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Lamictal User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Lamictal has an average rating of 8.1 out of 10 from a total of 723 reviews on Drugs.com. 76% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lamictal

  • Pugsta
  • March 8, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I am bipolar 2 and take 300mg per day. Has changed my life so much. Helped me kick my alcohol addiction and impulsiveness. The last two years have been great. No drug is perfect however, and the withdrawals can be bad. Make sure you take it every day. So I gave it an 8 because I feel great if I keep up with it. I take it right after I wake up because it helps wake me up and gives me energy. Also makes me very patient with myself, other people and just life in general throughout the day. At my current dosage I wouldn't hesitate to call it a smart drug for me because it lessens my impulsive tendencies and quickness to anger. If this doesn't work for you, don't fret, I study medicine, and there is usually always something available to help."

8 / 10
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  • souls...
  • March 8, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have, since I was very young, displayed what I know now as Type I Bipolar disorder. Probably one of the worst feelings in the world is to have emotions ebb in and out like tall crashing waves. Then the sun comes out and the water is calm. Then a couple of days later, here comes the storm. It is the worst feeling to think there is nothing that will help. I felt that way... time after time, different meds. Abilify, to be one exact example, led me to have hypothyroidism, a condition I have to have meds for the rest of my life. I have, after trying many different meds for depression, found only one medicine I would suggest, and that is Lamictal. If you are compatible with this medication, it will help the mood swings a great deal."

10 / 10
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110 Report
  • Anni
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Lamotrigine (the generic Lamictal) for just short of one month. I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder recently after years of thinking I had depression and anxiety. Lamictal has worked miracles for me! I can't believe this is how neurotypical people feel day to day. I've been missing out my whole life and wish I had taken it sooner! I'm productive, I sleep normally, and I experience little to no anxiety or intense moods. The only downfall is I have had some vivid dreams and nightmares, but they're definitely not as bad as my mood swings. I'm not even 100 percent sure they're from the Lamictal. The only reason why I gave it a 9/10 is that I haven't been on it for too long yet (25 MG twice daily)."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Ailicec
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 5, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "As a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, Lamictal has worked wonders for me. I was worried about getting the dreaded 'Lamictal rash' but never did. My doctor followed the guidelines for increasing the dose slowly, and I never had any side effects. I have been on the maintenance dose for several months, and I actually feel normal. If there is such a thing. I am currently taking Lamictal in conjunction with the antidepressant, Cymbalta. Finding the right medication(s) can be very frustrating, but please don't give up."

10 / 10
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  • Nickn...
  • March 9, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Depression ever since I can remember. Had 15 good years on Prozac, but it stopped working. Have been trying all kinds of antidepressants & in December I was put on Lamictal. Worked up to 100 mg, stayed on for a while, not much happening - thought it was just another med that wasn't going to work. My doc said the 'therapeutic' dose so am slowly titrating up to 200 mg - currently at 175/day. Just yesterday I think I started feeling the miracle of Lamictal kicking in! Yesterday and today I have felt better than I have felt in soooooo long - don't stop before the miracle happens (unless you have bad side effects, like the rash, which thankfully I do not have). I want to shout my gratefulness from the rooftops!"

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • May 14, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I can't praise this drug highly enough. At the age of 59, I'm finally leading a level life - without quitting jobs in a rage, moving my family 1,400 miles to a house I'd never seen. Due to troubles with sleeping, I also take Seroquel."

10 / 10
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  • JCano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "25 yr old male who had a psychotic episode. Added Lamictal about two months ago to my other meds (Luvox, Vyvanse, trazodone, and propranolol). I reported feeling wired and unable to concentrate, back and forth with everything. Lamictal was added to counter the effects of Luvox and Vyvanse. I can say it has worked tremendously. My brain feels clear. Able to hear, process, be patient, talk. Images and delusions have significantly dropped. I have been previously diagnosed with a disturbing purging disorder, body dysmorphia, ADHD, and panic disorder. These conditions were untreated two years ago. All of these meds 100% make me feel normal and took me out of severe psychotic episodes. I say try Lamictal and definitely any of the other meds if you had no success with others."

10 / 10
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  • Getti...
  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Poppi...
  • April 22, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "This is the first medication out of all the meds I've tried (lithium, seroquel) to stabilize my moods on a daily basis. My mood has never been this stable from as far as I can remember. It took a few months to work though, and dosage is really critical. Going from 100mg to 200mg made a BIG difference. I also started taking more at night which helps keep my irritability down in the morning. I haven't had any side effects at all from this, except a decrease in appetite. Being already skinny, this is a little disappointing, however I'd take that any day over depression."

8 / 10
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  • Surfc...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 29, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "On it for 6 years, 200mg twice a day. This was a life-changing drug for me. I also take Ritalin, which has been working for the last 2 years. The Lamictal really makes me feel like I have a repaired foundation in my personality. The Ritalin has added to my concentration and keeps me calm and even-keeled. I had tried many other medications from my psychiatrist that worked for a short time, but nothing has been as long-lasting as these 2 medications. One of the best reasons I have for knowing that they are doing their job is... most people who know me, such as friends, family, and fiance, would like to give my doctor a great big kiss."

10 / 10
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  • JD Wa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Well, I don't know what to say. If only I would have been taking lamotrigine when I was younger. I've been having mood swings and anger since I can remember, since the age of 11. I am 31 now, and this is the only medicine that makes me feel the way I knew I should feel. I have no side effects. The worst thing of having bipolar 2 was dealing with my horrible anger problems and having people scared of me. I used to hold on to the fact that my son was the only reason I was alive, but lamotrigine has given me a new lease on life. Lamotrigine makes me feel like I should have felt since I was younger!"

10 / 10
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  • kshaw
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 29, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've seen a psychiatrist and a therapist for years. Over a 12-year span, I've probably tried 20-30 drugs. This medication is the first to make me feel human again. I'm not a zombie and I'm not lacking emotion. I'm genuinely happy and thriving. I'm so happy I finally found this medication. I've also not had weight gain; I've actually lost some weight."

10 / 10
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  • Menta...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 27, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I just started taking Lamictal last night. I wear a Fitbit, so I have data to show that my sleep has improved immediately. I usually only hit REM once per night with 1 mg of Klonopin and 10 mg of Propranolol, but I went into REM 4 times last night, and I woke up at 4 AM and worked out. I do notice dry eyes and mouth, but I'm not sure if it's the extra deep sleep or the medication, but I feel stable today for once in a very long time. I'm not fixated on racing, ridiculous, angry thoughts. I'm genuinely content and not overly talkative like usual. I've slowed down enough to enjoy moments. I'm only taking 25 mg per day right now. Going to take a folic acid supplement since the warning label said it could reduce this vitamin. Also concerned about it interfering with birth control."

9 / 10
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  • lilymay
  • July 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "So I've been on 100 mg of Lamictal for almost 2 weeks now, and I feel like my mood is more stable, however, I don't feel very excited in my day-to-day life. I dread going out and doing things, and I just feel flat and bland. Has this happened to anyone else? I've been trying my best to get better, but I can't seem to enjoy myself or my life."

3 / 10
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  • dmmw
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 15, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Thanks, Lamictal. My moods are level (no lows or highs), no more rapid cycling or rapid thoughts. I feel confident, happy, have more energy, and haven't had one depressive thought since starting this medication. I'm at my correct dose of 200mg (cut in half and take 1/2 tablet twice per day; works out cheaper this way). Finally found the best medication for me."

10 / 10
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  • herea...
  • October 25, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Lamictal for only 1 month, and I notice a huge difference. I am finding joy in the things that I couldn't for years. My patience is so much better, and the outbursts of anger have stopped already. I only hope that I don't start experiencing the side effects that I have heard about."

10 / 10
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  • MaeBe...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 19, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on it for about 8 years, at my current dose (300) for at least 5. Have had to add other meds, like Abilify, to treat symptoms that Lamictal does not. It's helped me control my emotions better without feeling like I'm not in control of my thoughts. I've had zero negative side effects, which I know isn't the norm but it's so nice. I would recommend anyone with bipolar II try it at least once if they can't find anything else that works. It took me 4 years of the wrong medicines to try this one and I've never questioned if I should be on it."

10 / 10
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  • Torie
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 19, 2024

"This medication has literally changed my life! I used to deal with constant anger issues and even would break things when in an argument. I’ve been on this medication since 2019 (5 yrs) with zero side effects and incredible results. If you’re considering a mood stabilizer for BPD or Bipolar Disorder then this is the medication to discuss with your doctor about."

10 / 10
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  • Vicky
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 15, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "As the reviews below say, I feel as if this medicine has changed my life. I suffer from CPTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety after being placed in a foster home at 7 years old and being separated from my birth parents. I still feel a little anger at times, but NOTHING like before. I used to think the whole count-to-three thing was garbage, but this medication allows me to do that and make rational decisions. I recommend this medicine for anyone who believes they're bipolar or depressed. The only con reason I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 is because I am constantly hungry, where I am always thinking about my next meal, which is very different, but this just might be a personal thing. Good luck and good health!"

9 / 10
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  • Maymay...
  • November 21, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Lamictal about a year ago. Nothing else worked, the medicines made me tired and sometimes worse. My family noticed a huge change in my moods, and I don't nearly get angry at all. This medication is awesome! I take 400mg a day now, but I was pretty bad! I thought I was better once and stopped taking it, and oh boy, my family was like, get back on your meds! I will never stop taking this medication again! My son has bipolar as well, I am going to ask the doctor to try him on it as well! Only side effect is dry mouth."

10 / 10
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100 Report
  • None
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the first time I took a mood stabilizer. I have a rare case of my bipolar disorder coming on at around 1, so I knew nothing different for 35 years. Now it's known that bipolars need mood stabilizers, then it was random antidepressants. My negative about the drug is it does affect your short-term memory and can 'dumb you down.' My decision was to be dumb and sane instead of smart and out of control. I took the highest dose. After 4 years and the birth of a child, the medication became much less effective, so I've had to change. I had forgotten how horrible I felt off meds until I had to change. Lamictal saved me, it helped me become a better person and live in less pain. As with every medication for bipolar disorder, you have to weigh pros and cons. I would not recommend this medication for anyone working in an intellectual-based job where memory and use of math as such is involved. It can drastically lower your abilities. For me at the time, it was more than worth it."

7 / 10
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  • balan...
  • November 8, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I have to honestly say that my prescribed drug works for me. I do not experience the excessive anger, compulsive highs, and excessive OCD. I was never a really depressive person but was not able to think clearly, thus making poor decisions. I tried several antidepressants for many years which caused all kinds of medical imbalances. I came across Lamictal when I went 'cold turkey' off Lexapro and almost committed suicide. That was the darkest moment of my life. Now, I am happier and balanced. I never knew life could be this good. I also eat right, limit cocktails, exercise, and get good rest to aid in my balanced lifestyle."

10 / 10
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133 Report
  • FTFxB...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I just started Lamictal a few days ago and am already seeing a huge difference in my mood. I’m actually happy and productive. It does cause a bit of insomnia, but other than that I haven’t noticed any side effects."

9 / 10
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  • Snax
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed Lamictal over six months ago to balance out my extreme mood swings. It has taken a while, but I am a lot calmer and don't get depressive or anger outbursts nearly as much. It's not a permanent solution, but has definitely been helpful for me to be able to function and process my emotions properly."

9 / 10
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  • Beaut...
  • April 5, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on so many medicines, hopping from doctor to doctor until I found a neuropsychiatrist who took me off all that gunk and had me try Lamictal. While I am not cured, I most certainly am far more functional with my highs and lows being far less extreme. I also take Prozac to make sure that Lamictal alone won't make me hypomanic. I become that way if on Lamictal alone. I have been on these two medicines for many years. This is the first time ever anything has worked, worked reasonably well and this long!"

10 / 10
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96 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.