SarahIsaacs Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 I was just prescribed Lamictal as an adjunct to other meds for depression (wtf??). Just wondering if anyone else has used this med and how it was for them. As well, how did it affect your depression? Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tryp Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 Lamictal is pretty much the gold standard medication for BP2, so it's not super surprising that they gave it to you. I've been on it for 7-8 months now, and I am quite pleased with it. Once I got past the start-up, it had almost no side effects, and it's been very effective for my depression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 It's great for me as well. The first few weeks weren't great--I would feel the benefit for a few days and then crash until I increased the dose, and then rinse and repeat. But once I got to my therapeutic level, that all stopped. The depression didn't go away instantly, but it definitely went away. FWIW, I'd say that effexor (which I was on first) took it about 60% of the way away and then lamictal did the rest...so my doctor at least seemed to use a similar philosophy to yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Yes, lamictal (or possibly lithium if lamictal is too activating) tend to be the drugs of choice for depression in BP II. Some BP II folks can get away with traditional ADs as well. I adored lamictal. ADORED. It was the only med EVER to COMPLETELY wipe out my depression from like the 2nd week. It gave me SJS. Don't be put off by that, but do know the symptoms, which are a rash with a fever. SJS is concerning and you can't take the drug if you get it, but getting it is extremely rare, and the treatment of choice is to JUST stop the drug. I got SJS 3 times on lamictal, so my doc even let me do some experimenting because I was so in love with it. Sadly, even at pediatric doses, it gave me The Rash. That said, lamictal also causes many BENIGN rashes, so getting a rash does not automatically mean SJS. What it does mean is you get your pdoc and/or dermatologist to look at and evaluate the rash. Most benign rashes are dealt with by holding the dose for awhile and treating the rash until it goes away, then going up in dose, depending on how paranoid/cautious your pdoc is. Also, don't try any new soaps, powders, and whatnot while starting and titrating lamictal, as you really don't want a rash from anything else getting in the way, as this can be an extremely effective med, and apart from SJS has really low side effect profile, including lack of weight gain (usually). So like, hang in there with it and be patient. Titrating can be a bit of a PITA as you have to go slowly and there can sometimes be a bit of instability as you go. Some docs will give you something short term to deal with that if it becomes particularly bothersome. Some people have a few word finding problems, and whatnot, but that often goes away with time. What else about lamictal? It really isn't a WTF medication for you, it's a good idea and a first line treatment. So don't be put off. Just stick to your titration schedule and you will most likely be fine. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catnapper Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Lamictal is my very favorite drug, hands down. The pdoc I started with in my new location a few years ago figured I was probably BP II instead of MDD and started me on Lamictal as a mood stabilizer. I'm sorry I didn't know about it sooner, it's made a huge difference in my life. I haven't had any side effects, although every time I increased the dose I had a headache for a couple of days. But I took some ibruprofen till it passed. Otherwise, it's been great, and the headaches were worth it, and I haven't had any since. It does take a while to get up to the full dose. I take the generic Teva version from Walgreen's, it's been fine for me, and it's cheap. I hope you have as good a luck with it as I did - it's the first time I've felt like my old, good, me in a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BreakMyBones Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm only on my 6th day of Lamictal and i'm so happy that others on Wellbutrin & Lamictal are having such great results - it gives me the hope that I need to have the patience to work SLOWLY up to a theraputic dose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breezy Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I don't like how chalky the tabs are, but I take it at night, so any drowsiness it may cause doesn't affect me. My thing was that I did not want something to make me gain weight, as self esteem is a big issue for me and I struggle with my weight and body image. What dosage are you working up to? 200mg? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I started taking lamotrigine in July, and it's been life-changing. The first three days I had blinding headaches and intense muscle pains, but they went away, and then, within about a week, so did my depression. I could think straight for the first time in...I don't even know how long. My memory's back. I love this drug. It's a godsend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krkintpa Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 I LOVE Lamictal! It has been the only drug that has been able to pull me out of my hole. Due to past drug abuse, I have to take a higher dose. I am currently on 400 mg along with Prozac and just started Abilify. I am on the right path, I can feel it. Good luck and let us know what you think! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 I think that Lamictal is my very worst-tasting med although Cogentin might give it a run for its money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 Try saphris. Unflavored. Just once. You will then feel better about your lamictal. Also, on a side note, as one who loved lamictal but developed REAL steven's johnson's syndrome, I say, sorry, no sympathy from me. No offense. I'd swallow.... poop to get the feeling you get from lamictal. Yes, every day. Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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