Lamotrigine and Depression: What Users Say

• Jan...
• March 2, 2021

For Anxiety "I started on lamictal as I have bad mood swings, depression, severe anxiety, and OCD type thoughts. This medication was a lifesaver, I thought. I started at 25mg and noticed very positive changes. My anxiety got better. When I went to 37.5mg, my anxiety stopped, OCD thoughts stopped, and depression stopped. I was so happy I thought I found the medication for me. When I went up to 50 mg, I got a small rash, my anxiety and thoughts spiraled out of control, my depression worsened, and I felt suicidal. Now I am trying to get off the medication. I’m very sad. Has this happened to anyone else?"

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

Lamotrigine 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!"

• Mel...
• May 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I had tried Lamictal about a year ago for anxiety and depression and worked my way up to 100mg dosage. Mostly I noticed that I would get very emotional while on this medication, to the point that it was completely overwhelming and uncontrollable. My first two days on the medication, I felt good. But I started having very violent and vivid nightmares and insomnia. I would have panic attacks daily. I experienced some uncontrollable tremors and shaking over my whole body for hours. I felt very sick and nauseous. Recently I’ve noticed I had strong impulsive thoughts which triggered panic attacks and just left me unable to function. At this point I feel like I’m not able to function in my daily life. I have had to take clonazepam multiple times daily since I’ve been on this medication when I had gone over two months without taking any."

• Bra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2023

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been taking Lamictal since I was 16. 150 mg nightly. It was an amazing drug. When I was 34, I got pregnant and had to switch to Latuda. It worked okay, but eventually, my bipolar got out of hand. I got super depressed and started to drink way too much. I couldn’t get through the day without listening to headphones. I was an empty person, sleeping 10 or more hours a night. Finally, a switch happened, and I had an extreme manic episode. I asked my doctor for my Lamictal back, so now I’m on 25 mg a day for now. I already have noticed a HUGE difference! I cleaned my house. I did my job at work. Stopped using headphones 24/7. And I felt my brain make happiness! Without the help of alcohol."

• dbo...
• June 27, 2021

For Depression "Lamotrigine was a last resort for me for my treatment-resistant MDD. I have been on more SSRIs than I could count, emotional flatness, brain fog, genital numbing, nausea, uncontrolled diarrhea, and rather severe hand tremors on all of them. Effexor, Remeron, Trazodone, or Wellbutrin simply do not work. I can't tolerate a therapeutic dose of any tricyclic. I started 25 mg of Lamotrigine and noticed a difference immediately-no crying jags, no passive suicidal ideation, no GI upset, no side effects at all except very vivid dreams. My dose has now gone up to 50 mg, with a goal of increasing up to 200 mg daily if needed. Honestly, this has been a game changer even though I was very hesitant to begin a new med that I associated with bipolar disorder. I am so glad that I agreed to give it a try. No more SSRIs for me EVER! The only reason I don't rate it a 10 is because I frankly expect an even better therapeutic effect as my dose goes up."

• MS2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2024

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Lamotrigine has been a game changer for me. After pretty severe abuse in 2017, I was left with constant anxiety and CPTSD. I never took meds until this year, when a second event of abuse by a different person left me suffering with BPD symptoms. This whole past year, I struggled with intense paranoia around people’s intentions and people’s actions/thoughts, rejection sensitivity, splitting, and negativity. I started taking Lamictal on March 2 of 2024 and started on the lowest dose as I also developed severe depression from the BPD and trauma I had developed. Like I wanted to die. And my mind would not stop playing awful scenarios in my head, constantly looping my past and past mistakes in my mind. Ever since starting Lamictal, my thoughts have quieted down. My psychosis-like paranoia and delusions around other people are gone. (I have delusions of people out to get me, in turn, they make me really angry and nasty). If you are considering this, give it a go. Live, laugh, Lamictal!"

• Lig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2019

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "On Lamictal for bipolar, and I developed cognitive problems, memory loss, hair loss, and other problems. Had many serious depressive episodes and an increase in anxiety while on it. Worsened sleep. Difficult withdrawal occurred when trying to get off it."

• meh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2016

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am 27 and was diagnosed with Major Depression 7 years ago. I was on Fluoxetine, which helped somehow but with emotional flatness and low motivation as side effects. I also used Paxil when depression struck again 2 years later, but it made my depression worse, so I went back on Fluoxetine. One year ago, I felt I was going depressed again, and my doctor put me on Zoloft, but I started rapid cycling, so I was diagnosed with BP2 and started Lamictal 150 mg. I feel really good and normal with it. I never felt like that before. Now I also use 10 mg Lexapro, which helps me with depression. The great miracle for me was Lamictal, not SSRIs! It surely helps for BP2 to feel normal and happy without any sedation or annoying side effects."

• meh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2016

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am 27 and was diagnosed with Major Depression 7 years ago. I was on Fluoxetine, which helped somehow but with emotional flatness and low motivation as side effects. I also used Paxil when depression struck again 2 years later, but it made my depression worse, so I went back on Fluoxetine. One year ago, I felt I was going depressed again, and my doctor put me on Zoloft, but I started rapid cycling, so I was diagnosed with BP2 and started Lamictal 150 mg. I feel really good and normal with it. I never felt like that before. Now I also use 10 mg Lexapro, which helps me with depression. The great miracle for me was Lamictal, not SSRIs! It surely helps for BP2 to feel normal and happy without any sedation or annoying side effects."

• TCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I started on 25 mg for two weeks, during this period, I didn't notice much of an effect other than some drowsiness. After two weeks, the dose was increased to 50 mg, this is when my problems began. I experienced severe side effects, including increased depression, increased anxiety, a high fever, a sore throat, brain fog, body aches, and a burning sensation on my skin that I can only describe as feeling like sunburn. I had to immediately discontinue use of Lamotrigine. I understand these are rare side effects that more than likely won't happen to most people, however, it was unbearable for me. I have never had a medication impact me as negatively as Lamotrigine."

• tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

For Depression "Everyone will have a different reaction to this, or any medicine, but for me, lamotrigine really worsened my depression. I felt emotionally unstable, and it was giving me bipolar symptoms of feeling like I had excess energy, which I never had before. I feel much better now after discontinuing it."

• Lar...
• December 22, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have taken Lamictal for 12 years. I was taking 150 mg, now 75 mg daily. I have not been manic the entire 12 years, and that is what I wanted to prevent. I still feel sad and scared sometimes but not manic. I am an introvert and like to have a lot of alone time to read, work on the computer, etc., so it's not going to make you an extrovert if you really aren't one. I have medical insurance that helps pay for the brand name since the generic doesn't work for me. I ended up in the hospital on the generic. I will never stop taking Lamictal because I don't ever want to not be in control of myself."

• bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2016

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "First, I want to thank you all for your helpful reviews. It helped me to do my own research so I can suggest my choice of treatment to my psychiatrist, rather than just trusting the one he suggests. After being diagnosed with bipolar 2, he suggested another med. I strongly advocated for Lamictal. I tapered up to 200 mg on a conservative schedule. I've had good results over the past 9 months. It definitely has lowered the instances of hypomania or at least deescalated the intensity. It's done little to address the depression or anxiety, so we've agreed to add an antidepressant. Again, he suggested Cymbalta, which I opposed due to all the information regarding withdrawal syndrome. We agreed on a low dose of Prozac, which is going well so far."

• Sar...
• July 29, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Lamotrigine immediately took away my hypervigilance and ruminations at the smallest dose of 25 mg. Unfortunately, many psychiatrists are not willing to maintain such a small dose as it is technically a pediatric dose; not therapeutic for adults. As my dose was titrated up, the side effects began. At 50 mg, my vision became blurry, my passion for life stunted, with a constant runny nose and sore throat. At 75 mg, I experienced severe depression, cycling through mania. It felt as if my body was in autopilot, and I was along for the ride. It was as if I was merely observing my instability and could not control it even if I tried. I went back down to 50 mg and have been on it for 2 months. My hypervigilance is still under control, but this is because my constant emotional arousal has been replaced by soul-shattering apathy. This medication is very effective, just not for me due to the side effects."

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "My PTSD was triggered almost 15 years after my loss. My moods went from positive, happy, and able to cope with life to the extreme opposite. I didn’t like who I'd become or know what to do. After getting into the doctor, he immediately confirmed what my primary care physician suspected - I had PTSD. He discussed using Lamotrigine and steadily increasing the dose over the next year to reduce the anger, anxiety, and hopelessness that had come over me. It's been almost 2 years, and while I've struggled at times, taking Lamotrigine made living possible. I no longer am so quick to anger, anxious, or worn down. My sleep patterns have also improved."

• Anonymous
• December 1, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has been working pretty well so far. My only complaint is that lately depression is creeping up on me, but this could be just part of the 'winter blues.' On Lamictal, I am not emotionless; it just helps with the dramatic mood swings (I have bipolar type 1). I was given Lamictal as an option due to the fact that I requested a medicine that would not make me gain weight. As I was told, I do notice Lamictal seems to be weight-neutral, which is a good thing. I haven't been on Lamictal for more than a few months yet, but I am hoping it continues doing its job."

• Fir...
• August 7, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Lamotrigine sounded like a great drug at first, it doesn't affect your sexual health, it doesn't make you emotionally numb, and I imagine it helps a lot of people. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS SCARE YOU. But unfortunately, for me, according to my doctor, it had a very bad reaction once I moved up to 100 mg that unfortunately landed me in the hospital and rendered me unable to function properly for the next two weeks. It was due to my genetic profile and medication sensitivity that caused my body to reject the drug. If you are sensitive to higher doses of medication generally or get extreme anxiety with your borderline, I highly recommend getting pharmacogenomic testing or a genetic profile for the medication (in Australia, it is not that expensive) before taking this medication. What happened to me was rare but can happen, and I don't want anyone else to go through what I went through. But in saying this, please don't be scared to try this medication because it has worked wonders for so many people."

• sud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar II recently at 34 years old. I'm also diagnosed with severe depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. After being on what seems like every antidepressant in the world, finally, a combination of Lamictal, Wellbutrin, and Xanax has been a lifesaver. I was prescribed the Lamictal a couple of months ago. I noticed that after a couple of weeks, the Lamictal started to wear off a little, and the depression started to appear again. I was started on 25 mg and then upped to 50 mg. A few days ago, I noticed the depression again. I'm going to ask my doctor to up my dose again. Sorry for the long response, lol. I just wanted to let anyone else know that I'm going through a similar experience."

• Vib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2017

For Depression "Wow, what a difference. I've tried 4 SSRIs, 1 SNRI, Wellbutrin (made me irritable and couldn't sleep), Viibryd, different ADHD stimulants, and the list goes on. Currently, I'm on sertraline (Zoloft generic) 100 mg, and it was working out okay, but I still struggled with my temper and depression. After 5 weeks, I'm finally on lamotrigine (Lamictal generic) IR 100 mg once a day. It took 3 days after I started the 100 mg to notice a big difference in my behavior. Side effects you might notice while starting it are dizziness (minor), slight sedation or tiredness, and depression. My depression is now gone. I believe it was my brain adjusting to this miracle of a medication."

• Rae...
• August 16, 2013

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "It will be 10 years in October that I've been taking Lamictal. I've been seizure-free that long as well. I take 200 mg at night and 200 mg in the morning. I too experience memory loss and concentration issues. I feel as though my eyes don't move normally. Since my dosage was upped, I find myself in slow motion. I also notice that I have a form of dyslexia. Example: putting on my windshield wipers instead of my blinkers. Another example is: when I'm speaking, I might say into my sentence what I'm looking at. Talk about making me feel stupid! I must add that I also take Zonogram, which was causing me other side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts. After doctors lowered the Zonogram dose, depression and suicidal thoughts were gone, but I gained weight."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2018

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Lamictal has been a life changer. I suffered every single symptom of borderline and, after reaching my therapeutic dose of 200 mg, it completely changed my life. Now, it wasn't really effective for my anxiety, but it abolished my depression, severe mood changes, feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, etc. Now, those still break through, and that's where therapy comes in, but Lamictal is a necessity. The only thing that will make me come off of it is if I'm in danger of glaucoma."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2024

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has changed my life. I was diagnosed bipolar 20 years ago and have never been 100% happy with my meds. Although I was functioning, I was always battling weight gain, lack of motivation, binge eating (due to antipsychotics), had a terrible episode (manic then severe depression after), was given Lamictal to take. My life has turned around. I’ve been able to lower my 2 other meds. I’ve gone from obese to a normal weight. I read about this happening with others and thought that will never happen to me, but it did. It truly is an antidepressant to me (I still take a lower dose of Seroquel as well). I don’t know if Lamictal would be strong enough alone, I don’t want to find out either, as I’m finally happy on my mix of meds. The weight loss is because I finally can eat a healthy diet and have the motivation to go walking and go shopping to buy proper food. Side effects are mild, kind of makes you more “ditsy” and a bit forgetful. But that’s it."

• msl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 7, 2016

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar 2, bipolar with depression, bipolar without mania. The main thing I noticed about Lamictal is that it seemed to have helped with ADHD symptoms that I really didn't know I had until I read the symptoms for that. I was chronically late my whole adult life. I lost almost every job I had due to lateness. I had other ADHD symptoms, but that was not my diagnosis. Guess I thought all those things were just character flaws. After I started taking Lamictal, I was not late anymore! It seemed to have helped with depression, but any benefit from that has seemed to come back. I came to this site looking for extended, long-range use of Lamictal."

• Jes...
• August 3, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I take 80 mg of Geodon, 25 mg of Topiramate, 40 mg of Prozac, 50 mg of Trazodone, 200 mg of Lamictal, 100 mg of Vistaril, and Xanax as needed for anxiety. The Lamictal helps me the most out of any drug I have ever been prescribed. I was on 50 mg of Lamictal and went through a pretty rough depression, I felt catatonic and didn't care about anything - I felt desolate. I am now taking 200 mg, and I feel so much better! I have more energy, I have a genuine smile, I feel like my old self again... or, pretty close anyway."

• Kat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 3, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been bipolar since I've been 19 and am now 58. I've been taking Lamictal 50 mg daily for at least 20 years. I also was taking Wellbutrin 200 mg daily for the depression, which I just went off (tapered gradually over 6 months) for the first time in 20 years. I am very stable, and this I attribute to the Lamictal. It's been a real lifesaver for me. I've been out of the hospital for 30 years. I am a successful nurse. I'm married and have 2 beautiful children who are now married. It's not easy. I never thought life would be normal back in my early diagnosis days. Don't give up. Take the meds, but always tweak them with the doc if they don't feel right for you. Keep busy and find something to do with your life that gives you value. :)"