My first two weeks on Lamotrigine.

Hi guys - I wanted to post this for others who might be researching Lamotrigine before they take it like I was a few weeks ago. I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for the past year. I have been going to therapy for around 10 months and while my T was able to point out my anxiety disorder long ago, it took her longer to figure out the depression. She started to think of Bipolar II/cyclothymia/MDNOS and had me visit a psychiatrist. That person basically diagnosed me with "maybe bipolar light, somewhere on the spectrum of bipolar II/MDNOS" and prescribed me Lamotrigine. I have had bad experiences with SSRI/SNRIs in the past, so I was excited to try something different. I also have taken alprazolam (.25 mg) as needed.

Within the first 3 days of starting 25 mg/day, I stopped biting my nails, which has been a compulsive coping mechanism of mine since childhood. Within a week, I stopped having hypnagogic issues at night. My anxiety has leveled off a bit, and while I do still have times that I feel really anxious, I have been able to focus more on my life instead of all of the things I am afraid of. I am not really depressed anymore, unless I allow myself to obsessively think about certain things, which the medication has helped me lessen already. I have stopped thinking of suicide. I am titrating up and just started 50 mg two days ago. I had a bit of a headache after that first 50 mg dosage but it's gotten better. My spouse says I already seem like my old self. If you are thinking of trying Lamotrigine but are scared like I was, please try it! I have a feeling that this medication is going to help me save my own life.

hi, been on it for some time now. 2yrs. fantastic. esp with mania and the dreaded crash. works very nicely with other meds. it is proven to be a med with less side effects. it is a slow to start med, but it sits very nicely in the background. keep well.