Lamotrigine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• not...
• October 1, 2014

For Depression "I've been taking Lamotrigine for a few years. When I first started it, I was amazed. They gave it to me as a mood stabilizer. It helped tremendously. And still does. I've been afraid they'd try to change it. That was one of my first medicines for severe depression. It doesn't make you a zombie at all. I do struggle with the making you tired or sleepy side effect. But everything makes me tired and sleepy. I have a couple other meds and they all make you sleepy. I had no other side effects. I would highly recommend trying this medication if it's offered or suggested. Give it a couple months if you're not sure if it's working. Especially if you're trying it along with other newer medications."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2021

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar Disorder type 2 and when the Pandemic hit my moods became completely unmanageable, especially my anxiety. I had not been on medication for about 4 years which if you have Bipolar disorder can be very dangerous territory. The racing thoughts, the angry outbursts, the never-ending panic attacks, crying outbursts, the mania... it was awful. I ended up having to be hospitalized. I am not someone who is good at taking medicine, I catastrophize and make myself suffer unnecessarily. I finally gave in while at the hospital and started Lamictal 25mg twice daily and I'm thankful I did. Within the first 2 days my panic attacks eased, my racing thoughts quieted, and I wasn't crying so much. It does make me tired and gave me headaches for about a week, but both are manageable and have lessened. I have had only 1 panic attack since starting Lamictal and it was much less severe than without. This medication works for me."

• Roe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 12, 2018

For Anxiety "As a MH clinician and anxiety sufferer with co-morbid depression, I can assuredly say that if SSRI's failed you, you *need* to try lamotrigine. Buspirone gave me that common 'weird' feeling. And while I don't have bipolar, I got hypomanic symptoms and seriously worsened depression/anxiety with SSRI's (this is widely unknown but a common occurrence). After confirming I have a gene that causes the latter, I spoke with my amazing prescriber about giving this a go. Since then, my world has changed for the better. I'm at a higher dose so I often feel a little lethargic, but I'll take that side-effect over SSRI's many terrible ones any day. Lamotrigine completely changed my world - highly recommended. I really do suggest taking a genetics test as well. You very well could come up with the same result."

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

Lamotrigine 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."

• mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2015

For Depression "I have gone many years thinking I was not depressed. My symptoms were anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and low energy. Other doctors tried antidepressants and they always made me tired. Lamotrigine has truly shown me that it was depression. I have a much better mood and a sense of calmness plus a little motivation boost!"

• CTA...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 24, 2019

For Depression "Having suffered from treatment-resistant chronic depression and GAD for years, I had been on so many medications - either efficacy was short-lived or side effects unacceptable (weight gain, lethargy, hyperness, insomnia, agitation, +++). In 2013, my MD prescribed 100 mg Lamotrigine with 20 mg Trintellex once a day. I can’t begin to describe the amazing efficacy these two medications have had on my depression and anxiety. Everyone has their ups and downs, that’s life - but chronic depression is nothing but days of downs - so hard to live with - for the first time in 30 years, I feel ‘normal’. Trintellex has the added benefit of reducing brain fog, and my thinking is clearer. Lamotrigine enhances the overall control of major depressive disorder, and I am so grateful for the relief these two medications provide. One downside: Trintellex is still under patent, but Takeda offers cost reduction support because it is terribly expensive."

• Twa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "For years, I have been misdiagnosed. I have been on Cymbalta, Seroquel, Celexa, Xanax, Olanzaprine, Vyvanse, and many other drugs I can't remember the names of. Then I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After multiple medications, my doctor put me on Lamictal. At 25mg, I could tell that I was feeling better, but I was still experiencing depression and hypomania. After two weeks, I increased to 50mg and started to notice a big difference. My moods were more stable, and I could function normally. Although lethargy is still a problem, but nothing coffee can't cure! Now I'm on 100mg, and although I'm still tired, I feel much better. This has saved my life and my relationships!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

For Depression "Really, really bad experience. After two months being on it, I started experiencing crazy side effects. Never been so sick in my life. Sore throat, dry red eyes, dry mouth, muscle pain, muscle spasms, disorientation, neck pain, back pain, lost 12 kg, no sex drive, burning sensation on the skin, tiredness, insomnia, vivid dreams, hard to breathe, chest pain, flu-like symptoms, confusion, memory loss, constant nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constant headache. Really bad, bad drug. I will never take any other drug again."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2015

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "Currently, I'm prescribed 100 mg of Lamictal, 200 mg of Zoloft, 10 mg of Adderall IR, and 20 mg of Adderall XR. I originally started on Lamictal at 25 mg, and it had little effect on my mood stability. I believe it triggered a mixed state episode until I was prescribed 100 mg. About two months in, it's been a lifesaver. My moods feel very stable, I am generally happy, and I am able to take care of myself with little resistance. I am also motivated to regularly run errands. (I do believe it may have made me slightly manic.) Prior to Lamictal, I was on 25 mg of Abilify, and it was ineffective and made me very tired. I had poor hygiene, I was unable to interact with others or be in public places, and I had difficulty keeping up with housework."

• jba...
• October 30, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been on this for years. I am a stroke survivor and thought my very bad hand tremors were due to a stroke. No, they were made much worse by lamotrigine. I thought so, though one doctor said not. I have cut down very gradually to 25 mgs from 200 mg (taken about a year), and the withdrawal has been horrible. Once at about 50 to 75 - exhaustion, anxiety, bad gut aches, and obsessive thoughts. Almost as bad as SSRI withdrawal. So I am eventually stopping altogether. I have now tried virtually every mood disorder/anxiety/depression med, so will just have to use much more cognitive techniques. I also take Inderal and clonazepam (.5 once a day). I know I am addicted to clonazepam, but I feel I have little choice given that my anxiety was very severe, leading to an inability to work at all. I'm sure that lamotrigine helps many people. I caution people if you discontinue, then go slow. Hopefully now I will be able to eat with one hand as the shaking will lessen."

• Gwa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 21, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "For months I haven't been able to sleep, mind racing and unable to control my thoughts. As it turns out, I was supposed to be taking 300 mg per day, and I was only taking 100 mg. My wife sets up my meds since she tosses a lot of vitamins in along with my other meds: Lexapro, Klonopin, etc., so I never checked. I finally looked at the bottle, and holy cow, I wasn't taking enough. So, I went back up to 300 mg, and what a difference. My only side effects are yawning and sleepiness, but a couple of cups of coffee knock that out. Finally, I can sleep and can get some things done around the place instead of sitting about staring at the four walls. Thus, I would give this med a high recommendation. Granted, not everyone can handle this med without some awful reactions, but I've always tolerated meds quite well. So, choose your poison carefully. ;)"

• ins...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2014

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I wasn't on this long enough to see anything positive because it made me lethargic, gave me headaches, body aches, and completely sunk my libido. Two other people I know who went on Lamictal around the same time as me also had their libidos die."

• Sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2015

Lamotrigine "Lamotrigine is a godsend! Changed my life, wish I'd gone on it years ago. Always felt held back due to the instability of moods. Suffered since my teenage years, thought to be ADD and anxiety. After a traumatic divorce (my ex was a drug addict), professionals diagnosed me with cyclothymia. Was afraid to go on meds, being sensitive to drugs, and had a bad time with the pill. I started taking Lithium-felt fatigued, dehydrated, and had a weird appetite. Switched to Welbutrin, which made me lethargic and gave me severe brain fog. As a writer and artist, I need to feel things! Five months ago, a horribly bad week made me willing to try anything. Started at 25 mg, raised by 25 mg every 2 weeks until 200 mg. I feel amazing, my life and work have blossomed! Feel grateful to be alive!"

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2013

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am on the 3rd day on this medication. After just one pill, my mood became much better, but the downside is that it causes insomnia, and when I fell asleep finally, I have nightmares. The dry mouth bothers me the most because it causes bad breath. Also, in the afternoon, I get so tired, I have to sleep when I am not working, and I sleep a lot, like 3-4 hours."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2022

For Anxiety "This was used to help with my anxiety and panic attacks. A few days after starting it, I started having nightmares. Like dreaming about traumatizing things and my worst fears. I was getting headaches every day and feeling exhausted all the time. I had bruising all over my legs for no reason at all. Did not help my anxiety, I think it might have made it worse."

• Ire...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2021

For Depression "My Dr. started me off on 25 mg. I took half of the 25 mg for 10 days. I'm on 25 mg for 5 days already. I'm so used to not feeling well from not knowing what is wrong with me, from feeling dizzy, trembly, head in the clouds, mood swings, depressed, and constantly irritable, short-tempered, confused, disorientated, forgetful, and extremely tired all the time, racing thoughts and always thinking of what I need to do next, like I'm not present. After taking 25 mg for the 5th day (a full tablet), somehow I feel very relaxed and all these symptoms above - I'm not really feeling them or I'm looking to see if I'm feeling it deep down, but I'm not. That means that the meds are working, right? My mind feels like it's present, I don't feel like my mind is all over the place. I am having a normal feeling that feels rather therapeutic. My mind is clearer, and my concentration has improved quite a lot. I'm starting to see life differently, I'm more confident because inwardly I feel more healed."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2024

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I don’t write this review to scare you, Lamictal is an incredibly well-tolerated medication for most people. For me, unfortunately, after only 4 days of taking it at 25mg, my lymph nodes started to swell and I started to develop a small rash as well as small erosions on my eyelid. This could have led to some dangerous conditions that your doctor should talk to you about. I’m disappointed that I had to discontinue it because I really had high hopes. Otherwise it was very easy to start compared to other meds, just some mild tiredness and headache. I only post this so you can be aware of side effects like this that you shouldn’t ignore. Please give the med a try, it might make a huge difference for you. Just proceed with caution and monitor your side effects with your doctor."

• ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and now possibly a mood disorder. I have tried almost every drug in the book, and I was fed up. My doctor recommended Lamotrigine, and I refused to take it due to the risk of SJS - knowing this made my anxiety way worse. But after another year of failed efforts, I decided I’d give it a shot. I started at 25 mg per day for a week and increased by 25 mg a week until I reached 150 mg/day. In week one, I didn’t notice a difference, in week two, I started feeling my mood leveling out and felt more energy. In week three, at 75 mg, I noticed I was “yawning” and had “air hunger” a lot. Then, with each subsequent dose increase, it got worse and worse. At 150 mg, I have a horrible headache. I plan to reduce back to the most effective dose for me (50 mg) and see how that goes! Overall, my experience has been positive. Just try to take the lowest dose to avoid side effects."

• Chi...
• September 2, 2010

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I am 58 years old and diagnosed last year with mild bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety. I felt very happy most of my life, although having behavioral problems, and didn't start having real problems until I was 50. I tried Wellbutrin, and it gave me hives. Celexa made me so wired that I couldn't sleep and felt like I was going crazy. Effexor worked, but I was tired all day. Lamictal was miraculous. I have taken it for a year. It gives me energy, I feel happy and motivated. I don't feel angry anymore. I LOVE it. I gave it a 9 because it gives me memory problems, which I do not like. But I feel that it is really a lack of concentration. So I try harder to concentrate, and it helps when I do more mental things, like read."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2010

Lamotrigine for Schizoaffective Disorder "This medicine has helped me be more normal. I'm not unstable at all unless I skip my medicines, and I'm even in university, although it's very hard on me. When I take my Lamictal, if I did an all-nighter, I go straight to bed and miss class, so it does make you tired, but I wouldn't recommend missing your medication for more than one night. Lamictal really helped me lead a normal life, though. It's a great mood stabilizer and helped me have no relapses at all. I'm on Risperdal, Paxil, Lamictal, and Geodon right now, but trying to get off Paxil and Risperdal completely because it's made me gain a lot of weight."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2012

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I just started taking 25 mg a day a few days ago. So far, I'm tired after taking it and very thirsty. I do feel good after the drowsiness wears off and am already starting to feel good. My jaw hurts a little and slight headache. I will post again in a few weeks."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2017

Lamotrigine for Bipolar Disorder "I moved from quetiapine to Lamictal about six weeks ago. I have stopped itching as badly now and feel quite good. Currently taking 200 mg. I am having trouble sleeping. Here in England, the doctor doesn't prescribe sleeping pills. I'm very tired in the morning as a result and early evening, then come alive! I feel things better, my anger and irritation have subsided. I have lost a stone in weight in the last 8 weeks. This has helped, so I feel more positive. I wish I could relax, though."

• Sou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

For Anxiety "I have been on Lamotrigine for 3 weeks for anxiety and bad mood swings. Started out on 25 mg twice a day, nothing changed. Moved up to 50 mg twice a day, still no positive changes whatsoever. I am tired and lethargic. By the evenings, I am extremely irritable and yelling at my family."

• Sou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

For Anxiety "I have been on Lamotrigine for 3 weeks for anxiety and bad mood swings. Started out on 25 mg twice a day, nothing changed. Moved up to 50 mg twice a day, still no positive changes whatsoever. I am tired and lethargic. By the evenings, I am extremely irritable and yelling at my family."

• Gan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2018

Lamotrigine for Seizure Prevention "I have been on Lamictal for 13 years. For the first 12, I had similar symptoms as others - poor memory, exhaustion, inability to walk a straight line. No idea why, but now my symptoms are slowly going away. My dizzy spells are rare, straight lines aren't difficult, and best of all, my memory is coming back. It's not as good as before I was on the meds, but I'm happy for anything I can get. My issue is that I'm soon going on Medicare, and the cost of this medicine is $12,000 per year. I'm looking into generics, and based on the research, it seems they have gotten better, but I'm not ready to make the leap yet."