Lamictal

bevhembree · Post by **bevhembree** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:55 pm

Anyone out there who can share their experiences on Lamictal?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:43 pm

I was diagnosed bipolar 5 yrs ago and was on lithium for a couple months to stabilize. Then the side effects were so severe I told my Dr that I would rather be sick. He put me on lamictal instead and have been doing Ok with less side effects and certainly not as debilitating. What has your expeience been?
What reason are you taking it? I think its original use was for something beside mood stablizer. Good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:11 pm

Hey! I have been on Lamactil since last WEDNESDAY. I have tried ALL the SSRI's in the past and none have worked for me and the side effects were HORRID!!!! I am glad to see your post because I have been looking all over to try and find somone on this med. I am a SEVERE hypochondriac and have recently began having panic attacks. I have been fighting the doctors for months now b/c I di not want to go back on meds. I have found that the Lamictal has not had any bad side effects (ie. sick to the stomach, dizzy, tired, no sex drive...etc.) like the others before have, however I have had serious bouts with RAGE this past week. Not sure that I can blame it on the med. yet because this nis not the first time this has happened to me even before being on it. I have not been diagnosed with "bipolar", but maybe there is something the docs. are not telling me who knows....they say they are trying ths b/c the other meds. have failed me. I am hopeful and have heard good tings about it...hope it works...lord knows I need something!

Panic Attack Lance · Post by **Panic Attack Lance** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:41 pm

Hi all-

I just started lamictal also about three days ago...I am not bi-polar either, I was diagnosed with OCD and anxiety and my thoughts lead me to be depressed....I have not had any luck on SSRI's either, bad side effects for me as well....Lord knows i need something also...I hope this med works for all of us...I pray before i take it and this is what I pray....

I take this in the name of JESUS and that no weapon formed against me shall prosper!!! Another words if i have any side effect I have faith that Jesus will not let it grow....

This journey is rough, but in time hoping and praying that I am deliverd from this disorder. I am also stating and OCD/anxiety disorder program at the hospital in my area, that teaches Exposure therapy...I'm hoping that i learn that my thoughts are irational and unrealistic, but at this time i am really hurting, as i know you all are also...Take care and God Bless....

Patricia

Annie07 · Post by **Annie07** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:24 pm

I'm am taking Lamictal for mood swings, depression/anxiety and OCD.

*D* · Post by ***D*** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:36 am

I've been on Lamictal for 3 years. I love it.

It is most widely used as an anticonvulsant and also as a mood stabilizer, which works well for me since I need it for both of those reasons.

Initially, the side effects I experienced were headaches, nausea, some dizziness, eye/ocular pain, but they subsided after a few weeks.

The only warning with this med is the "Lamictal rash" which can be fatal, but is extremely rare. The only skin sensation I experienced was a mild itchiness that lasted for about ten minutes after the med peaked the first week of taking it. I'm very sensitive to medication, and with no sign of the rash EVER, I can vouch for the rarity, so yeah, don't panic over it. That odd skin sensation? Totally normal.

Anyway, it's the only med I've ever taken that has actually seemed to "even me out" and make me "feel normal" enough to function in the real world. I've never felt sedated and I can actually think so much more clearly; it's a relief from other meds I have taken, e.g. antidepressants (SSRI & SNRI), anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, and other related med categories.

You can PM me if you would like a more detailed description.

P.S...Oh if GSK could see me now absolutely elated with Lamictal and basically "pushing" it. Heh. :p

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:27 am

I am bipolar I and have been taking Lamictal for about 6 years. I have had no problems and in my case, it's a MIRACLE DRUG. I only rarely have manic episodes which was my main problem. I'm still depressed occasionally with anxiety but I'm going to order Lucinda's program. Hopefully that will help me with the anxiety.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:17 am

I've been taking l00 mg. of Lamictal twice a day for 8 yrs. It's been good but last year and this I've noticed I'm having more depression starting in Feb. I've wanted to wean myself off since doing the program in 2006 but always afraid to. I decided a couple wks. ago that since I'm struggling w/dep anyhow I would try to wean slowly off. I've just gone to 1 tablet today. We'll see how that goes. I will be gone to a friends starting tomorrow thru Fri. so less stress. I cut it back to 1 1/2 tabs. and now will try for the 1. Keep me in your prayers. I'm also ADHD and have started a powdered shake that I take twice a day to help with that. Also did my program twice and am now doing the spiritual workbook from StressCenter.com.

Bev I pray this works for you. I posted to you on your other posts but never saw you posted back. I'd love to hear from you. PM me if you want.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:14 pm

You all are giving me hope to stick this out. I Feel very emotional and like I'm going to go crazy, maybe even an irrational fear of dying. But it's getting a little better every day. I have some headaches side effects and no more drowiness. We'll see.
Barb, I'm surprised and sorry I've never posted back to you. I have read tons of your posts and greatly admire you and all you have to say. Please forgive me. I'm proud that you are able to cut back on the meds and wish you all the luck in the world. You are in my prayers and thoughts.