taking Lamictal, my mind was quiet and rational, and my body felt as if a soothing balm had spread over my nerves. I’m able to focus and concentrate. My anxiety is gone. I could go on and on. Everything is better. I could not be more grateful. I’ve been on it now for 3 weeks at 50mg, and life is good. I don’t ever want to be without it. If I get a rash, I’ll rock a rash because I’m not going back!"

• Hea...
• January 13, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I had a very frightening experience with this medication, and I thought I might warn others. I had only been on the Lamictal for 6 weeks, was at the 50 mg dosage, when I started to feel worse - crazy anxiety and suicidal thoughts. So, I decided to go down to 12.5 mg to try to wean myself off. During the weaning process, I became even worse - I really felt I was going to end my life. The withdrawal was awful. I had to wean very slowly and carefully."

• Lig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "On Lamictal for bipolar, and I developed cognitive problems, memory loss, hair loss, and other problems. Had many serious depressive episodes and an increase in anxiety while on it. Worsened sleep. Difficult withdrawal occurred when trying to get off it."

• SLi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal 200 mg for six weeks now after a slow titration. Added to 300 mg Seroquel and 30 mg Cymbalta. Unfortunately, I haven't noticed any improvement. I was recently diagnosed with rapid cycling BP II, although I have never experienced hypomania. My mood swings from normal to deep anxiety/depression within each day. Wake up every morning with paralyzing anxiety/depression. My mood improves in the afternoon, and in the evenings, I usually feel fine - only to wake up feeling miserable the next day. This has been my pattern now for 18 months, and I am beyond exhausted. I am meeting my psychiatrist this week to discuss my diagnosis and switching meds."

• lef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I am a 31-year-old female. I was prescribed Lamictal by my psychiatrist after describing my terrible mood swings. I was easily annoyed, agitated, and irritable. I would go from super happy and laughing to crying and screaming at the drop of a hat. I tried so hard to control it, but I couldn't. This medication has leveled me out so much. I feel much more 'normal.' I'm currently taking 50 mg twice a day. After about a month, I do notice my symptoms start to return. I tell my psychiatrist, and he ups my dose. I'm hoping I'll eventually reach a dosage that'll stick. I still have some anxiety (especially social anxiety), but this medication has helped me so much. It has really improved my personal relationships."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal for approximately a month now for bipolar 1, slowly working up to what I am now at 100mg. I have noticed a dramatic drop in depression but hypomania only slightly changed. I think it only feels like it has worsened because the depression isn't there to bring me back down. I still can't sleep at night, I still panic, feel the doom of anxiety, and racing thoughts among other things. I have had an incredibly increased libido. Overall, I can't believe how well it's working in such a short time without the terrible side effects that other medications can give you. I'm a mom of 4. I have no time to be a zombie, confused, tired, and slow. I look forward to seeing the next few months."

• Err...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 24, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "I have been on Lamictal now for 15 years. We started at around 600 mg/day, but gradually reduced this to 250 mg/day, and then after a couple of small seizures this was upped to 300 mg, and I now take 200 mg at night and 100 mg in the morning. My doctor says Lamictal dosage must be a minimum of 250 mg/day to be effective, with a maxi dosage possible of 1,200 mg/day. We did try some Lamictal plus Keppra on the way, but reverted to just Lamictal and that was fine. I have had very few seizures since I started - maybe once every 3 years - but recently got 2 when I went to Australia and had a 30-hour trip. Stress and alcohol are linked to my attacks. I have very light epilepsy discovered at age 32. I am very happy with it."

• bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "First, I want to thank you all for your helpful reviews. It helped me to do my own research so I can suggest my choice of treatment to my psychiatrist, rather than just trusting the one he suggests. After being diagnosed with bipolar 2, he suggested another med. I strongly advocated for Lamictal. I tapered up to 200 mg on a conservative schedule. I've had good results over the past 9 months. It definitely has lowered the instances of hypomania or at least deescalated the intensity. It's done little to address the depression or anxiety, so we've agreed to add an antidepressant. Again, he suggested Cymbalta, which I opposed due to all the information regarding withdrawal syndrome. We agreed on a low dose of Prozac, which is going well so far."

• Van...
• August 21, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "First I want to make sure that you are aware that Lamictal is the name brand and Lamotrigine is the generic brand. I suffer from rapid cycling major depression bipolar disorder. It took me three years to find the right medication. I'm highly sensitive to side effects. I tried two different manufacturers of Lamotrigine, and I had adverse side effects, including panic attacks, severe anxiety, increased rage outbursts, and many others. I requested to try the name brand of this medication, 'Lamictal,' and my psychiatrist specifically indicated no substitutes on the prescription. Within two to three days, I noticed a huge positive effect. Within two weeks, I had a complete 360-degree change. Currently, I have been on this medication for two months at 200 mg per day. I've been told several times by people who suffer from mental illnesses that when it comes to mood stabilizers and antidepressants, always go with the name brand."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the first medication I tried after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At first, I started at 25 mg, and it worked for a few weeks after the initial week of pure headaches and drowsiness. Soon after, though, it became ineffective, and my anxiety levels progressed. It seemed like because my body relied on the drug, I didn't know how to deal with my swings without them, so I felt like my swings were worse. Then we kept getting higher, and it worked but kept stopping until I got to 200 mg, one in the morning, one a little later. We did this so when the half-life wore off, I could take it again, and so far this has been amazing. My swings are calm, and I feel genuine happiness aside from my anxiety (which I am trying different meds for). I'm great."

• Man...
• June 10, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "Before I started taking this medicine, my moods were up and down: anger, anxiety, not sleeping at night, back pain, fear of leaving the house, etc. This medicine has changed my life completely. I don't feel like the same person. I never enjoyed living the way that I do now. I'm up early in the mornings, doing things and being productive, which is so different from what I used to be. Thanks to this medicine, I'm actually living. I've tried so many things, and nothing else works. Miracle by far. No anxiety, no sleep problems, energy, and relationships are improving so well."

• BAA...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal is a great medication for the depressive side of my bipolar 1 disorder, but try as I may, it is not a good mono-therapy, meaning I can't take it alone. I need another mood-stabilizing medication with it or it causes anxiety and irritability to worsen. I'm giving it 7 out of 10 stars because it doesn't work for bipolar 1 as a mono-therapy and has affected my memory and ability to recall words and to read quickly. Side effects for me are reading difficulty, memory issues, and breakthrough anxiety and irritability."

• HMD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this drug for 4 weeks. I notice very subtle changes. I've titrated up 25 mg a week every week, and I'm currently taking 125 mg. I still am probably 3 weeks away for full effects, but I am noticing some good things. I no longer think about killing myself all day, and I have less anxiety than I did four weeks ago. I feel optimistic that better days are ahead. I also take Ativan for anxiety but will likely discontinue once I'm at the key mg amount, which I believe is 200."

• n81...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "This is a very good medication, IMO. When you titrate up to the dose intended, you will notice subtle differences. Many times I have thought that this had flattened me out, but when I backed off the dose, symptoms came roaring back. No noticeable side effects for me. Helps stability very well, maybe the cause of some anxiety, not much though."

• Mam...
• September 3, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was given Rx for Lamictal when we finally discovered I had cyclothymic disorder vs. generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. I felt great on Effexor XR for a while, then was having severe anxiety (I thought), which turned out to be a bipolar episode. We added Lamictal and decreased my Effexor from 300 mg to 150 mg. Now I am able to recognize my cycles and take 150 mg of Effexor from October to March, then 75 mg Effexor from March to October. I take 150 mg Lamictal all year and 1 mg Klonopin at bedtime every night to sleep. I am also allowed 1 Klonopin daily as needed but rarely need to use that. Lamictal is my wonder drug!!! After suffering for 20 years trying to figure out the right combination of meds to feel good, I am on track!"

• Mah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "So I have been in a really severe depressive state for the past 8 months. Feeling hopeless, anxious, and destroyed. I was agitated and anxious the whole time. I was blaming myself for everything happening in my life. 6 weeks ago, I decided to go see a psychiatrist because my social anxiety was worse than ever before. He diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and put me on Lamictal and Abilify. I am now taking 125 mg Lamictal and 15 mg Abilify. I honestly think that Lamictal has calmed me down a bit. I am no longer agitated but still anxious. My social anxiety is still there, and it’s getting worse. But I am slightly at peace with myself and no more blaming. The thing that concerns me the most is the social anxiety. I hope it fades away as I up my dosage."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the absolute wrong drug for me. Not sure why my doc put me on this, as I don't have a mood disorder, I have depression and anxiety. But I got weird side effects like breathlessness, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of not being able to clear my throat - super phlegmy, and I can't get it out, which actually increased my anxiety. Once I put two and two together, I immediately stopped taking those pills. Not the right med for depression and anxiety."

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I left my opinion last year around October. And things have changed just a bit. I understood my illness is genetic because my uncle had it and my dad has it, but I don't accept it, I guess. Anyway, 70% of cases have a genetic background, so feel better about that. You didn't choose this. I feel Lamictal is not working as well after two years, but not a major change. I will increase it from 200 mg to 250 this week. I control my depression with clonazepam. I feel anxiety makes depression worse. So when it kicks in, then I feel strong enough to make a prayer, and it goes away. We need to do some work in our brain. Everything that is negative, you change it for 'yes,' and I can and I will."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I started the medicines, and it worked okay. Then they started to up my dosage, and I felt sluggish. Once I got to the amount I was supposed to be at, I was paranoid, distant, and irritable. My period is 10 times worse. The cramps are unbearable. My face broke out, and I look like the before picture of a proactive commercial. I have to pee frequently. I'm getting off these medicines as soon as possible. I've been taking them for 5 months now."

• Pin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 18, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was put on Lamictal about 9 years ago. Tried everything else, nothing worked. I have bipolar, severe panic attacks, and agoraphobia. I was in horrible condition. Started at the lowest dose and stayed at 300 mg. Fine until about 8 months ago and got scleritis of the eye. Went to the eye doctor, treated with steroids, but it's just coming back. Finally realized it must be my medication. Quit Lamictal and it was gone. When I saw my doctor, I told her, and she said yes, that is a side effect and I could never take it again. OMG. Best med ever for bipolar. Some anxiety break-throughs, but the first time I ever really felt normal. After this, got another doctor put me on Paxil. OMG. What a nightmare. I bottomed out. Ground zero. Now on nothing for 3 weeks."

• ove...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Had severe depression, anxiety, and elevated mood swings for years. Just started meds in my early 50s. Lexapro, gradual doses. At first, began to notice results in all three areas, but extremely sleepy no matter what time I took it. It seemed to level off at about 50% effectiveness, then slowly decreased in its effectiveness. Went on Lamictal, more energy, but mood swings came back, no patience or tolerance again, forgetfulness, and anxiety. Rambling thoughts in my head continually. I am returning back to my original prognosis. Didn't find it to be of help at all, up to 200 mg. Really don't want to keep experimenting, not sure of next step."

• EAU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "1st day taking Lamictal, so I can only comment on 1st day side effects. Took it before bedtime, woke up at 2:30 a.m. with an anxiety attack. Couldn't go back to sleep. Continued having panic and fear, my mind was going 100 miles an hour. Finally fell asleep and had horrible, vivid nightmares. Woke up in the morning and felt out of it. Wasn't sure I was really awake or still dreaming. Then, as the day progressed, I felt better. For the 1st time in a VERY long time, I feel calm. I don't feel edgy, I don't feel sad or extremely happy. I feel calm. I am still laughing and conversing with people. But not to the extent I was doing it before, I now have more control of my actions and words. I will not quit the medication. I am simply going to attempt to split the pill for a few days until I can get back to being able to take the dose without having anxiety. I look forward to taking this medication."

• EAU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "1st day taking Lamictal, so I can only comment on 1st day side effects. Took it before bedtime, woke up at 2:30 a.m. with an anxiety attack. Couldn't go back to sleep. Continued having panic and fear, my mind was going 100 miles an hour. Finally fell asleep and had horrible, vivid nightmares. Woke up in the morning and felt out of it. Wasn't sure I was really awake or still dreaming. Then, as the day progressed, I felt better. For the 1st time in a VERY long time, I feel calm. I don't feel edgy, I don't feel sad or extremely happy. I feel calm. I am still laughing and conversing with people. But not to the extent I was doing it before, I now have more control of my actions and words. I will not quit the medication. I am simply going to attempt to split the pill for a few days until I can get back to being able to take the dose without having anxiety. I look forward to taking this medication."