LAMICTAL Reviews (LAMOTRIGINE)Average Rating: 3.4 (1917 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare LAMICTAL with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by Gender with females listed first (reviews with no gender reported listed before females). Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 |
More on LAMICTAL: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR LAMICTAL | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 4 | depression/mood disorder | I'm not sure if the weight gain is from the meds, and I'm tired a lot. | I've gained around 20 pounds since beginning the meds, but I never thought it may be because of the meds. Since researching, I've noticed some people reporting this side effect. I've also had major trouble being tired all of the time, especially when I drink alcohol. Overall though, it helps majorly, and when I've tried to go off of it by myself (I do not recommed this...) there was an immediate reaction. I would like to go off of it if the weight gain is because of the medicine, because that doesn't help my depression... | F | 21 | 3 years | 2/28/2008 | 4 | Bipolar I | taking 75mg a day, some headaches, dry eyes, very vivid dreams, no weight gain yet, stabilized my mood extremely well, have not been in a bad mood since taking it for the past 2 weeks. some mental cloudiness, but i can focus in class still. doesnt seem to affect me. | F | 19 | 14 days | 2/27/2008 | 4 | Epilepsy | Dizziness,nausea,weakness,insomnia | I recently started taking Lamictal while on Keppra so far no seizures for a month but I am having trouble falling asleep at night, i'm lucky if I eat one meal a day, and i'm starting to get dizzy also i'm up to 100mg of lamictal and i'm on 3500mg of Keppra..I have 4 more weeks and I will be only to the starting dose of 200mg | F | 20 | 1 months | 7/13/2008 | 4 | Bipolar II | At this point, I can't be sure if these problems I've had for several years are a result of the drug or not, I was not aware they were side effects when I started taking lamictal so I haven't kept good track of when they started but I'm concerned that my moderate acne, slight weight gain and frequent (very frequent) urination are to blame on lamictal. | I was very satisfied in the beginning because the drug really did even out my moods. It dulled everything though, so I went on wellbutrin as well. But after 5 years of weight fluctuation, not in my favor, and increasingly worse acne (which the topical prescriptions including retinol no longer help) as well as being constantly aware that whatever activity I'm planning should take place near a bathroom, I've had it. I'm currently weening off my 200 mg dose right now. I'm honestly scared about what will happen but I've had it with these other aspects to the point that I am at least willing to try and see if this helps my other problems. I wish I had the advice of someone who understands. I don't know anyone else in my position. | F | 25 | 5 years | 2/6/2009 | 4 | Major Depression; mood instability | Vivid dreams - not really a problem though. Feet are sometimes itchy, but it's only a minor annoyance. | Lamictal has been a great help to me! After months of trying different SSRI's, only to be pushed into hypomanic episodes time after time (in between depressive periods) this mood stabilizer was prescribed to me by my psychiatrist. I no longer have sleepless nights, or the need to be constantly moving! Most importantly, (I'm not up to a full dose yet) but I have been so much less depressed and anxious lately. Great medicine! | F | 21 | 2 weeks | 2/8/2009 | 4 | depression/mood stabilizer | tiredness, dizziness, brain fog, lethargic. | I have taken 100 mg for over a year, but I recently increased to 150mg in the morning. My moods have been great,I am much more stabile, and I feel like I now know what 'normal people feel like". But I am so tired that it is imporrsible. I will be lowering my doasage. I can sleep for 10 hours a night, and still be tired!I I don't have physical energy and have stopped working out (something I always did before). As a note I noticed that people who are taking lamictal for depression seem to note more drowsiness and tiredness as a side effect then the bi-polars. | F | 26 | 18 months | 12/31/2008 | 4 | Grand Mal Seizures | Unexplained source of pain in my legs,night sweats,dreams,can't recall anything from the day before, tired,lethargic,weight gain,dry skin,slurred speech. I feel like I am in a tunnel most of the time. | If your Doctor suggest that you take this drug. Tell him no it is not worth risking your life. It may even effect you the way it did my friend. Causing them a horrible rash almost taking their life. | F | 30 | 4 years | 1/18/2009 | 4 | Depression/Anxiety | Practically none. Very vivid dreams. Occasional shakes when it would wear off. Saved my life when I had to abandon the entire SSRI class of drugs! | This drug changed my life. It was the 5th medicine I tried and had fantastic success! I have started hormone therapy (to try to undo 10 years of synthetic birth control damage) and it has helped me while trying to get balanced. HOWEVER ... I think I have to stop now and go the rest on my own, because based on what I have been researching, it must be lowering my Estrogen level and working against my hormone replacement! Thanks for all of your comments, you have helped me take another step on my journey to being well and normal and happy! | F | 32 | 1 years | 1/21/2009 | 4 | BPD II | Hair loss (approx 1/3 gone). Sometimes brain fog. Considerable memory impairment (both short and long term). Finding the right words or getting my point across in a clear articulate way is difficult. | Take 200mg daily. Lost 20lbs (probably b/c of increased coffee consumption leading to appetite suppression). Allowed me to reduce my lithium from 1200mg to 450mg. Also take 100mg Zoloft. Does a pretty good job in stabilizing mood. | F | 28 | 1.3 years | 12/17/2008 | 4 | Bipolar | confusion,memory loss, hair loss, body temp.rising,insomnia.Skin itches unmercifully at times,dry too. I also think it is responsible for what was thought to be premenopause. I didn't realize that I was having that many side effects. | This medication was at the time a miracle for me. I have been on some type of antidepressent for 23 yrs. Some worked for awhile, then they stopped. That is when I was diagnosed bipolar.That was 2yrs. ago. I went to my Dr. today. I told him it wasn't working.I needed a change. I am tapering off starting tonight.He said we would discuss another drug in 2 weeks when this was out of my system. To those of you looking for the right one or combo..don't give up! | F | 49 | 2 years | 12/18/2008 | 4 | bipolar disorder/mixed episode | Only recently I have had any problems with Lamictal. Stabilizing my blood sugar is very difficult if I take my dose on an empty stomach. I've taken Lamictal for two years and this problem has only just started. | I have been taking a dose of 400 mg daily for almost a year. I also take an adaptogen supplement. It seems that the two have a synergistic affect for me. My psychiatrist and I have made this decision together. At the end of the summer, I developed severe hypoglycemia. It took several frustrating months (eating 6-8 times/day or risk passing out)before the correlation between Lamictal & blood sugar became apparent. My typical routine was to take 400mg & my supplement every morning when I awoke. I discovered that if I had not eaten before taking my med, that with in 20 minutes, I would begin to have dizziness, confusion, & tingling of the lips & tongue- classic hypoglycemia symptoms. Changing the dose of both the Lamictal & the adaptogen to twice a day has greatly helped. I have found, however, that the best dosing times for me have been at 10am & 8pm. A 12 hr. dosing schedule was not working very well to stabilize my condition. | F | 36 | 2 years | 11/27/2008 | 4 | Mood Stabilizer/Depression | Dry Mouth, Sleep problems, Short-term memory loss, Trouble getting words out | I am on 300mg of Lamictal and 60mg of Cymbalta, I have a tough time sometimes distinguishing what side effects are from what, but I just recently increased Lamictal from 200mg to 300mg and am noticing severe dry mouth, trouble sleeping, short term memory loss - I have to write everything down or I completely forget, and I noticed that I am sometimes having a tough time getting words, I am usually a pretty fast talker, but lately am almost tripping over my words, its like my brain can't keep up with my mouth. However, the side effects are minor compared to the stablizing of my mood. | F | 23 | 1 years | 12/2/2008 | 4 | mood stabilizer (cutting) | occasional slightly blurred vision, some short-term memory loss (current dose: 300mg) | this medicine has worked well for me. very few side effects and significantly fewer negative thoughts/self-destructive impulses. it has not cured me entirely but has helped me make significant progress in my treatment with my therapist. | F | 27 | 4 months | 11/21/2008 | 4 | BP I | headaches, muscle trembling/tightness, dizziness | I was skeptical at first, but once I got up to 100mg 2x a day, I noticed a great improvement in my moods. It also helped regulate hormonal issues. I did not get a rash or anything severe like that, so don't be afraid to try it. I get migraines anyway, but Lamictal seems to intensify them. I get a little dizzy sometimes, or when I close my eyes I feel like a weight is pushing down on me. The only bothersome side effect is a shaking/tightening of my muscles that makes me sway back and forth slightly when at rest. Or at least that's when I notice it. I believe that comes from the fact that it is an anti-convulsant. Makes sense. I'll continue to use it as long as I can, it's been a lifesaver! | F | 26 | 10 months | 4/29/2008 | 4 | Bipolar Type 2 | Minor hair loss first few weeks- Centrum Silver (Selenium & Zinc combination) helped to regrow & curb further loss. As time has gone on, noticable changes in cognitive functioning- hard to remember certain things, having trouble spelling and experience saying words that don't make sense in sentences, then having to backup to put thoughts in to use correct words. Concentration a little diminished on certain tasks like typing, but consistent with regard to other everyday tasks. Anxiety lessing greatly and irritability also lessening as time goes on-episodes don't seem to last as long as before going on the Lamictal. | Have been on Lamictal just over three months. Have upped dosage beyond recommended 200 mg to 250mg and have been noticing the cognitive side effects increase since increased dosage. Minor lack of desire for sexual activity with partner and minor decrease in "functioning" sexually. Very minor symptoms during first few weekes- very minor headache only 2 nights before sleep, minor hair loss, minor body aches about a week... experienced no nasuea, vomiting or otherwise. Lamictal has been a very helpful drug for me so far in terms of coping with everyday stressors that used to set me off... do not have a dumbed-down feeling, as some have described, just a more even, easy, and relaxed feeling. | F | 27 | 3 months | 6/5/2008 | 4 | seizures & narcolepsy | hair loss continued from Topamax, muscle fatigue, dry mouth, sore jaw | F | 26 | 3 weeks | 6/8/2008 | 4 | Seizures (mood problems??) | Grinding jaw and mouth. Keep chewing on my tongue and cheeks! Night Sweats. Typing problems for sure! Not wanting to eat at ALL - lost about 15-20 poinds so far. Some short term memory loss - or not seeing something right in front of me that I'm looking for. | So far so good. I like that my mind has quieted down. I feel more calm and less anxious. NO more partial seizures!! - YAY!! I had quite a few per day, even on Neurontin. I still take the Neurontin, but I wish I had tried this years ago. I'm really hoping this will work out for me in the long run. In my opinion, my neurologist was entirely useless, and I'm glad I turned to a psychiatrist finally - he is much more helpful, and understanding, even about the seizures. | F | 38 | 2 months | 5/27/2008 | 4 | Bipolar Disorder | mostly foggy brain. Can't take it at night, vivid dreams. Taking 100mg every morning. | I was wondering if anyone has noticed any differences in the name brand and generic? I feel very achey since switching to generic.Don't know if it's a coencidence. | F | 34 | 1 days | 8/10/2008 | 4 | ADHD w/ depression and mild PTSD | Insane headaches akin to some sort of distant migraine about a month after I hit my target dosage, slight loss of motor and verbal acuity; still have daily headaches and nausea before taking dose, attention problems (poss. unrelated?), and a slight increase in my usual scatterbrained nature | It does make me feel better, I totally admit. I feel less reluctant to stand up for myself, and generally am more confident and controlled. The highs are lowered, which leads to some disappointments, but eliminating the lows has been worth it. I ended up stopping cold turkey because of mild flu and hit a spiraling 2-month cycle of suicidal depression, but am climbing my way back up now. Still, I'm going to go get another opinion just in case, since docs don't seem to want to prescribe meds for acute conditions because of what I'm on. (Concerta, Lexapro, Lamictal) However, I'm still able to process thoughts well, present thorough and reasonable academic discussions, and work in a fast-paced environment. I'll just stick with it for now. I'm currently taking half my target dosage until I can consult my doctor about the headache issues. | F | 23 | 10 months | 5/23/2008 | 4 | Bipolar 2 | Headache, trouble concentrating and memory problems, low sex drive - but definitely worth it. I'm rarely hypomanic, depression isn't as severe, moods are very even. | I just increased to 200 mg, feel great. Lower doses didn't have much effect on moods. | F | 19 | 2 months | 6/25/2008 |