Lamictal and Nausea: What Users Say

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I've tried almost all meds for depression/bipolar but no success. I started Lamictal 25mg about 4 weeks ago and I'm currently on 50mg per day. It has really lifted my depression. It's the best medication I have ever taken for bipolar. I have more energy, less irritable, less appetite, and increased sexual desire. However, it has some side effects (insomnia, nausea, mild constipation, and pains on my sides) which are all gradually fading away. I also take 40 mg Prozac per day. Lamictal is a wonder drug. I haven't reached the therapeutic level. I'm titrating slowly. I felt a great need to do this review to help others because other people's reviews have helped me in the past. Good luck!"

• Iza...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has completely changed my life. I take it in conjunction with a low dose of Abilify, and the combination has kept me from having manic/depressive for about a year straight now, something I never thought possible. At first, I was just on Abilify—a pretty high dose—and while it kept me free from hypomania, it didn’t really do much for the depression. Lamictal, on the other hand, has worked wonders in that respect. Very little side effects—I wake up nauseous but it fades after about an hour, and it’s definitely worth it. Other than that, no weight gain, and I believe it may have actually increased my previously nonexistent sex drive. The best part of Lamictal is that I don’t feel flat or subdued. I’m still having the normal ups and downs of life, but for the first time, I feel pretty confident that they’re not bipolar related. It’s really been a miracle drug for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sta...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 3, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Please do not start this medication for bipolar unless it’s a last resort! I have been “stuck” on it for years, unable to withdraw without suicidal thoughts and attempts. A missed dose can be life or death in more ways than one here. I’m always tired. It never goes away. It’s been an effort to even live without pushing myself to find the energy to be productive. I get nauseous at the same time daily, and my bipolar symptoms haven’t improved enough to justify the mental anguish this pill has caused me. I take the maximum dose and, trust me, it’s not better. I’m pleading to those who are considering it to please research withdrawal symptoms before starting it. It breaks my heart knowing there are others taking it because they’re stuck like I am, don’t take this drug lightly. I’ve withdrawn from opiates, and it didn’t hurt like this pill does. I don’t recommend it for bipolar disorder at all."

• Get...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’m taking Lamotrigine for bipolar PMDD, and I’m amazed by the results. I’m now on Lamotrigine 200 mg x 2 per day and have very few truly low days. I’m much more engaged with my life, kids, and friends; when asked how I am, I can genuinely say I feel good or even great. Side effects initially just nausea and nystagmus when I increased the dose. The nausea has now come back, and I’m struggling to eat enough. I eat regularly until I feel sick, but am losing 2-3 lb per month, and I wasn’t big to begin with. I’ve also been more distracted, and it’s harder to remember things. I even get distracted when driving and have more extreme hyper days. But I’m also getting much more done, so at the moment that feels great. My doctor says Lamotrigine is great for depression but not so good for the hyper end, so suggests I either add in Ampriprazole or lower my dose, which I’m trying first. For me, the life-changing benefits by far outweigh the side effects. I just need to sort out the weight loss."

• Clu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I am autistic, not bipolar, but was prescribed Lamictal (400 mg). It really worked for my major meltdowns. It has decreased my issues by 80-90%. My family can definitely tell when I forget to take it because I turn into a hot emotional mess! I wish I would have had this as a kid because it would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. The ONLY drawback is that the pill tastes absolutely horrible. If I get a taste of it on my tongue, it makes me want to vomit. Sometimes it just won’t go down with my other pills, so I’m left struggling to swallow it."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on this medicine for a month. I thought it was making me feel better, but it’s not. Every night I have to run to the bathroom because of diarrhea, not to mention stomach cramps and nausea in the day. Which at first I thought was because of stress, but then I did some research as I tend to be sensitive to a lot of medications. This stuff isn’t working for me, needless to say, I am to call my psych doctor ASAP. Lashing out at my husband over stupid stuff isn’t fun. I feel like rubbish, and I feel like everything’s my fault. I seriously don’t wanna be here, and I really don’t wanna end up in the psych ward before I can see the doctor because I can’t ever get the right medicine."

• Ton...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "It was rough with nausea for over 2 months on Lamictal when I first was adjusting to the medicine and the right dosage, but now - almost 8 months in... I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time with bipolar! I have lost weight... around 10 pounds, which has never been easy for me to do, but I’m thinking it’s only because I’m more stable and level-headed. I also deal with PTSD from childhood abuse and early adult years. I take prazosin at night for it to curb nightmares. I did notice I began dreaming more often when I started taking the Lamictal and nightmares... taking prazosin at night has done wonders."

• mag...
• January 2, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this for 2 weeks, and it has saved my life. I started to feel much better after only 4 days, racing thoughts were gone. The only side effects are nausea and loss of appetite, which is okay. I also take lithium (I am weaning off after 10 years on) and Paxil 40 mg. I wish I had been on this years ago."

• Kik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Prozac for 2 years for post-traumatic stress disorder. In May 2012, I had gastric bypass surgery and recently went back to my doctor because I felt like I wasn't even on my Prozac anymore (I wasn't absorbing it after surgery), so he doubled the dose. After 3 days, I felt way worse! So we dropped the Prozac back down and doubled my Topamax. The combination of Topamax and Prozac made me feel awful! I had uncontrollable crying, bad nausea, and was probably the most depressed I've ever been. I was diagnosed with a mild form of bipolar disorder, so we started on 50 mg of Lamictal for 3 days, then we bumped it to 100 mg. It's been 5 days, but I can honestly feel a difference! Haven't cried since, feel better mentally, and I'm just happier."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Absolutely horrible experience. At only 25 mg, I experienced extreme nausea and vomiting. Only at 50 mg, it sent me into a mixed state. Couldn’t reach 100 mg. It has worked for so many people. It just wasn’t for me."

• gra...
• May 11, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal for almost a year, along with a daily dose of Wellbutrin 150 XL that I have been on for three years. Petite and sensitive to medication, I have done well on 50 mg Lamictal daily. This medication has brought so much relief! Excellent addition to the Wellbutrin. I deal mostly with depression, but I have also been very mood sensitive and can be easily 'sent over the edge.' This medication brings me peace and well-being. Having to deal with emotional instability is very stressful and burdensome (for me and those I love). That burden is lifted, as the range of emotions that I have is much more manageable. Less worrying if I am going to have an outburst, which means less shame to deal with. No major symptoms other than very brief, occasional, and mild nausea after I eat. Overall, it has made a huge improvement to my quality of life. If you are in need of a stabilizer, I hope it works for you!"

• Inv...
• December 19, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on Lamictal for about 5 months. Knocked out the hypomania but did nothing for my depression; it made me feel completely numb, which was worse than being depressed/in pain. Also made me horribly nauseous for the entire time I was on it."

• red...
• February 1, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I am a young 60-year-old female. No one believes me that I am really 60! I was just diagnosed with bipolar II. I have been depressed for years, and the antidepressants just stopped working. Over the last 8 months, I had become very angry, irritable, happy at times, and severely depressed to the point of wanting to die every day. My doctor finally sent me to a mental health professional, and she diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. I started taking Lamictal, and the first week I noticed I was feeling more even and not depressed. A month later, I now feel as if I was handed my life back. I did have nausea with it, but that went away. Now I feel at peace inside! I have no depression and am finally happy. Thank you, Lamictal."

• 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."

• Meg...
• June 13, 2015

For Seizure Prevention "I have started taking lamotrigine with the intention of weaning myself off phenytoin. Unfortunately, after 2 weeks and 2 days, I have had terrible side effects: splitting headaches, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, and extreme irritability."

• Aud...
• January 9, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Not the most effective. It did tone down my hypomania a little bit. I normally get depressive episodes at a set time every year, and lamotrigine pushed it a bit later than it would have been. Besides that, it didn't do much; I'm still having severe depressive episodes that lead to suicidality. No side effects on its own, but I've noticed that it seems to magnify the side effects of other drugs if I take both (e.g., if I take a drug that makes me drowsy, lamotrigine makes me more drowsy; if I take a drug that makes me nauseous, lamotrigine makes me more nauseous, etc.). All in all, I'm pretty neutral on this drug. It's not great, but not bad."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2024

"I started about a week ago with 25 mg, 2 days before my period. There were no discernible side effects at first, but now I think it’s causing mild nausea. It also could be a coincidence, but my acid reflux seems worse and I’m a bit more dehydrated. As far as how I feel though, I think it’s working well. My mood was better and I wasn’t tired like you get with SSRIs. I’m on a low dose, so there wasn’t any major shift in personality or anything, which I appreciated. I did notice that PMDD symptoms were much better. A lot less irritability. I’m also on ADHD meds, and it didn’t affect those, thank God. I’ve noticed that my typical pessimistic outlook on life has improved, and I’ve been wanting to work on self-development all of a sudden, so I’d say this med is pretty good. I still feel like myself, just better, which is most important to me."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I wanted to add to my review. Besides developing a very bad rash and chest pains, sometimes Lamictal would give me heartburn and indigestion too. It would last for hours, and I would be very nauseated. I never had heartburn or indigestion before, so I know it was the medicine that caused it. I'm so glad I don't take it anymore."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed with GAD, MDD, and ADD with compulsive tendencies, I have tried various antidepressants and stimulants with no improvement. I have been taking Viibryd 20 mg for five years, which has helped with my depression but not with my mood swings. During my fourth semester of nursing school, I didn't recognize myself, as I experienced ups and downs, an inability to focus and study, a lack of motivation, and a flat and uninterested mood. At this point, stimulants only worsen my symptoms. I sought a new psychiatrist who diagnosed me with BP2 and started me on Lamictal 25 mg. I am sensitive to medications, but there have been a few side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, increased thirst, and blurred vision only twice at night while reading, and I no longer experience racing thoughts. I am now on 50 mg and still have mood swings, but I will continue to increase to 100 mg next week."

• 31 ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I am on the autistic spectrum, so I'm used to the ups and downs. However, for the last 10 years, I have experienced severe lows where I neglect myself, the house ends up an absolute mess, my spending is really irresponsible, and I skip rent without thinking of the consequences. I *know* better than to do this, but my mind just crashes. I don't recognize myself as I'm usually a very tidy person. My GP put me on lamotrigine (Lamictal), and it's helped a LOT. I feel like I'm more myself, I am showering, eating actual food instead of crap, and I am tidying, working out, etc. The difference is significant, and I slowly manage my weight better too. Friends can tell when I've skipped meds because I am so different off them. The downside is I became prone to insomnia, but if I am strict with a sleep pattern/good sleep hygiene, I'm fine. I get a little nauseous too, but it's worth it for the positives, personally."

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder back in 2019. They started me off on Depakote, which helped with my mania, however, it made me gain 12 lbs in one week, even though I barely ate. Then they put me on Lamictal. Lamictal is great for bipolar depression, but it spiraled me into a lot of manic episodes. So they put me on a combination of Lamictal (200-400 mg twice a day) and Abilify (2 mg once a day), which did wonders for almost four years. Now, if I take them, I feel very sick to my stomach, and it makes my mouth and tongue numb. Also, when I went up in dosage on Lamictal, it made my face break out really badly, so I went back down from 800 mg a day to 600 mg. This medicine is great if you don’t want to gain weight and in conjunction with another medication (if your manic episodes flare up like mine did). I’m starting Geodon now. I hope it works and doesn't make me feel sick after a while of being on it."