Lamotrigine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2020

For Anxiety "I was on lamotrigine for over 12 months. It's now causing pressure in the head, bad anxiety everywhere I go. I'm having sleeping problems, certain foods trigger anxiety where it didn't before. It has got to the stage where I'm scared to eat certain foods and drive anywhere. The anxiety is constant. Some days are better than others. The doctor is weaning me off it. I've had enough of this drug."

• Hal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2021

For Depression "Lamotrigine has been a lifesaver. Though I do not have any manic disorders, I do struggle with anxiety and depression. I am currently on a high dose mixed with a high dose of Zoloft, and that combination has completely transformed my life and made me feel like myself again. It eased my mood swings, depressive episodes, and anxiety. Since being on it, I have noticed a huge improvement and would recommend anyone struggling with depression/anxiety to bring it up with your doctor to see if it would be a good choice for you. All in all, a very effective medicine."

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I left my opinion last year around October. And things have changed just a bit. I understood my illness is genetic because my uncle had it and my dad has it, but I don't accept it, I guess. Anyway, 70% of cases have a genetic background, so feel better about that. You didn't choose this. I feel Lamictal is not working as well after two years, but not a major change. I will increase it from 200 mg to 250 this week. I control my depression with clonazepam. I feel anxiety makes depression worse. So when it kicks in, then I feel strong enough to make a prayer, and it goes away. We need to do some work in our brain. Everything that is negative, you change it for 'yes,' and I can and I will."

• Jor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2023

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Lamotrigine is a wonder drug! In the past, I have tried both Prozac and Wellbutrin. Prozac made me feel like a zombie, and Wellbutrin made me feel like the angriest person in the world all the time. When I started on Lamotrigine, I was skeptical, but to my pleasant surprise, it worked! I still have anxiety surrounding my triggers, but now I am in a spot where my baseline isn't fear and somatic symptoms. Lamotrigine has helped me get to a place where I have the energy and clear mind to improve both my PTSD and life as a whole."

• col...
• February 19, 2018

For Anxiety "Yes, I just started Lamictal yesterday, and I didn't think it would work for me at first intake, not this fast, but to my surprise, I was shocked! I can honestly say this med has made me feel more focused and hardly any anxiety at all! :)"

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking lamotrigine for two weeks now (PTSD), and my psychiatrist wants me to up it every week until I hit 100 mg. I’m on week 2 at 50 mg, and I feel much calmer. My anxiety is a bit higher, and I tend to overthink about small situations. My vision is a bit more blurry (which sucks because I’m already blind as a bat, lol!), and my balance and coordination are off. But overall, I’m in a better mood, no panic attacks, no flashbacks, or negative feelings. I’m much more patient with my kids, and I actually want to do more with them now than I have before. I recommend this medication to others to try for PTSD or any other reason they have it available for. I can’t wait to see how I feel on 100 mg, and once these side effects calm down, if they ever do. In the end, the side effects are worth the outcome of the medication."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2022

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have PTSD from prolonged sexual abuse and the aftermath of speaking up about it when I was younger. I also had noticed a very defined mood/energy cycle for many years, but because the cycle was fairly rapid and the energetic end of it was anxiety, agitation, and what I called 'energetic sadness' with suicidal thoughts. There had been four major recurrences of PTSD symptoms in my life since the things happened 25 years ago, and the most recent lasted 3 years and was the worst. During this time, the energetic side of the cycle would cause suicidal ideation. When the episode subsided, the underlying cycle became more extreme in some ways, while most of the suicidal thoughts had decreased. I was on Vyvanse for ADHD as well. I talked to my psychiatrist about the cycle a few times, and when it got more extreme, she said it sounded like cyclothymia, so she started me on Lamotrigine. All symptoms are gone. If this is happiness, then I've never been happy before! It's like a new life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2012

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I started the medicines, and it worked okay. Then they started to up my dosage, and I felt sluggish. Once I got to the amount I was supposed to be at, I was paranoid, distant, and irritable. My period is 10 times worse. The cramps are unbearable. My face broke out, and I look like the before picture of a proactive commercial. I have to pee frequently. I'm getting off these medicines as soon as possible. I've been taking them for 5 months now."

• whi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been on this medication since July 2016, and it has done wonders for me, especially my mood swings. Started at 25 mg and slowly went up to 125 mg. I still get anxiety attacks, but not as bad as before I went on this medication. I think learning how to manage the anxiety, along with this medication, can make a difference. Still get bouts of depression, as I have been diagnosed with persistent depression."

• Pin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 18, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was put on Lamictal about 9 years ago. Tried everything else, nothing worked. I have bipolar, severe panic attacks, and agoraphobia. I was in horrible condition. Started at the lowest dose and stayed at 300 mg. Fine until about 8 months ago and got scleritis of the eye. Went to the eye doctor, treated with steroids, but it's just coming back. Finally realized it must be my medication. Quit Lamictal and it was gone. When I saw my doctor, I told her, and she said yes, that is a side effect and I could never take it again. OMG. Best med ever for bipolar. Some anxiety break-throughs, but the first time I ever really felt normal. After this, got another doctor put me on Paxil. OMG. What a nightmare. I bottomed out. Ground zero. Now on nothing for 3 weeks."

• ove...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Had severe depression, anxiety, and elevated mood swings for years. Just started meds in my early 50s. Lexapro, gradual doses. At first, began to notice results in all three areas, but extremely sleepy no matter what time I took it. It seemed to level off at about 50% effectiveness, then slowly decreased in its effectiveness. Went on Lamictal, more energy, but mood swings came back, no patience or tolerance again, forgetfulness, and anxiety. Rambling thoughts in my head continually. I am returning back to my original prognosis. Didn't find it to be of help at all, up to 200 mg. Really don't want to keep experimenting, not sure of next step."

• May...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I am having a horrible experience on lamotrigine. I have anxiety and panic attacks and started on 25 mg and now am on 50 mg. I am having panic attacks, back pain, racing heart, and was put on a beta blocker as a result. My doctor does not want to change the medicine even though I have asked and is instead suggesting using Ativan as a supplement. I feel completely trapped and lost and have never felt so badly in my entire life."

• EAU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "1st day taking Lamictal, so I can only comment on 1st day side effects. Took it before bedtime, woke up at 2:30 a.m. with an anxiety attack. Couldn't go back to sleep. Continued having panic and fear, my mind was going 100 miles an hour. Finally fell asleep and had horrible, vivid nightmares. Woke up in the morning and felt out of it. Wasn't sure I was really awake or still dreaming. Then, as the day progressed, I felt better. For the 1st time in a VERY long time, I feel calm. I don't feel edgy, I don't feel sad or extremely happy. I feel calm. I am still laughing and conversing with people. But not to the extent I was doing it before, I now have more control of my actions and words. I will not quit the medication. I am simply going to attempt to split the pill for a few days until I can get back to being able to take the dose without having anxiety. I look forward to taking this medication."

• EAU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "1st day taking Lamictal, so I can only comment on 1st day side effects. Took it before bedtime, woke up at 2:30 a.m. with an anxiety attack. Couldn't go back to sleep. Continued having panic and fear, my mind was going 100 miles an hour. Finally fell asleep and had horrible, vivid nightmares. Woke up in the morning and felt out of it. Wasn't sure I was really awake or still dreaming. Then, as the day progressed, I felt better. For the 1st time in a VERY long time, I feel calm. I don't feel edgy, I don't feel sad or extremely happy. I feel calm. I am still laughing and conversing with people. But not to the extent I was doing it before, I now have more control of my actions and words. I will not quit the medication. I am simply going to attempt to split the pill for a few days until I can get back to being able to take the dose without having anxiety. I look forward to taking this medication."

• Jle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2019

For Depression "My doctor took me off Celexa and put me on lamotrigine, and I will tell you this: worst drug in the world. I could only sleep for about 4 hours at a time, whereas before I slept through the night. Before, I was happy and outgoing, now I'm always crying and worrying. I had no appetite on this. I started out on 25 mg, my anxiety was through the roof, so she took me off it and said, let's see what we can put you on. I said, let's go back on the Celexa because it’s an SSRI, so I am back to 20 mg of the Celexa and starting to feel better. Do your research before taking this drug!!"

• Spi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2021

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was really afraid to try Lamictal because of potential side effects. I’m not gonna lie, the first couple of weeks as I was titrating my dosage up, my anxiety went through the roof. I thought everything might be a side effect, but I stuck it out, and when I hit 150 mg, it was immediately clear that something had changed. In the past, I would say my time in a state of normalcy was about 40%? Now it’s about 80%, and even though I still drift towards depressive and hypomanic moods, they only last about 2 days, and I’m very aware of what’s happening. Since I’m more aware, I’m able to avoid doing anything damaging and able to know that the mood is going to end. I’ve also been in therapy for a while now, and the combination of the two has finally allowed me to start having a relatively normal existence!"

• Ann...
• November 1, 2016

For Anxiety "I don't think this is working for me. I was in therapy, and this was bumped up to 100 mg. I still feel anxious, I still worry a lot, I still have bad mood swings. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, annoys me. I feel bad for being mean all of the time. The only plus is I try to resolve issues by talking it out rather than cutting everyone off."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2022

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Been on this for two months now and have worked my way up to 200 mg. Have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This has been like taking a sugar pill. Absolutely no help at all for my severe agitation and constant irritation, low moods, or anxiety. I’m actually more depressed reading how much this has helped others. Nothing seems to help me, but that’s my ‘whoa is me’ BPD, I guess. lol."

• Meh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2024

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I'm 39-40 now. I lived like a nomad my entire life. Had a lot of dreams, couldn't finish any of my projects, have two master's degrees, no accomplishments. Very long story short, this was the only med that helped me to gather myself. It had extreme side effects and extreme anxiety, almost committed suicide. BUT I have decided to go for it at any cost, even when I have to withdraw from it, which is the most painful experience of my life. Life needs a meaning. This is not the best drug, has extreme side effects on me, but what are my alternatives? A life like a gone meat. At the moment, I had to stop it because of side effects and after withdrawing, more pain, however, I will come back to it after recovery. I am working on almost all of my projects, thrived in a few months more than in all my life—finished projects. Yes, it's painful, but the question is, if you have a goal in life, it doesn't matter, bipolar II or other shitty problems. You lose some, you win some."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2021

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Lamictal for 2 months. I take 100 mg twice a day, and it has really changed my life. Over the past 5 years, I have been slowly drowning in a dark hole, so my depression was putting me in a really hard situation. Since I started Lamictal, even at low doses (50 mg a day), I started feeling a really great improvement, with more energy, much less anxiety, and a stabilized mood. It has been a really lifesaver since I have taken more than 3 antidepressants before with little or no improvement. I feel I am getting connected again with myself. It is the best medicine I have taken since I started with anxiety and recurrent depression 15 years ago. Hope this helps other people that are willing to get a way out of depression, unipolar or bipolar ones."

• kcg...
• May 19, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "So, I feel like this did help stabilize me a little bit (with depressive states), but I ended up getting acne and redness all over my face. I also had my eyes feel all weird and twitchy. Overall, it was not super effective for me because I still had horrible anxiety and panic attacks, and I could not titrate high enough to get effective coverage from the medication without weird side effects. I was only on 75 mg maximum, mind you."

• ify...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

For Depression "Made my depression and anxiety worse, which I wasn't expecting as this drug seems so well-tolerated by others. My maximum dose was 50 mg bd (50 mg twice daily). I just wanted to make people aware that this can happen. On the plus side, it did get rid of my visual migraines."

• Rmp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Depression "This drug is the worst. Long story short… back in December, I developed anxiety and panic attacks that were situational. I was put on Lexapro and had adverse effects. Put on Zoloft, adverse effects. Put on lamotrigine, and I was seriously suicidal. I have never been suicidal or had depression or anxiety in the past, like I said, my situation was acute. This medication had the absolute worst side effects: suicidal ideations, excessive crying, severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression (that I really didn’t have to begin with), hair loss, itching, labile mood, a rash that did go away, abnormal thinking. And I was only on this for five weeks. I am tapering off this as we speak. I know for some it helps, but honestly, this is poison to me. I want others to know if you experience these side effects and you’re on this medication, it’s not you!!! I have three weeks left until I’m off of this stuff, and I cannot wait. I’d give it a zero if I could…"

• Ups...
• March 28, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on various antidepressants and benzos for 25 years due to depression (bipolar II) and anxiety. Lamictal has changed my life. The depression lifted and the anxiety went away. I dropped the Xanax and Prozac and feel unbelievably well on 300 mg of just Lamictal. I've felt this way for two years so far. I wish I had found it years ago. I do think that the Prozac and Xanax were causing anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. I'm doing fantastic on the Lamictal alone."

• Viv...
• June 29, 2022

For Anxiety "I just started taking lamotrigine. I suffer from OCD, bipolar depression, and severe anxiety. I have been on numerous depression meds, none worked at all, they made me manic. I wanted to hide or curl up in a ball. Since I’ve started this new med, I’ve felt calmer. I’ve had a tad bit of anxiety still, but nothing like the antidepressants caused. Hopefully, as it builds up in my system, it doesn’t get worse because so far this medication is working for my mood swings. I’m much more stable, not having outbursts or uncontrollable thoughts."