What do you know about Lamictal?

Question

My doc prescribed Lamictal for my bipolar disorder. My symptoms interfere with my life on a daily basis and exercise, vitamins, less strong medications, 12 step groups and therapy have helped but have not gotten rid of suicidal urges, lack of interest in things I used to care about, lack of motivation, exhaustion, and other symptoms.
Is the treatment worse than the cure?

I read the drug facts. I'm looking for people's experiences with the drug.

Answer 1

Hi! I can completely relate to your situation. I have bipolar and have been on Lamictal for approximately 6 weeks now and I feel a HUGE difference just in the last 2 days. I was starting to think NO medication would work. We have tried everything (except lithium) and nothing. But, I do finally feel like the mood swings have died down a lot. I was rapid cycling terrible prior to starting the Lamictal. Now I am concerned with a rash I've developed just this past week and it's now spread to my whole body. I am so upset because I KNOW when I tell my doctor tomorrow he's probably going to tell me to stop taking it. I'm so scared to have to start over again...but, if I have too, I will. I would NOT stay away from the Lamictal for fear of side effects, etc. My doc may tell me the rash is mild enough that I don't have to worry and we just have to watch it. (I know a few people who have had to keep their rash monitored and it eventually goes away)

To answer your question...you HAVE to have treatment. Bipolar is NOTHING to mess with. Unfortunately, finding the right "blend" of medications is extremely difficult, it's worth the trial and error to get it right. I know I want to feel "normal" again. I'm sick of never knowing when I wake up in the morning whether it will be a good day or a bad day. I leave the house feeling happy, and then some trigger hits and I'm angry or depressed. It's awful. And I know you understand what I mean by that. I say keep fighting! I find the 12 step groups to be of NO help, but that's just me. I think they are horribly depressing. You may find that on-line support is better. (it is for me) Anyway...I'm always bouncing around Yahoo if you need more help!

Answer 2

I just started it 2 months ago, I am taking it so that it will help stabilize my mood and I can take lower dose of lithium which causes many of my bad symptoms, motivation, exhaustion. My question is, if you have suicidal urges, why were you on less strong medications. When I was back at that point, and first diagnosed with bipolar, my psychiatrist was very aggressive in prescribing medication. If I were you I would just go see someone else for a second opinion. You dont have to make any commitments, I did it and stayed with my original doctor. Lamictal, has only moderate evidence supporting it as a mode stabilizer by itself. Lithium is the best and then Depakote and Carbamazapine are about equal. I have taken them all, and Lithium has worked the best. You have to be patient though. It took years to stabilize my moods and now I am still juggling medications due to side effects. Hang in there. One last comment, I got my doctor to prescribe me adderall to help my decreased energy level.

Answer 3

I take Lamictal, and I've had no problems, it has controlled my moods, and I take Wellbutrin for depression, after 10 yrs, the dr finally found the combination that fits.
I also, journal, see a therapist, and take my medicine exactly as prescribed and go for a med. ck every 2 mos.
I hope this helps, e'mail me if you want to talk further or have other questions, I know what it's like to feel unsure........good luck, you'll be fine:)

Answer 4

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer.

Answer 5

it is also used for people with epilepsy to controll seizures.
it is an anti depressant simular to prozac and zoloft.