Lamictal and Headaches: 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."

• Bp2...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 12, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has singularly saved my life. I have BP 2 with rapid cycling with my dominant problem as depression. I would have hypo episodes but fewer than depressive episodes. First week on Lamictal I had a bit of a dull headache but that is it. Within a week the heaviness of depression was lifting. Now, 10 years later, I have zero headaches from it and zero side effects. Maybe I am a little less empathetic but I love this med. I have zero depression with maybe 1-2 brief episodes of depression per year. It never lasts and when one starts, I may cry and feel really down, but I feel it kick in and stop the endless spiral. I love this med."

• Reb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken many different medications and this is the best and cleanest mood stabilizer. I was on 200mg. I do recommend it to people who are manic and unstable. It will help you get back on your feet and function in life. You will likely notice your mood is flatlined, but if your life is in the dumps then having a flatlined emotion is worth it. You will not get upset over things that made you upset in the past. Disclaimer: It gave me some short term memory loss, and pounding headaches with hazy vision if I did not take the medicine at the same time every day. Be careful with alcohol because the hangovers are extreme on this medication."

• 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."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar Disorder type 2 and when the Pandemic hit my moods became completely unmanageable, especially my anxiety. I had not been on medication for about 4 years which if you have Bipolar disorder can be very dangerous territory. The racing thoughts, the angry outbursts, the never-ending panic attacks, crying outbursts, the mania... it was awful. I ended up having to be hospitalized. I am not someone who is good at taking medicine, I catastrophize and make myself suffer unnecessarily. I finally gave in while at the hospital and started Lamictal 25mg twice daily and I'm thankful I did. Within the first 2 days my panic attacks eased, my racing thoughts quieted, and I wasn't crying so much. It does make me tired and gave me headaches for about a week, but both are manageable and have lessened. I have had only 1 panic attack since starting Lamictal and it was much less severe than without. This medication works for me."

• 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."

• Org...
• February 22, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was very tearful when my doctor prescribed Lamictal because I had only been on SSRI medications in the past (they really messed me up and I was hospitalized). My doctor prescribed me Lamictal at 25mg for 2 weeks, then 50mg for another 2 weeks, with maintenance at 100mg after that. I was tearful because I was terrified to relive what had happened before. Much to my surprise, Lamictal is what I consider my 'life saver'. I feel my moods have been maintained and balanced since beginning this medication. I have not experienced any weight gain at all, only headaches from time to time. My libido has actually increased, and I read that this medication can affect the menstrual cycle (which it has for me, has made them lighter!). I love Lamictal!"

• 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!"

• cs2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I've only been on Lamictal for 3 days, so I really can't give a full review, however, today is Sunday, and I took my first pill Fri before bed. I woke up Sat morning and laid there for a good ten minutes thinking 'Something is weird.' I realized that my mind was calm. For as long as I can remember, I've constantly had running thoughts and was always thinking of multiple things at a time. I can now think straight thoughts, I'm able to think a good amount clearer, and because of it, my stress has been a lot lower. I'm taking 25mg for Bipolar Disorder 2 and will write a new review as things develop. I haven't seen any change in my moods, but I've only just started. I've had a few dull headaches but no other side effects so far."

• Kim...
• March 11, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm a 30-year-old female and I've had many different diagnoses as well. I've tried and failed with many antidepressants, antipsychotics, among others. Nothing ever worked or made me feel worse! Then I found Lamictal. I've been on 50mg a day for ten days now. After six days I was feeling great. But now I'm getting mood swings, itchy, slight headaches, and lots of crazy dreaming. I am still a little depressed and thought this is not going to work either. But thanks to all your good reviews, I'm going to hang in there, wait until I find the right dose, and hopefully feel as good as all of you."

• Imo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I've suffered from depression and anxiety since I was a teen, made worse after the birth of my child. I tried various antidepressants, which had the usual side effects of headaches, sluggishness, low libido, and weight gain. One was a total disaster and triggered a hypomanic episode. I've spent three years medication-free, with no manic episodes but still struggling with depression. Three weeks ago, I started Lamictal. I know it's early days to call it a win, but I immediately felt better. The volume on that horrible self-talk has been muted, I feel positive and optimistic. No headaches, no loss of libido, and it is weight neutral. I have noticed a few side effects - the first week my skin was very itchy, and I'm losing more hair than usual. Hope this subsides."

• 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."

• joa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 29, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug was a lifesaver for me. I've been on it for about 3 years, the early side effects were a headache. I take 2 in the morning to get my day going. Beware, if you miss a dose, you will be sick and not feel like yourself all day. I'm 23, and paired it with lithium but eventually stopped that. Overall, this has really helped me!"

• ins...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I wasn't on this long enough to see anything positive because it made me lethargic, gave me headaches, body aches, and completely sunk my libido. Two other people I know who went on Lamictal around the same time as me also had their libidos die."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed Lamictal for cyclothymia disorder. Although I have only been on Lamictal for 3 months (200 mg), I have noticed a significant change in my sleeping habits. I went from being hypomanic and only sleeping 2-4 hrs a night to sleeping a normal 8. Lamictal has made me a morning person, something I never thought was possible. It has dampened my depressive episodes considerably, as I no longer have hypersomnia with intense despair. The only side effect I experienced was moderate headaches within the first few weeks. I was skeptical and afraid to try this drug, but so far I am very glad that I did."

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

For Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• February 19, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "This medication literally saved my life. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1. I also experience mixed episodes and psychosis. I've tried countless antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Upon being recommended this anticonvulsant, I was skeptical. It took a while to titrate to the effective level. I am now on 300 mg of Lamictal every day. This medication gave me headaches at first, I also experienced weight loss. I still have my bad days, but they're not as intense and frequent as they were before this medication. I now have the will to live again, thanks to Lamictal."

• ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and now possibly a mood disorder. I have tried almost every drug in the book, and I was fed up. My doctor recommended Lamotrigine, and I refused to take it due to the risk of SJS - knowing this made my anxiety way worse. But after another year of failed efforts, I decided I’d give it a shot. I started at 25 mg per day for a week and increased by 25 mg a week until I reached 150 mg/day. In week one, I didn’t notice a difference, in week two, I started feeling my mood leveling out and felt more energy. In week three, at 75 mg, I noticed I was “yawning” and had “air hunger” a lot. Then, with each subsequent dose increase, it got worse and worse. At 150 mg, I have a horrible headache. I plan to reduce back to the most effective dose for me (50 mg) and see how that goes! Overall, my experience has been positive. Just try to take the lowest dose to avoid side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I just started taking 25 mg a day a few days ago. So far, I'm tired after taking it and very thirsty. I do feel good after the drowsiness wears off and am already starting to feel good. My jaw hurts a little and slight headache. I will post again in a few weeks."

• 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."

• Cel...
• June 22, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I am diagnosed with bipolar II and PTSD. I have been on 300 mg of Lamictal for over 3 years, and it is, indeed, a lifesaver! When I first started taking it, I felt as if a warm, gentle hand reached in and touched me exactly where it hurt. As I write this, I recall that before starting Lamictal, I had excruciating pain in my solar plexus. I was in a deep state of bipolar depression with spikes of rage and extreme anxiety at least 2 times each month. Lamictal has made these mixed states less severe and not as frequent. I also take Paxil CR. As for side effects, at first I had headaches and nausea, but I endured them gladly."

• Bee...
• July 30, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Very effective, but the side effects are bad if I don't take it correctly. I think there are ways you can reduce the effects (getting the correct dosage, of course). Before you consider going up a dose, it's worth considering. When do you take them? I began taking mine at night, but have since been taking them through the day to avoid headaches, blurred vision, and tremors. I take more of the last dose, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do you take them with food? I take them with food. I definitely feel side effects every time if I don't eat properly and skip a meal. Are you on any hormone treatment HRT/pill? I have found that there is a, as I call it, lower absorption rate as I'm on HRT, and my consultant agrees, so I am taking a higher dose. What dosage? Even 25 mg makes a difference."

• sf1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been treated for what I thought was depression with anxiety since my twenties. At 60, I finally received a diagnosis on the bipolar spectrum. Depakote is a dream, but I still had depressive symptoms (strong tendency to isolate). Because of headaches, I have had to increase the dose of Lamictal extremely slowly (5 mg to start, increasing by 5 mg every 2-3 weeks as headaches abate), but it has made me more comfortable doing socially challenging things I want to do. Surprisingly, it also seems to be improving my circadian rhythm, so I have been able to get to bed earlier."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve had bipolar disorder since my early 20s, which was misdiagnosed as depression. I was prescribed Prozac. Was on that for years. It greatly helped my irritability, but I continued to experience hypomanic episodes that affected my marriage, my jobs, and my relationship with my kids. I was in and out of therapy due to lack of health insurance. I was finally able to secure a therapist and psychiatrist. He mentioned Lamictal, which I was nervous about since I had tried it 6 years ago, and my nervousness increased greatly. I was desperate, so I gave it a go again. I was told I wouldn’t notice any improvement until I was at the intended dose of 200 mg a day. I started at 25 mg at night, and I quickly noticed headaches, crazy dreams, and it was harder for me to fall asleep. I’ve read a lot of those side effects are temporary, but even if they weren’t, I’d still take Lamictal. My head is clearer, my mood stability increased, my appetite decreased, and I feel peace for the first time in my life."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Lamictal for a couple of months now, only up to 100 mg, but I just stopped taking it due to the severe headaches I've been getting from it. Just a heads-up as one of the potential side effects."