Lamictal and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 24, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Have successfully managed my bipolar since 1999 with Lamictal. On 400 mg/day for the last 10 years. The only issues sometimes I get dizzy on a step ladder (I avoid it), blurry vision late at night, feel a little flat, and increased sex drive. I went undiagnosed for 35 years. This drug has saved my life! I’ll take feeling a little flat over crying for days at a time or 5 days straight with no sleep, cooking, repainting, and redecorating 3 rooms in the house. This includes DIY furniture and window treatments and yes, spending money I didn’t have! Now I have several businesses, cash in bank, bills paid, and fairly regular sleep. Lamictal saved my life after my divorce 21 years ago."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "When I started taking it, I had the worst side effects (dizziness, diarrhea, blurred vision, nausea). Some days, I couldn't go to class. I started with 25mg and went all the way to 150mg. But it is really working. I've been taking it for 4 months and I've never been this stable in my life. I feel good, better than ever. I underestimated the illness, but medication is the key. Therapy helps a lot too."

• tig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I've gone from 25, 50, 75, 100 and been on 200mg a day for 4 weeks now. I've been on lithium, Seroquel, Seroquel XR, and could not handle the side effects of all. Lamictal has been magic. I can feel the change completely, I just feel like everything is a little 'slower' and that I'm not racing all the time. Bipolar 2. Best medication I have been on by far and can honestly say that this is one I plan to stick to. The side effects were small but there, dizziness when standing, headache, and a little nausea for the first 6 weeks on and off but nothing compared to the emotions of bipolar."

• gen...
• November 26, 2013

For Seizure Prevention "I've been taking Lamictal for 3 years now. I haven't had a grand mal seizure since then. I was having seizures in my sleep and still think I do every once in a while but none during the day. I am lucky that I do feel a seizure coming on. The only problem is I'm very unbalanced and it's easy for me to trip. I also feel like I'm in a fog sometimes and my cognitive abilities like thinking clearly, number and word recall and multitasking are very affected."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 12, 2014

For Seizure Prevention "I have been on this medication for a little under a year. I will say that I have not had a seizure since I started taking the medication. Unfortunately, there are a lot of side effects with this medication: dizziness, vision problems, and headaches. I think my dosage may be too high, but my neurologist refuses to lower it because of its outcome thus far. I have tried to learn to deal with the side effects. I do not think that they will ever go away, but I guess I can just be happy being seizure-free. I was on Trileptal before and was having seizures every time I was stressed about something. Overall, the medication has given me back control!"

• bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 6, 2015

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I was on several psych meds trying to get a good combination. Everything I tried only got me so far. When I introduced Lamictal, it was amazing! I read someone said it was their miracle drug. That's for me also. The things I don't like about it are that (it doesn't happen so much anymore) it makes me off balance. Kind of like I walk like a drunk person. Then the only other thing is that if I miss one dose, it takes 2-3 days to get the brain/body shocks to stop. If you miss three days/doses, I was told that you have to start taking the drug over again like you've never used it before. Don't miss getting your refills on time. I am definitely a 'person' now as well. Without it, life is extremely bad. I've been taking it for over 6 years."

• sul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been bipolar for 20 years. I'm a scientist when I'm working. Lithium has always been helpful but is not so great for depression, though it does help if you take it a while. I finally started lamotrigine about a month ago. Lots of friends and professionals I know and trust said I should. I was skeptical since drugs tend to be bad news. After just a month (I titrated up quickly, so I've been on 100 for 2 weeks, probably best not to do that, there's a fatal skin disease you can get), my low-level depression feels better. I'd say it's genuinely beneficial for bipolar depression. A little dizziness but not so bad, and it fades. My friends say there's no evidence that more than 100 mg or 150 helps, but it could increase side effects. 100 is good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2025

For Bipolar Disorder "It’s amazing! I’m on 100 mg, and it’s really stabilized how I feel. I was really scared and skeptical at first because previous medication didn’t work, and this one does wonders! I am doing well, and I actually get things done. I haven’t felt any extreme emotions in a while. It helps so much with the very depressive lows, and I haven’t hit rock bottom in a long time. I have been able to keep a job, and I’ve also been in college, and I’m doing well. My psychiatrist has paired this with Wellbutrin to increase my motivation, and I’m so glad it works. I thought I was gonna have to give up forever. I was taking 200 mg, but it was making me feel physically bad, like I would get dizzy all of a sudden and would shake a lot, but this would only last for about 3 minutes every day, and I would randomly “tic.” Since lowering my dose, nothing has happened, and I haven’t felt any side effects. I’ve been on it for almost a year now, I recommend it! :)"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 23, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "From my experience, ever since taking Lamictal, I’ve had a tough time even explaining how I used to feel with the bipolar. When I do start feeling manic, it’s more of a dizzy feeling, so I upped my dose, and that feeling went away. Overall, I really do think this is a great medicine and has helped me tremendously."

• eba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2017

For Epilepsy "I do not like this drug! It gives me an upset stomach, dry mouth, gaining even more weight, makes me feel like I'm about to barf sometimes, I get double vision, dizziness, and even blurred vision. My doctor thought it was such a wonderful idea, and I have told her about my reactions to this medication, but she still thinks it's a great medication. I wish she were in my shoes!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 31, 2013

For Seizure Prevention "I have been on Lamictal for 7 years and have not had any seizures. My seizures were caused by scar tissue from having a brain tumor removed. I started on Dilantin, but the side effects were so bad I couldn't work, so my neurologist started me on Lamictal. I didn't lose weight, but I am frequently dizzy and definitely have cognitive and memory issues. I find I have to focus on tasks and don't multi-task effectively anymore. I wouldn't give this medicine up because it controls my seizures. I'm fortunate that my medical plan covers the brand name, but I have to pay more."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Starting Lamictal with the smaller doses did not offer much alleviation until I was titrated up to about 75-100 mg. It's been a wonderful experience so far with 100 mg, and I do believe it can be an extremely effective drug for Bipolar 2 patients! The only side effects I faced upon starting and a few days after titration include dizziness and mild insomnia."

• div...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "My experience has been terrible. I am 42 and an educated woman who works in a high-capacity job, and I can't function. I have been to the emergency room twice for disorientation and garbled writing/texts. I have had several falls or balance issues, one fall caused a concussion. Now I walk with a cane on occasions. I constantly forget things, events, appointments, and more. I finally had to go out on medical leave. I am in the process of discontinuing all psych meds, as they are ruining my life!!!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 18, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Lamictal since 2003, when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My dose has ranged from 200 to 300 mg, once a day. Lamictal, in combination with therapy and an SSRI, has enabled me to have stable relationships and do work that I enjoy. The best way I can describe it is that it takes the edge off both the highs and the lows. There are side effects: I have had extreme dizziness and occasionally have fainted (I have low blood pressure), lowered libido, and a decreased tolerance to alcohol; I gave up alcohol for the first several months I took Lamictal and now drink very moderately. It’s been 20 years of no hospitalizations or self-harm, so the side effects are worth it for me!"

• 3br...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2017

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I've been taking Lamictal for over 15 years. I have to be on a high dose, which does give me side effects. My memory is very bad, and my balance is a little off. For as much as the memory thing bothers me, I'd rather have that than the alternative, which is crazy. I hadn't tried 'everything' before I tried Lamictal, but I tried enough meds to know how they did not work like Lamictal did. It didn't happen overnight. I had to ramp up very slowly, not just because of the physical, but to see how my mind was. It took about a year to get to my therapeutic dose, and it was worth it. Talk to your doctor about everything it does to you. Work together."

• Psy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal is a great medication. The titration takes quite a while, but it's worth it-honestly. It isn't too effective at controlling the hypo or full-blown mania-as something like Geodon-but it's a crown jewel for depression, especially treatment-resistant depression. In terms of side effects, there are few to none for most people. What I got was some mild dizziness and photosensitivity/blurred vision (a little irritating but nothing serious). In combo with Zoloft, this was the 'power cocktail' I was on for years."

• zzz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2022

For Seizure Prevention "The longer I'm on Lamictal, the more problems I have - I'm taking it for nocturnal seizures (I had 1-2/yr before meds). When I began taking it, I erupted in a burning facial rash, so we scaled the dose back. Since then, my days begin with vertigo/severe fatigue, my vision has become blurry (the optometrist saw no literal vision changes during testing), I have tremors periodically, short-term memory is practically non-existent, difficulty concentrating, my limbs feel weak/tingly, and I'm still having seizures! I've been doing all sorts of tests and haven't been diagnosed with a new health problem. Why do anticonvulsants all cause so much misery? I'm essentially a stiff, wobbly, forgetful zombie on this medication. I'm really sad that it isn't working because I heard it was a tried and true medication. My neurologist is weaning me off, thank God. I wish there was something out there that actually worked and didn't crush you under the weight of debilitating side effects."

• Bun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Started at 25 mg, upped to 50, then 100 over 2-week periods. Feel absolutely horrible. Had a rash on my face at onset, now I feel dizzy, lightheaded, headache, can't handle any smells or smoke, nausea, acid reflux, burping, and bruising. Have backed down to 50 and eventually to 25 to get the hell off! Can't drive, go anywhere, or function."

• Gan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2018

For Seizure Prevention "I have been on Lamictal for 13 years. For the first 12, I had similar symptoms as others - poor memory, exhaustion, inability to walk a straight line. No idea why, but now my symptoms are slowly going away. My dizzy spells are rare, straight lines aren't difficult, and best of all, my memory is coming back. It's not as good as before I was on the meds, but I'm happy for anything I can get. My issue is that I'm soon going on Medicare, and the cost of this medicine is $12,000 per year. I'm looking into generics, and based on the research, it seems they have gotten better, but I'm not ready to make the leap yet."

• Lon...
• February 7, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "After years of antidepressant tablets that worked only to blank out my memory and let me survive, I went on to lamotrigine six months ago. Suddenly and quickly, I started to feel normal again. My long-term memory has returned, and I take pleasure in music and nature again. I feel so much happier. On the negative side, the fatigue became a problem but has reduced as I reduced my dose to get to optimal. Insomnia and vivid dreams have increased, but I can deal with that. Also, blurred vision and dizziness that are slowly disappearing. In short, a miracle for bipolar 2. I also take Lexapro."

• JJD...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2025

"I take Lamictal for nerve pain from trigeminal neuralgia, among others. My main condition is complex regional pain syndrome - body-wide. Also, I have a bipolar 2 diagnosis. Lamictal has proven extremely effective for nerve pain. It is the best drug I have found for the heavy burning sensations I commonly get. It has proven superior to Gabapentin and other first-line options. Side effects were primarily dizziness the first couple of months, which has gone away since. I’ve been on Lamictal for approximately 5 years. I have not noticed any other side effects."

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal really worked great at stabilizing my moods and eliminating my manic episodes. I stopped blowing things out of proportion, being paranoid, and having rage attacks. I have been taking this with Wellbutrin every day. The side effects were brutal to begin with the first few months, and I had to go backwards on my dose and increase it slowly. I am always lightheaded and dizzy. The first few months, I would lose my balance and have to grab something to prevent falling on a daily basis. Now I'm used to it and can recognize when I need to stop and let my body adjust before I move, but stabilizing my moods has been a lifesaver."

• CCL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

"It’s frustrating to know that I’m one of the few persons on which Lamictal had terrible side effects. Once I started the 50 mg, I had severe diarrhea, nightmares, dizziness. A week after, I had to increase the dose to 75 mg, and I thought I was gonna die. The diarrhea became horrible (went 7 to 8 times a day to the bathroom), I had light stool, kidney pain, severe dizziness (fell down twice), a very intense back pain (couldn’t stand up or walk), and my level of ferritin dropped to 13 (probably because of the diarrhea). I had to stop the medication. Now I’m just on a 25 mg with Tegretol. I have cyclothymia and am still searching for the correct medication to work on me."

• CCL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

"It’s frustrating to know that I’m one of the few persons on which Lamictal had terrible side effects. Once I started the 50 mg, I had severe diarrhea, nightmares, dizziness. A week after, I had to increase the dose to 75 mg, and I thought I was gonna die. The diarrhea became horrible (went 7 to 8 times a day to the bathroom), I had light stool, kidney pain, severe dizziness (fell down twice), a very intense back pain (couldn’t stand up or walk), and my level of ferritin dropped to 13 (probably because of the diarrhea). I had to stop the medication. Now I’m just on a 25 mg with Tegretol. I have cyclothymia and am still searching for the correct medication to work on me."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "This medicine was horrible for me. Not only did it not help - it made my symptoms worse! The whole time I was on Lamictal, I was a raving lunatic, and it brought my friends and family to their wits' end. I was dizzy all the time and never felt hungry. My hormones were all out of whack, causing my periods to be irregular and horrific. It also messed with my birth control, and I wound up pregnant - a pregnancy that later failed due to further complications. I know this medicine works for some people, but it's not a miracle for everyone. I was on it for about 4 or 5 months."