Lamictal User Reviews & Ratings

• 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 and God bless."

• Jew...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this drug Lamictal for a total time of 14 months. I've been able to drop my bipolar meds down from 4 different kinds to just Lamictal only for four months now. My experience is one for the books. Diagnosed with bipolar, I had tried so many different kinds of medications. My medicine cabinet looked like a pharmacy. Now I am down to one drug a day! That drug is Lamictal! Literally my saving grace. All the psychiatrists I saw, all the different medication combinations I had tried, only scratched the surface. My newest psychiatrist suggested this drug. I was skeptical because none of the other doctors I saw suggested it, and I didn't know it existed. This drug is a miracle. It has changed how I live, how I care for my kids, how I see the world. The best part is, I'm me again."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I had been empty, depressed doesn’t justify the way I was living my life. No matter how hard I tried, what medication I took. I couldn’t “mom”, House a MESS, relationships failing, Job on the line, alcohol being my go to. I started Lamictal about 2 months ago and haven’t had one day where I felt like I couldn’t make it through. I got a promotion, my laundry is done at all times, dishes washed, cooking dinner on the regular, I can get out of bed on Sundays which was a routine for years. Lamictal was my miracle for bipolar depression. Easy to say without it, I don’t know if I would be here. Now I WANT to be here, I want to succeed, self develop. Started reading self-help books, listening to motivational podcasts. If you feel like there is nothing that will help you, I highly recommend taking a chance on Lamictal. After all, when you have bipolar depression, what do you really have to lose?? DO IT."

• rda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Male, 33 years old. I've been on Lamictal for 4 months after being diagnosed with cyclothymia. Started with 50 mg, now 100 mg once a day. Mood swings all my life, often irritable, easily become angry. Spent money, got into debts massively, never worked at one place for more than a few months. Lucky to find the right psychiatrist who put me on Lamictal. In my country (Russia), not many doctors are familiar with bipolar spectrum disorders treatment and even fewer prescribe Lamictal. After taking the first 50 mg, everything changed immediately. I became calmer, more stable, feel much more comfortable in public places and in communication with people, more confident, more present, more relaxed. Before, I had a feeling that everyone around is constantly looking at me and even judging, couldn't talk on the phone if someone is near me. Although my highs are still a bit too high, my lows are 80% better. Surely, I'm going to continue taking Lamictal."

• Men...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve taken this drug Lamictal for about 7 weeks now and guess what? My life has turned so positive! I am a way happier and stable human. I no longer lash out or get mad over any little thing that would trigger a manic stage. I’ve been able to deal with stress without freaking out, literally can't believe it! I highly recommend this to anyone with bipolar!!!! Good luck and God bless"

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Ok, so I've been on several different antidepressants and antipsychotics to no avail. When my doctor suggested Lamictal, I thought, okay, here we go again... Well, I just want to say I've been on 25mg for 2 weeks and just upped the dose to 50mg 2 days ago. I honestly feel so much better. She said it could take weeks, but it literally took about 5 days to notice a difference. My racing thoughts and deep depression are getting better daily. It's such a relief. I finally have some hope. I don't want to die every second of the day. The only other medication I take is Ativan as needed. Don't give up! I can't believe this is actually working!!!"

• CJa...
• September 25, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I was put on Lamictal for Borderline Personality Disorder/PTSD/Anxiety/Major Depressive. The only noticeable side effects for me were slight irritability and becoming more easily frustrated than usual in the beginning, along with drowsiness after taking the nightly dose. I can honestly say that after working out the kinks, this medication has changed my life. I have more energy, I sleep better, and I am able to let go of less than ideal situations instead of being consumed by them. I no longer default to self-harm and suicidal ideation, and my thoughts are much less hyperbolic and more aware/rooted in reality. I cannot remember the last time I was this stable and happy. I have not experienced any rashes or physical changes other than my appetite slightly decreasing and losing a bit of weight. 150mg is definitely the sweet spot for me, and I do not intend to increase my dose at this time. I would highly recommend this medication, especially if you are like me and have exhausted every other option."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've struggled undiagnosed with Bipolar 2 for years- many times having it labeled and treated as depression (Prozac, Wellbutrin, etc., all of which helped the depression but made me manic). The one time I was told it could be bipolar 2 at age 25, the diagnosis scared me (the idea of being on medication for the rest of my life did too) so I decided to go off of all meds and 'handle it on my own'. 7 years later, after multiple tumultuous relationships, tons of money spent on shopping, and some extreme bouts of both depression and hypomania, I finally started on this medication, Lamictal. I have been on it for about 6 weeks and am up to 100mg, and I finally know what 'normal' feels like... and it's not racing thoughts 24/7 or snapping on loved ones at the drop of a hat. Almost no side effects."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2023

For Depression "Have had drug-resistant depression for as long as I can recall. Have been on Wellbutrin for years just because it's the only thing that does not have side effects for me. Have tried every SSRI with no results other than negative side effects. Now I have been very skeptical of anything working at this point, and honestly don't know what really to expect if something finally does, but I started Lamictal about a month ago. I have been tapering up and just bumped up to 100 mg, and I have noticed one change since about the second week. I have been cleaning my house... on a regular basis...including keeping the dishes clean. I have been also doing little things for myself like moisturizing my face and giving myself AHA facials. Like I said I really don't know how to gauge if something is working, and these little things may seem trivial but this is the most self-care I have done in years, and I am optimistic (this is out of character too) about what else is in store as I increase my dose."

• Anonymous
• October 2, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "My whole life I was depressed. I started using drugs at age 16, which led to a 17-year battle with depression and addiction. It was like, no matter where I was, my mind would tell me I didn't belong. I've been taking this medicine for a year and a half. It is NOT a coincidence that I got sober and haven't picked up a drug since. It's not a coincidence that I'm a mom again, a friend, and a daughter. This medicine allowed me to breathe and go with the flow of life optimistically. It's mild, so it's perfect. This medicine saved my life. Literally."

• JJa...
• December 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've struggled with Bipolar II since I was a teenager. Unfortunately, it was misdiagnosed as depression until I was in my 60s. As you can imagine, I've been prescribed everything available, beginning first with what were called 'tricyclics,' which were medications like Mellaril (thioridazine), Elavil (amitriptyline), to the SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and several others. I took other types of medications for depression or anxiety, too many to mention, all with varying and limited levels of success. Some were helpful for a time, others not at all. That was until I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and prescribed Lamictal. This medication, along with psychotherapy, has had a profound effect on my life. I have to say, I've never felt better."

• Geo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "After struggling off and on with depression, this medication Lamictal literally saved my life. I bounced from antidepressant to antidepressants, praying something would work, but nothing did. I had everything in my life, so it was so frustrating. It felt like my soul had been sucked out of me. I no longer wanted to live. This disease cost me a marriage, a son, and a job. Life is so good now. I owe my life literally to Lamictal. Please don't ever give up!"

• 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."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I am an extremely sensitive person and my depression is easily triggered. I have BPD, PTSD, MDD, and ADD (inattentive). I do not have Bipolar Disorder, but this medication has helped me tremendously with mood swings. I used to have a mental breakdown almost every day from intrusive thoughts. I am feeling much better now. I am taking a low dose of only 25 mg. I request to start on the lowest dose possible of any medication and work my way up. I notice a lot of people are leaving negative reviews because of side effects. I have had no negative side effects and I do not plan to increase my dosage. Remember that the higher the dose you take of any medication, the greater the risk is for side effects. I would recommend giving this medication a chance!"

• war...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I am a 52-year-old male, and Lamictal was a godsend. I was in a bad way for a few years until a new doctor said, 'We can fix this,' and prescribed Lamictal. Within a week, I was back. I was able to get on top of and manage my depression, anxiety, and anger. It was so great to be the person I wanted to be instead of the angry mess I had become. That may sound overly dramatic, but it's true and may speak to some of you."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal changed my life! I’ve tried many bipolar meds as a teen - Trileptal, Seroquel, Trazodone etc... none worked and I developed terrible acne and side effects. So I went off bipolar meds and took only Zoloft for almost 10 years. Fast forward - one day I realized I couldn’t get out of bed and needed help. I was insistent on trying a medication that wouldn’t make me gain weight so I read a lot of reviews on here and decided to try Lamictal. It absolutely changed my life - the ONLY bipolar medication that has worked for me. It is like night and day - looking back at my precious behavior is baffling to me now. Now no blow-ups, I can function normally, no weight gain. I noticed a difference literally the day of taking it (I’m very sensitive to medicine and in tune with my body). Again - this medication changed my life. Thank you Lamictal!"

• Lyn...
• March 4, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Since taking Lamictal 100 mg daily, I seem to be sharper, can multi-task again, and my energy level is very steady. Emotional pain and distractibility are much more controlled. I feel like myself again. I HOPE IT LASTS."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2020

For Seizure Prevention "My sister died today due to side effects from this drug. It is ruthless. She lost 2 layers of skin over 90% of her body as it caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. She was bandaged from head to toe and blood seeping through the bandages. Though claimed this outcome is rare. I encourage you to consider other options. My sister was healthy and today lost her life due to the side effects of this drug that should not be on the market. Think twice."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Wellbutrin (get off the couch). Zoloft (be happy). Pristiq (be happier). Xanax (chill out). Adderall (get 'er done efficiently). Dexilant (ulcer, of course). Lisinopril (blood pressure). Up. Down. Up. Down. And then... because I felt so awful and helpless, pain pills. I'm a smart girl. I understand the epidemic and the risk of addiction, but didn't care. Went into a new Dr. (one that finally didn't just take out a prescription pad and ask me 'what do you want?'), but asked questions to better understand me. The plan? To taper off a ton of these drugs (not cold turkey) and prescribed Lamictal. Game changer. Less meds for liver. More money in my pocket. More genuine calmness and happiness. Seriously, game changer."

• Tob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "Best medication I have taken for my bipolar disorder, absolutely life-changing. I've been taking it for years, and when I go off of it, I definitely notice a huge resurgence in my depression and suicidality. No noticeable side effects for me. I take it alongside Geodon right now, and it's as if I don't have bipolar at all now :)"

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Ten years on antidepressants. Numerous breakdowns with family, jobs, courses, my wallet, and the bottle. Spent the last 2 years going to work only to come home to sleep. Lost my two children. House and car a mess. Drove literally everyone away. Slowly came to the realization that the world may be better without me. I got diagnosed with bipolar/BPD rapid cycling and now on day 3 of Lamictal. Weaning off Effexor. My house is clean, I can prioritize things, I seem to be clawing my way out of that dark space in my mind. I'm motivated to leave the house and am hopeful about cleaning up my financial messes. If I had been diagnosed earlier, I might still have my children. This medication is saving my life."

• TON...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 10, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have tried and failed every medication out there!! I just could not tolerate the side effects and weight gain. I came very close to suicide, and I finally got on Lamictal. What a difference!! I am finally not having the mania keeping me up for days and the severe depression of constantly writing suicide letters. I am also on Klonopin. I had to go off my meds during my pregnancy, and my husband said 'I will never get you pregnant again!!!' That is how much better I am on the medication. My dose is 300 mg split twice daily. I had gastric bypass as well, and I am tolerating it the same as I was before. I have been on Lamictal for 8 years. I wanted to share my experience so that I might touch someone's life and make a difference!"

• A-n...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "If you have Bipolar Disorder type II, please learn as much as you can about this condition from professional, reputable sources so you can make informed decisions about treatment and management options. This is a treatable, manageable illness, take hope in that. After 20+ years struggling to 'cure' myself 'naturally' & being miserable, dangerously depressed & dysfunctional, I finally decided to try psych medication. I found a doctor who SPECIALISES in this disorder and is up to date with the latest research findings in this specific condition. If you don't like your current GP or Psych's attitude, find someone else! I started a combo of Lamictal (AM & PM) & Seroquel (Only PM - makes you drowsy). I kept a daily mood diary & it took 3 months for my mood to fully stabilize. To help the bipolar depression, we added bupropion & N-Acetyl Cysteine, a supplement (all based on clinical research!). For 5 years now, I’ve had my life back. Deciding to take this medication saved my life."