has anyone ever taken limictal?

Question

i'm supossed to be on it now for bi-polar, but i'm scared to take it. i have a severe anxiety disorder and i'm SO afraid it will cause it to be worse. has anyone taken it and had any side effects?

Answer 1

From some anecdotal evidence I've gathered, Lamictal is a highly effective medication for Bipolar Disorder, where like the more popular bipolar meds (Lithium, Depakote), require regular blood monitoring, where Lamictal doesn't.

Once you reach a theraputic state, Lamictal will do wonders for you, but the downside is, the titration (method for determining how to adjust the dosage) for BP patients is extremely complex. Since it is not known how Lamictal effects your metabolism, your Dr. will have to start you on a very small dosage and increase it gradually over time, to prevent side effects. Essentially, there is no telling on how long it will take to reach a steady state and when the meds will start working, you'll just have to be very patient. Also, Lamictal doesn't mix well with other medications.

For me personally, I was diagnosed with BP II and was initially put on Lamictal. I'm not going to say that it didn't work for me, but I had to switch to Depakote, because I was hurting pretty bad and needed something where I could get to the theraputic state a lot faster.

Coming from someone who has a lot of experience with taking meds, I think the way you feel is very normal. Most people would get anxious about taking something that messes with your brain. I am no different, where in the begining, I was anti-medication and developed a strong complex that prevented me from participating in medication management therapy. Over time, condition got worse and worse, to the point where I just surrendered, saw a Dr. and went on the meds immediately. Over time, I became much more comfortable with the therapy and began doing research on my condition and different medication therapy options. I began to build a respectable amount of knowledge about psychotropic drugs, to the point where I when I speak with my Dr., it's no longer a one sided conversation (her telling me what to take). We work together with the information we have and she puts me in the best position possible to fix the problem, minimize the side effects and take as little medication as possible.

At this point, I would advise that you trust your Dr. and put some faith into the medicine. There are side effects to any type of psychotropic medication, but your Dr. believes that the benefits of the medication far outweigh the side effects and will improve your quality of life.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Answer 2

LAMICTAL is not for everyone. Most people who take LAMICTAL tolerate it well. Common side effects with LAMICTAL include dizziness, headache, blurred or double vision, lack of coordination, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and rash. LAMICTAL may cause other side effects not listed here. If you develop any side effects or symptoms you are concerned about or need more information, call your doctor.

It is not possible to predict whether a mild rash will develop into a more serious reaction. Therefore, if you experience a skin rash, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, or swelling of lips or tongue, tell a doctor immediately, since these symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A doctor should evaluate your condition and decide if you should continue taking LAMICTAL.

Answer 3

Yes, I have taken Lamictal. I am taking it for depression. I have not experienced bad side effects. In fact, I think that the worst side effect may be a rash, but other than that I do not think that there is anything that would be worse than your illness.
Also, I have been in contact with people that have taken it for bi-polar disorder and have really liked it.
Its hard to take new meds, but you have to trust them to see if they work for you, if they don't, there is no shame in returning to the doctor and figuring out a new game plan!
Good luck! and feel free to contact me with any other questions!

Answer 4

Try different medications, I know someone who finally found the right medication after trying several different ones, some of those med's made her feel even worse,.... But now, she has a different DR. who got her on the right stuff, and she feels great, like she is functioning where before she felt she could not have a life! There is always hope, ! And yes,...do go back, People are mostly good, and understanding!

Answer 5

I'm bipolar and beleive me, lamictal has been a life saver for me and quite a few others I know. It has also been completely free of side effects for me.