Generic Name: Lamotrigine for Depression (lamotrigine)
Lamotrigine for Depression Reviews
"Lamictal has changed my life! I have had medication-resistant depression for over 30 years. I am now 60. I have been on every med out there, only to keep from being suicidal at best. I was on Abilify for 3 or 4 years with Viibryd. I gained 30 lbs, and cholesterol went sky-high. So, as a last resort, I decided to try lamictal. I am on 150mg and 30mg of Viibryd. It has totally changed my life. I am no longer depressed at all! My friends and family are amazed at the difference they see in me. I am socializing with people and taking care of myself again. I think I feel better than I did before being diagnosed with depression. Now I know we all react to meds differently, but if you are having trouble finding something that works, this is worth a try. I have major depression, not bipolar. I say that because most things I read about using lamictal were to help with bipolar. But it can also help as an add-on to your antidepressant. I thank GOD I found out about it."
Lamictal (lamotrigine) "Have had drug-resistant depression for as long as I can recall. Have been on Wellbutrin for years just because it's the only thing that does not have side effects for me. Have tried every SSRI with no results other than negative side effects. Now I have been very skeptical of anything working at this point, and honestly don't know what really to expect if something finally does, but I started Lamictal about a month ago. I have been tapering up and just bumped up to 100 mg, and I have noticed one change since about the second week. I have been cleaning my house... on a regular basis...including keeping the dishes clean. I have been also doing little things for myself like moisturizing my face and giving myself AHA facials. Like I said I really don't know how to gauge if something is working, and these little things may seem trivial but this is the most self-care I have done in years, and I am optimistic (this is out of character too) about what else is in store as I increase my dose."
"The first day on lamotrigine has been an absolute life changer! I was having severe hopeless depression paired with anxiety. My moods seemed to shift from one to another triggered by hormones or stress. It developed into an eating disorder over time untreated. I've tried every SSRI and off-label blood pressure meds, etc. I always gave them a good run, and they always had a lot of side effects and made my original symptoms worse. Then, after research, I asked my psychiatrist for Lamictal. I had 0 side effects!! I started at a dose of 25mg for 2 weeks and am at the end of 2 weeks on 50mg. I felt the difference by the second week of 25mg and even more at 50mg. I have felt so hopeful and excited at times in perfectly healthy ways, and depression and anxiety are all but gone. I don't feel doped up at all, just a better version of me than I have ever felt. Also, unlike SSRIs, this doesn't impact sex drive, and if I get pregnant, it's safe. Love and plan to stay on it for a long time. It's worth it!"
"I'm diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and have been in a very dark place for months. I have been very depressed, anxious, and had suicidal thoughts. I have been on several medications for months: Venlafaxine, Wellbutrin, and Vyvanse, which have been little to no help. Lamotrigine was added, and I'm now on 100 mg daily in the morning. My depression is entirely gone, as is my anxiety. I don't get mood swings anymore, I am calmer and less pessimistic. I've had no side effects except some minor itching upon dose increases lasting for a day or so. I don't feel emotionally numb, I just feel like a calmer, more logical, happier version of myself. I've tried so many medications over the years for my depression and anxiety (over 20), and this is the first one to truly help. It's a miracle medication for me. It can take time to find the right medications for you, but don't give up hope."
"I’ve been on Lamotrigine since mid-August. I titrated up slowly and am at a maintenance dose of 200mg daily. I was on every depression/anxiety medication you can think of for the past 20 years. I had to wean off those as Lamotrigine was introduced. So far, it has made a remarkable difference in my moods, my depression, my motivation. I love not laying in bed all day. Going on it was not easy, however, my anxiety was high, migraines, fatigue, insomnia. These have resolved but it’s taken 3 months. I’m thrilled at the difference it made in me and pray it continues to work! Remember it took months and a 200 mg dose until I felt better."
"I have drug-resistant severe clinical depression. Since 1982, I’ve tried every drug possible, all with side effects. I’ve taken Lamictal for the past 20 years, and I have to say it has, without any doubt whatsoever, saved my life, including giving me a quality life. Lamictal for me is a godsend, and I’ll never stop taking it. -Back To Being Me"
"Tried everything from Depakote to Lithium and every antidepressant with them. Finally paired Lamictal (Lamotrigine) with Lexapro (Escitalopram) and hit the jackpot! I'm unipolar (severe depressive) and the 300mg ER Lamotrigine with 20mg Lexapro has kept me totally mood-balanced and low-anxiety. After 20 years of different meds, I finally feel like myself."
"I started Lamictal during a life upheaval leading to acute, severe depression, and after a bad reaction to Lexapro (worsening depression and suicidal). Starting at Lamotrigine 25mg within 1 to 2 days, I felt immediate relief. I worked up to 75mg and stuck with that for several months. Circumstances led to worsening depression, and I went up to 150mg once daily and now at 200mg, holding steady. I have stopped years of Benzo, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax. Now, I only take Lamictal. This medication provides a wall against depressive thoughts and behaviors. Also, mood swings and rage issues that I suffered most of my life are almost completely absent. This med has given me a chance to live happily even during times of great change and struggle. Time to time, I consider going off, but I'm afraid of relapse. I have been taking it for 3 years."
"I believe I’ve been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. I’ve never had a manic or hypomanic episode. Ever. I was put on 200mg of Lamictal, along with other meds. I feel completely flat and I think it’s the Lamictal. I have no emotions and my motivation is extremely low. I KNOW I love my daughter but I don’t FEEL that love. This is an example of having no emotions. And I hate it. I WANT to feel that love. I want to feel ANYTHING. I’m just flat."
"This medication saved my life at a time when I was severely suicidal. I finally feel 'normal' after 5 years battling MDD and GAD. Tried citalopram, Viibryd, Zoloft, Effexor, Xanax, and some others I can't remember. Tried holistic and homeopathic remedies. I just kept getting worse and worse. I have no side effects, my depression and anxiety are completely manageable, and I feel like I have my life back."
"I have had depression episodes all my life and had never been medicated. Three years ago, I had a huge burnout and finally opted for meds. I have tried Celexa, Effexor, Abilify & Cipralex. All of them helped to some extent but not to completely stop the depression in the long term. My psychiatrist recommended Lamotrigine. I had seen on this site so many positive reviews that I decided to try it. Like many others, it has been a miracle drug for me. I have been on it for 3 months now and aside for 2 or 3 small bumps on the road, I feel great! Except for dry mouth (not that bad), I have had no side effects. Don't give up! Good luck :-)"
"I’ve been on many SSRIs and anxiety medications, and this has 100% been the most helpful one I’ve ever taken. I’m diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and agoraphobia, and this medication has saved my life. It’s the first med I’ve taken that had minimal side effects. When I first started, I would get a bit of nausea after about an hour and then get really hungry. When I took it after a meal or with a snack, it stopped happening. I can’t take it at night because it will give me some crazy dreams, so I usually take it around lunch. My anxiety has decreased dramatically, I have a range of emotions now instead of just feeling sad or angry, and they’re very even. I’m getting housework done, I’ve stopped waking up in the middle of the night at 3 am every night, and I’m enjoying time with my family. If you’ve been prescribed this medication and are nervous, please try it. It is a slow build-up, so don’t go into it expecting the process to be quick. It’s definitely worth it though."
"I have had anxiety since I was 18. Paxil worked wonders for me until after I had kids. From then on, no SSRIs worked much anymore. I found an amazing lady who helped me figure out what was going on. We agreed that I have mood disorder not otherwise specified. I don't fit the criteria for bipolar because I don't get manic and my depression showed up more as anxiety. Anyhow, I started taking lamotrigine XR and it has changed my life! I get nervous. I am going to jinx it by admitting out loud how much it has helped me. I used to read these posts and pray I had the same positive experiences. I am glad to say lamotrigine XR has given me that experience! The firing in my brain is finally calm!"
"I am currently on a 150mg maintenance dosage. I do take this in combination with other medications because I also have Panic/Anxiety Disorder with Agoraphobia. A year ago, I was in such a deep depression for months. I was not exactly suicidal, but often prayed I would go to sleep and not wake up. I began seeing a new psychiatrist, and he immediately started me on Lamictal. Literally within weeks, I noticed my depression was now under control! I truly believe this medication saved my life. I am definitely still a work in progress, but I am in a much better place. I can actually see the future."
"When I first started Lamotrigine, I was having crazy nightmares for the duration of the 'starter kit'. Once my dose got adjusted to 300mg, the nightmares stopped and I started making progress on getting my life together. I know it's working in some subtle way... At least I can look at nature and appreciate its beauty, again."
"Generic, inexpensive, the best medication I have ever taken. Thank goodness for Lamictal / Lamotrigine. Zero side effects. Normal stable mental life without deep depression and ruminations. Wish I had this in my twenties. Would have made life so much more enjoyable. The only drawback (is temporary) which is the slow titration. Some anxiety, night sweats especially as dose is upped. Taking 150 now which is pretty mild. At night, makes sleep perfect. No benzos. Another bad med in my opinion. You can also take a little more Lamictal to deal with any serious anxiety stress episode. I don't understand why this is not first line. And as far as SSRIs, for most people a big mistake to go down this road in my opinion and experience."
"I have fought anxiety and depression all my life. I am 38 now and on Lamictal. I thought that there was no hope after trying virtually every antidepressant on the market. Lamictal has me feeling the best in my entire life. Depression and anxiety are 95% gone. Truly unbelievable."
"I was telling my doctor about my severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD/restlessness, and he prescribed me this drug lamotrigine. After 4-5 days of taking it, I had extreme anxiety, could not stand being at work, and my thoughts convinced me that if I just drove to the Golden Gate Bridge and finally did it, all my problems would be solved. I have never been actively suicidal, so as I noticed these thoughts, I looked it up, and apparently it's a rare side effect from this drug. That is something my doctor never told me before taking it. IT CAN MAKE YOU FEEL WORSE!"
"I suffer from depression and severe anxiety. I have tried many antidepressants, none of which worked. I have been on Venlafaxine and Mirtazapine to no avail. Psychiatrist then recommended adding Lamotrigine to those two as a last resort before Lithium. No side effects noted and raging hunger has gone. Almost from Day 1, I started feeling a bit better. Now, 3 months down the line taking 50 mg a day, I feel like my old self. Anxiety is virtually gone, and I enjoy my life after months of misery. It has worked for me. I hope it works for you."
"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."
"I’ve been titrating up slowly on Lamotrigine. I’ve been taking it for about six weeks now and am up to 100mg a day. I have had no side effects, but I’ve also had no relief from depression or anxiety yet. In fact, I believe that my depression may be getting worse. I’m getting very discouraged and losing hope."
"This has been my savior, no longer flying off the handle at people, and my children not being afraid of me. I take this for several things migraines, anxiety, and depression. I use this along with Zoloft and amitriptyline for sleep."
"The first day of taking (50 mg) I feel better than I have in YEARS! I have suffered with depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and BPD (a mess, I know). I have been on every antidepressant and anti-anxiety med over the past 10 years, and I have to say it has done wonders! Looking forward to many more good days."
"I am 53 years old. I have experienced depression for over 2 decades. I have been diagnosed with recurrent treatment-resistant Major Depression. I also have ADHD. I have tried every SSRI, SNRI, and Ketamine therapy. I have anhedonia pretty much permanently. Nothing has ever worked effectively, and sometimes the only result was negative side effects. Up until now, Ketamine was the most effective in removing suicidal ideation but wears off, and it never helped with not experiencing pleasure. No doctor had suggested Lamictal. Recently, the Nurse Practitioner I see for ADHD recommended I try Lamictal. I was skeptical and did not want to try yet another med. I did not expect it to work. However, she convinced me, and it is amazing how much better I feel. I felt it start working immediately. I do not think it was a placebo effect, I had zero belief this medication would work. I feel calmer and more engaged. My anxiety and desire to overeat are gone. I feel better. I am not at the full dose yet."
"Lamictal has been a lifesaver for me. I began taking it as an inpatient at 16 years old for very severe depression, and now after two and a half years, I feel like my mood has completely leveled out. I don't experience extreme highs and lows anymore, I just feel normal. That doesn't mean I never get sad or never feel happy, just not to the extremes that I used to, which I'm totally fine with. The only problems I've had were that it took a really long time for it to start working for me, I still found myself experiencing depressive episodes six months after beginning to take it. However, they weren't as bad as they were before, and after another several months, the depressive episodes were pretty much nonexistent. Also, it didn't help much for anxiety like I was told it would, but it didn't increase anxiety for me either."
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