Lamictal is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder depression.
The generic name is lamotrigine. The basic dose is 200 mg, though the dose can vary greatly depending on the person. It usually has very low side effects, but there can certainly be some that interfere with life! Here is a question from a reader (Jon) about Lamictal side effects.
Hi Julie,
I’m taking 800mg of lamictal a day for epilepsy, and Ive had a problem with my throat for the past 2 years (almost since Ive been on the medicine. Primarily continual clearing of my throat and a sensation of something stuck in the back of my throat. Ive seen tons of drs, checked me for all nasal and stomach issues, all to no avail. My last dr said it could be some type of tic, but I wasn’t sure. Has anyone else heard of something like this? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!! And thank you all for sharing your stories. Jon
**
Hi Jon, this is a normal side effect of Lamictal. I’ve noticed a lot of side effects that affect the head area. Neck pain and twitches, itchy face, yawning, trouble breathing, trouble catching your breath. It’s a great drug (in terms of having to take meds)- and it usually has few side effects. 800 is a LOT of Lamictal. I take 700 and that is also high. These doses are not studied in terms of bipolar disorder. So these side effects are not well documented. I’ve been on it since 2005 and if I go off it, my depression is quick. I wish I could have stayed on a lower dose, but it stopped working. The 700 has helped for a few years. I don’t think I will go up with it. I would rather add something than risk going higher.
Another thing to get checked. An ear, nose and throat doctor can check for cysts on the thyroid. This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the thyroid- they are very common- but I often feel there is something stuck in my throat.
Spreading out your doses can help.
And finally, is it there all of the time? Or does it come and go? Or…. does it start when you take the meds.
Regular medicine rarely understands the side effects we go through- they are so odd! Who would think a medication could cause constant yawning!
Hope this helps!
Julie
Hi,
I was on 400 mg for moods, reduced to 200, then back up to 300 because of the need for greater effectiveness. I like lamotrigine for the way it works, but I do experience a need to clear my throat a lot, and, with the doctors not seeing anything in there. It is worse upon rising, and it can make it feel like my throat is closing at times. Still, it would take more than this to get me to ask for something different.
I’m so glad you mentioned constant yawning. I had that when I first started Lamictal. I knew it was related and apologized to people and explained it was due to a medication and they looked at me as though I was crazy. Now I’m completely vindicated!
I didn’t know about the thyroid. I haven’t had throat problems, but has anyone had any ear-related issues? I have perennially stopped-up ears that I need to get checked out further.
thankyou for the comments. I am just starting on this mood stabilizer and hoping together with the one I’m on, the depression will lift. I receive much direction and hope from this board. Will this actually help? I just want the darkness to go away.
Hi,
When you find the right meds combination, as I did last year. You can end your depression completely. I never, ever thought I would get better. I hate having to be on so many meds – and I hate the side effects, but I have my life back. I was depressed for years- now I can have a clear mind. Keep trying. I use the meds with my management plan- it’s well explained in Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder- it’s the combination of meds and a plan that really works.
Never give up hope! Julie
I’m on Lamictal, lithium, zoloft, ativan and ritalin.
My doctor stopped me cold turkey at 300mg of generic lamotrigine. We were concerned with a rash. I have been on it since 3008 with regular side effects, apparently.
Within 24 hours I was in a slightly confused state where I was not processing very well. I am a teacher and that was not a good thing. Luckily by the time the thick of it hit, I was on plan and didn’t have kids the rest of the day.
It was really bad. I was giving in to the idea that I just couldn’t come back to work for the rest of the week, at minimum. I started rapid cycling and thankfully, by the next day the dark side seemed to be gone.
Visually, my cheap laptop seemed 2D and things would trail slightly as I moved my head. My head felt detached. My ears with pressure…but not physically. These have resolved now…after 5 days
I have been losing my balance and have had to stick close to things to brace myself on. This is definitely getting better but not gone yet.
The strangest thing is an increase in size and pain in my recently reduced breasts. They feel somewhat engorged. I’m hoping that will go away soon!!
The BEST thing is, I’m thinking more clearly now. I have said to my family, that while on lamotrigin my brain felt like it was in Gatorade and now, like water.
I hope I’m able to stay off of it.
Has anyone gone through withdraw from lamotrigin? …AND IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THE SIDE-EFFECT OF A RESTLESS NECK/CAN’T GET COMFORTABLE IN BED…from lamotrigin? I read one of your posts where someone else had that and I do too! I hope that goes away!!!!!
Thanks,
Trina Webb
HI Trina! This is absolutely normal- I have MORE side effects from Lamictl when my dose is low than I do when it is normal. It’s a brain drug- it’s natural that going off it would effect the senses- especially the eyes and balance.
I do wonder about the rash. Are you sure it was the dangerous one? It’s possible, but it’s very rare. I have seen it- it looks like oozy poison ivy. The regular rash that many people get can simply be red with small bumps- or just itching, which is what I have.
Being on it since 2008 and then suddenly getting the rash is not very common. Please check with someone who knows for sure.
Also, going off cold turkey is very dangerous!
This is what caused your side effects to be so severe. It’s funny- we know we have side effects going on a med- but we forget they can be there going off the med!
I’m so glad your brain feels better. My lithium has been very AWFUL in terms of the brain fog, but I’m stable for the first time in 15 years. I have to deal with it.
The side effects should be gone soon. Check carefully for any signs you’re getting sick- you don’t want a mood swing to catch up on you!
I’m so glad you feel better.
Julie
PS: My neck symptoms with lamictal have been here off and on since 2005. I never know when they will show up. I have more trouble with yawning and shortness of breath. But when the neck problems are here- there is no way I can get comfortable on my pillow. It’s awful! It’s like my neck is made of granite! But, meds save my life. It’s a shaking hands with the devil trade off!
When I tried Lamictal I developed tinnitus (ringing in the ears) shortly after starting it. I had to discontinue it because I couldn’t stand it and was afraid it would get worse the longer I was on the med. Even after stopping, the ringing went on for a couple of months at least before diminishing and disappearing. A couple of people in our DBSA group have experienced the dangerous rash/skin peeling syndrome. So we all have a healthy respect for this medication. It seems to be great for those who tolerate it well, but anyone going on Lamictal needs to be aware that side effects aren’t that uncommon and they need to be vigilant when they start it. If anything unusual starts to happen let your psychiatrist know immediately so you can stop and try something else.
Rob, I was so glad I found this after searching. I was placed on Lamotrigene (Lamictal) in early September 2013. I started having ringing in my ears within about a week to 10 days. I was on it for three months. After researching I saw that Tinnitus while not a very common side effect, it was more common for people over 50. I told my Pysch and she weaned me off and I last took it on Nov. 29th. I still have Tinnitus and my family doctor is trying several things. I am hoping this goes away. How long was it before your Tinnutus completely stopped?
Hi, Julie. My name is Lisa. I’ve been on 100mg of Lamictal for a little over a year now. Of course it’s no longer as effective as when I first started. My Doc tried to increase it by 1/2 pill a day then to the 200mg. I tried adding the 1/2 pill one time. It made me so foggy the next day. Atleast I think it was the pill. Trick here is I am so many different meds for hypertension, neurological issues yet to be determined, depression, anxiety, sleep, all prescribed by physicans. Having to take so many meds of course keeps me constantly worried about side effects or contraindications. I know lamictal with combination on certain medications can lead to Steven-Johnson Symdrome which I am deathly afraid of. What, if any mixture on these types of medications (ie benzos) with the lamictal can be a cause of concern?
good to hear about lamotrigine-side effects…no one pill is perfect is it? I’ll gladly put up with these seemingly mild side effects if the depression only goes away.If I understand the term rapid cycling, I think this might be what I am experiencing. My doc. is helping me get up to 200mg. over a four month period. . . takes patience I tell ya.Last weekend was soo different than this one, in that I feel(!) like living…and I haven’t done anything different.So glad for a better Sunday.I’m telling myself tomorrow might be bad again but “just keep moving.”four months seems like forever right now,but I’m counting the good days and going to remember them!(thinking positive right now)..I tell you I need this board and the whole schmang of Julies books.it just seems like forever.It’ll bee two years this summer when I was hospitalized for a month. a GOOD experience for me and my family.Appreciate the 4th floor of my hospital! Donna Mae
. . I want to get on with life…do I have a right to feel this way?
made a mistake it is over a two month period that i’m working my way up 200mgs.!
I have been on and off Lamictal since 2007. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar I. Lamictal is one of the few pills that have been able to allow me to have my normal emotions without being able to go to the extremes at either pole. The doctors would take me off and then put me back on it, increasing the likeliness of contracting SJS. That concerned me. They were afraid of me contracting SJS, but didn’t realize the more they took me off and put me back on it, increased the possibility.
I have been on more medication than I can remember off the top of my head. I know that anti-depressants don’t work well with me. They get me out of depression but send me into a manic episode.
With all medications, there will be side effects. I never realized the yawning was part of the Lamictal, but it makes sense now.
I would recommend Lamictal to anybody else with Bipolar but it does take a while to titrate to the target amount. Lithium has helped when manic or hypomanic to allow the Lamictal to titrate to 100mg or 200mg.
I also would recommend finding a doctor that will titrate the dosage in 25mg intervals so you have less of a chance of contracting SJS (the skin rash.) I have had doctors that just wanted to throw me all the way up to 100 or 200mg and I had to go off of it due to a start of a rash.
I am currently on 200mg of Lamictal per day.
I am glad that we have an outlet on these blogs that we can come together to discuss these issues. Thanks Julie for making this available.
Has anyone been on Neurontin and can you tell me if it helped in anyway with depression and hypomania? I have been on 1200mg for approx. 2 wks and i have been feeling very tired. In some ways I feel more depressed.
I talked to my doctor about trying Lamictal. He says that it is a good drug but that after a few years it doesn’t work anymore even with the increased dose and that people get off of it. Has anyone else experienced this?
Julie
Lamictal caused me to have such serious cognitive dysfunction that I had to stop taking it. I was taking 300 mg per day along with Seroquel and was having so much trouble that I could not even remember where the wind shield wiper and light controls were on my car. It was very hard to spell and write. After discontinuing the Lamictal (but continuing the Seroquel at the same dosage) the signs abated. My doctor insisted that the Lamictal was not the cause, but on several epilepsy sites I found that a few people had the same problems. The drug insert indicates that this happens in 1 percent of patients.
My experience with Lamictal and Seroquel was terrible, I lost 15 lbs, couldn’t eat and the Seroquel inhibited my digestion significantly and left me foggy all day. It was like being hungover.
When I went off the Seroquel all this lessened and after 1-2 weeks I felt great. I doubt Lamictal was the culprit in your disorientation based on my experience with the combination of these two drugs.
Hello,
I have tried several medications unsuccessfully. My doctor is saying that if these medications don’t improve the depression, he is going to refer me for ECT. Could anyone share their thoughts on ECT and if they have had the procedure done?
Thank you,
Nancy
Hi Nancy, I had ECT in 2010. It works for many, many people- but the side effects can be huge and the life style changes you need to make while having the ECT have to be planned in advance. I believe in ECT. I was so ill I was hardly functioning- it saves lives. Others find it pretty darn awful. Send me an email and I will tell you more and then post the comments on the blog. It’s a good option. Julie
juliethewriter @ speakeasy.net
I have been on Lamictal for two years after being diagnosed with BP II. Before I was diagnosed nothing would help my depression and the therapist at the inpatient unit I was in and out of suggested ECT.
Instead I entered a five-week residential treatment center to learn skills and deal with past trauma. It was there I was diagnosed with BP II and prescribed Lamictal. I haven’t had a severe case of depression where I’ve had to be hospitalized since (knock on wood). My moods still cycle on a regular three month basis and I end up in bed with depression for a few days, but nothing like before.
I was relieved to hear other people have had problems with throat clearing. It drives me crazy. I thought it was from sinus problems, but now I know. It’s a livable symptom to deal with though compared to severe depression.
Also, I wanted to ask …. I lowered my Lamictal from 400 mg to 250 mg over a two month period. I was having trouble remembering words and I could hardly carry on a conversation because I couldn’t think of words I wanted to use while talking. So, it’s been two months since I’ve lowered it and last week I had an intense bout of hypomania. I’d never felt euphoria like that before. I’m sad that it’s over, but it was getting dangerous for me. I see my doc this week, but is it possible I had a delayed reaction to lowering the med?
I hate to tell all of you about the end result you will have with having to cough or try to clear your throat.. I have to get off this drug ASAP because I was just diagnosed with GERT. I did not have GERT before starting this med. One of the side effects of this drug is GERT (heartburn)..
Because I have been taking it for about 4 years; it is going to be hard to get off of it quickly 🙁 I need to as my acid reflux is severe and I will have to do other test.. I am in hopes that getting off this will help my muscles in my throat and stomach to go back to normal functions and strengthen.
I will be sad getting off this med as it has helped me greatly!! but it is NOT worth getting GERD or cancer of the throat. So if you are having any symptoms of the throat issues or swallowing, burping alot, weight loss with NO effort, hoarseness etc… Go have it checked out because it just gets worse.. I have hoarseness, loss of voice, post nasal drip (due to the cotton mouth side effect of the drug), fatigue, constipation, tiredness, hair loss, numbness in my toes, legs, weird (heart attack) like headaches, weight loss, flu like symptoms, cyst on nipple of breast.. really I think the long term side effects are NOT worth the risk..
I will need to taper off this stuff quickly so I don’t have to get surgery in my stomach/throat.. or worse get cancer :O
Any ideas or help would be great but reading so many comments on that clearing throat thing made me want to respond.. please go get that checked out.. even if an ENT doc doesn’t see anything doesn’t mean it is not there.. YOU have to have certain test to detect GERD.. they are NOT fun test either..
Good luck to all of you on your journey through life. make it a good one as you only have one chance to make the difference in your life, your friends lives and the world as a whole ! Blessings to all that read this!
sorry GERD..
I was diagnosed with bipolar and after years of trying to be in denial I was finally able to embrace the diagnosis because I was ready to feel normal like everybody else appeared to be. I am taking 200mg of lamictal and feel like it helps but I still struggle with fits of rage that consume me. These don’t seem to be as often but not fun for me or my family. My husband has said on several occasions that the medication isn’t working and I’m kidding myself if I think it is. Tonight I threw all my medication at him and told him I would just stop taking it if that was his opinion regardless of what I thought the meds were doing for me. I’m so tired of feeling out of control. I think I’m a fairly nice person but he says I am mean, negative and hateful…is this really the life I have to keep living? Is there anything that will help me or do I have to realize that I am my own enemy and until I learn to suck it up I’m choosing to be this monster that nobody wants anything to do with?
I was a successful business executive for 30 years. If I was bi-polar all those years, there were no symptoms I was aware of, nor was anyone I worked with. I retired early at age 55 and became severely depressed within three or four years. My physician referred me to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed death anxiety, being under-challenged, and most of all, being bi-polar. He said I have been bi-polar my whole life (news to me because it certainly didn’t affect my job) and that as far as bi-polar medication is concerned, I am a “lifer.”.
The first medication we used was Lamictal. Over two years we worked it up to 400 mg. before it was truly effective. We gradually worked in two add-ons, Wellbutrin and ability. Both had unacceptable side effects, however, and we ended up with Lamictal at 600 mg. (I’m a big guy, 6 ft.4′, 220 lbs., and the high dose was the only thing that worked ). We added Ativan for panic attacks and Adderal for rock-bottom afternoons and seemed to have the whole package that worked.
Then unusual side effects started to appear. I had a rash cover one thigh and the opposite arm. My dermatologist said it definitely was not the classic, dangerous Lamictal rash, but he had never any similar rash and had no idea how to treat it. It eventually went away in six weeks. Then the bottom pads of three toes developed open sores. The podiatrist said she had never seen anything similar and struggled for two years to heal them, to no avail. Finally, and worst of all, I started to have a very difficult time swallowing food. An endoscopy found a crimp in my esophagus. The doctor was able to open it only to 70-80 percent with a balloon, and said he could not identify a cause.
I know my body well and was certain Lamictal was behind these mysterious ailments. The doctors thought not because the problems weren’t on the list of known side effects. But I knew Lamictal was at work and pushed to reduce the dosage. We went down to 400 mg. The next day — within 18 hours — I was able to swallow easily. In a relatively short time, two of the three toes healed.
Now, a year and a half later, that third toe remains unhealed. Worse, four weeks ago I started having problems swallowing again and yesterday an endoscopy found the crimp in the esophagus was back, worse than before. The doctor believes this is due to a food allergy and is treating it for that. I’m not a doctor, but I simply didn’t agree, and your readers’ comments about throat problems reinforced my feelings. So today I pushed again, but it wasn’t a hard push at all, and my psychiatrist agreed to phase out all Lamictal as quickly as possible, with an immediate reduction to 200 from 400 mg. I said that I thought the Ativan for panic attacks and stress, and adderal were enough for me. I don’t want to try anything else.
So we’ll see what happens. Will the third toe heal? Will my esophagus reopen completely? My bet is they will, and quickly. We’ll see.
I don’t really know what bi-polar means, at least for me. I’ve asked doctors and researched the subject, mostly on the Internet, and I still don’t know exactly what it is and how it affects me and what it has done to my life this far. The medical descriptions are murky and full of long words. I’m sure that other bi-polar people know it and struggle with it and its effects and consequences. But I have decided to live the rest of my life without Lamictal and other such medicines. Unless my emotions unravel completely, I’ll take my chances.
the cure has been far worse than the problem.
David your background and mine are exactly the same. I thought I was the only one with death anxiety.
David, I so strongly support your choice to go off the Lamictal.
I’ve been on meds for years, and I’m a strong example of how they can really help someone, so I’m the last person to encourage someone to ignore their doctors– but it does sound to me like you’ve been over-diagnosed and over-medicated. It sounds like you are going through a lot of unnecessary physical suffering as a result.
Being depressed over death-anxiety and under-stimulated/challeneged makes perfect sense. Personally, if I had never had other symptoms prior to a major life change such as yours, I would definitely NOT take such a strong medication as Lamictal. Medications like these can bring about a whole range of new physical and emotional ailments (as you are unfortunately finding out). If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, y’know? And then weaning off these meds can bring on new emotional upheaval and distress…
I’m glad that you’ve decided to listen to your gut and get out of the circle.
I will say this about Adderall, though–
If you already have anxiety issues, I can almost guarantee you that the Adderall will cause them to increase (this comes not just from my own experience but from conversations I’ve had with many other folks on ADD medicine). I’m also curious as to why, at 55, your doctor would suddenly determine that ADD stimulants (and they are STIMULANTS. Adderall is an amphetamine) to get through ‘rock bottom afternoons’? Adderall is for people with ADD and ADHD–it’s not an antidepressant. Well, it is an anti-depressant–in the way that all stimulants are–but it’s antidepressant properties will only last as long as it’s in your system. Then you become more depressed and want more. That’s called addiction.
All I know about you is what is in your post above, but based on that alone it sounds to me like you are bright, motivated and curious. Have you considered that maybe retirement just isn’t for you? You sound like someone who needs to have a place to focus your energies and be challenged. It almost sounds like you’ve taken up managing your medications and side effects as a new hobby, do you know what I mean? Not through any fault of your own, but because you were encouraged in that way.
Have you considered a second career, or even a part-time hobby/career? Just a random suggestion here, but it seems like flipping houses/real estate is a popular occupation for many recently retired people. There’s always something to learn there and you will have the reward of watching your income increase. (But maybe I’m just suggesting it because that’s what I would do if I had the resources. 🙂
Anyhow, David, I hope that your physical symptoms continue to heal and that you find new outlets that satisfy your emotional needs. You sound like a strong person with good intuition, and I am sure that things will turn for you.
David, thank you for your post. I’m just now coming off lamictal, the last two drugs of the cocktail hammer the psych doc hit me with 13 years ago, along with the bipolar label. With each drug I’ve come off of, I feel better, clearer and more like myself.
I found this post by googling lamictal and tinnitus (it is starting to take over). My throat closing has been a problem for years. I too, have had the procedure to open it. It feels like my esophagus is narrowing again.
Lamictal and trileptal are the last vestiges of the nightmare cocktail that included benzos, welbutrin and an SSRI, along with an anti-psychotic. As I’ve come off each of these drugs, I feel better, calmer, less anxious and more able to function.
I see you posted this over a year ago. Could you post an update on how the withdrawal from lamictal went? I’m going off very slowly, am down to 175 (from 350) and want to know how you did.
I’m interested to hear about hair loss as a side effect. I have done some research and it does appear that this seems to be attributed to lamotrigine.
I have experienced hair loss, however, I can’t narrow it down to this med.
Has anyone experienced the effect and think lamotrigine may be the cause?
Yes hair loss can be a side effect from lamictal..I was loosing my hair rapidly and thinning very bad along with scalp problems I’ve never had before. I for certain it was Lamictal because it was the only medication i was on.since stopping the med due to other phisical problems it caused, my hair has thickened,stopped falling out and scalp problems disappeared.
Hi Will- I’ve found that hair loss can happen with many different medications. I have so much hair I was able to handle the hair loss I had with lithium. It ended after my body adjusted to the meds. I wish meds came without side effects! Julie
i started 100 mg for bi polar 2 and after 2 weeks went up to 200 mg because my doctor told me the insomnia would probably disappear in a couple months but it hasn’t . after 8 weeks with little sleep and various side effects , including ,
tics such as collarbone moving, sucking in cheeks or gurning, clearing my throat, rubbing my fingers together and thumb twitches, extreme neck ache on the right side ….I decided to ditch the doctor for one who listens and ween off this med very slowly over 6 weeks. I am not taking anything else.
I have just recently started taking this medication I am on 50 mg. I have noticed I can’t sleep and I am very hateful. Is this common and does anyone know if these go away. I am put on it for my anxiety and panic attacks. Just got off of effexor and been sick and trying to get better soon .
All meds can have side effects- and they affect each person differently. I can say that 50 mg is a very low dose of Lamictal/Lamotrigine. A few things come to mind- are you going through withdrawal from Effexor- and could the symptoms you describe be symptoms and not side effects? This means the illness is giving you trouble and not the new medication. It’s super important to know the difference between side effects and bipolar disorder symptoms. If you were put on the medication for anxiety and panic attacks and it has not yet gotten into your system- the anxiety itself could be causing the stress and hateful behavior. I would give it some time for the Lamictal to get to a therapeutic dose. It really is a miracle medication when it works. I hate side effects, but I hate anxiety more! Please keep me posted. Julie
Thank you Julie. You may be right. I have been off the effexor 2 months now. I just didn’t know why I have been so hateful and irritable because that is not me at all. I am still not sleeping at night and that may cause some of the irritability. I appreciate your comment back to me. My physician said it was great also but I guess with panic and anxiety it always makes you worry and want to get back to your life as much to normal and soon as possible. I go see my psychiatrist tomm. I am hoping she can tell me more . She started me out low dose and increased me 2 weeks apart. Because she wanted to make sure I didn’t rash out so hopefully I will find out more. Again thank you!
Hello- I’m glad I’m still sitting here in the Portland sunshine so that I can answer your comment. It sounds like you have a supportive psychiatrist. That is so helpful. Where would we be without our health care professionals! She is right about the rash- it’s rare, but it’s definitely important to go slowly with lamictal. I find that the drug helped my moods overall- but it’s very different than Effexor. It’s hard to find the right combo of meds, but it’s so worth it! I find that anxiety and panic are my most debilitating symptoms. If you have time, I know it will help your psych if you can give her a timeline of your symptoms. You can then work together to figure out the side effect, withdrawal, trigger, symptom conundrum! Julie
Maria
I’ve experienced reduced hair growth on my head. My hair use to grow about 3/4 inch every 5 weeks. After 2 months of use my hair grew about 1/2 inch….I also noticed that my hair grows more in some spots than others.
I have been on some meds that make my eyebrows grow REALLY long! julie
Hello All, After reading about so many awful side effects, my own are very minimal. I’ve been on lamotrigine about 6 weeks, 50 mg. now, and am starting to have daily headaches that aspirin doesn’t touch and they’re eating up more of my day. I am also increasingly less stable on my feet a long standing problem for me, I’m using my walker more and more. Do either of these side effects eventually disappear? I’m taking it for depression along with Wellbutrin, Trazadone, and Gabapentin. As I’m new to this drug I have questions neither the docs or the inserts address. Do you have to increasingly up the dosage to keep depression at bay? How can I treat those headaches? I’ve been using miniscule doses of Xanax= which helps but does not eliminate them. My depression cleared 2 weeks after starting these and I’ve been treated for it for over 50 years! Thanks for your help.
In reply to Dianne’s question, I encourage you to research lamictal a little more before you decide to continue taking it. It is a dangerous drug that doesn’t do what people are being told it does.
http://beyondmeds.com/2008/12/04/lamictal-no-better-than-placebo/
I have been slowly titrating off lamictal for several months and am taking my last dose tomorrow. I wish I had never started. The inserts and doctors don’t address your questions because they really don’t know what the drug does and “how it works”. However, it affects your GABA/glutamate system that governs everything in your functioning, everything your body does. Please read the info about it on that beyondmeds blog.
Also note, the reason your depression cleared 2 weeks after starting this drug is likely because of the initial effect it has on a very significant neurotransmitter system. It did that for me, too. Then the placebo effect takes over. That system will adjust itself to the drug and your body will habituate. It does not “treat” depression at all, it just steps on the gas in your GABA/glutamate system. Welbutrin (I also took that) did the same thing and over time created anxiety my doc attributed to mental illness. So he prescribed a benzo to treat the anxiety. Turns out, almost every drug I was taking was actually prescribed to address the side effects of some other drugs.
I highly recommend reading the book “Anatomy of an Epidemic” by Robert Whitaker. It took me 13 years to figure out what was really happening.
Hello Ellen, I’m posting your comment as I believe that a conversation about medications is important. I also like your balanced approach in writing. I will say that I do disagree with you about the Lamictal for a reason you might not expect. Robert Whitaker got it right in so many ways- but the biggest issue I have with the argument you present is that there are some of us who will die if we don’t have meds. This doesn’t make the medications any less toxic. Do you think I like the stiff neck, breathing problems and itchiness I get with Lamictal? Heck no! But… when I don’t take it I often go down to 50% functioning because my rapid cycling is so all encompassing, I don’t have the energy to do what I have to do to move forward in life.
I have a question- Do you take any medications? Tylenol? Aspirin? A sleep aid? Maybe something for a persistent physical illness? I rarely find people who are against psych meds who are just as against meds for physical ailments. I ask this question with respect- do you go onto blogs that address those who have heart conditions and tell them to get off their medications? Do you tell cancer patients to tough it out and NEVER use chemo? Would you put people’s lives in danger on sites that are not about mental illness?
My coauthor Dr. John Preston and I revised my book Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder to address the medication question more fully. We added a new chapter in 2012. When people tell others not to take psych meds, they are risking the life of the other person. If you are ok dispensing information such as telling someone the medication that helped was simply a placebo affect, are you just as willing to talk to the loved ones if that person takes your advice, goes off meds and ends up killing herself?
If you are willing to take this risk- then I say continue your work to make others feel bad about taking medications that are often needed. I do respect your opinion- which is why I posted your comment. I do respect that what you described worked for you, but.. and I mean this with the greatest respect- bipolar disorder is a very dangerous illness. Many of us would not make it without medications. I can’t stand what they do to our bodies- the weight gain, the skin problems, the twitching, the apathy and the memory loss- but, if I have to go through that in order to get myself out of a serious episode, I will. You may notice that I have ZERO drug sponsorship on my sites. I could make a lot of money going that route, but I don’t do it. I believe in a full spectrum management plan where drugs are a PART of the system. This is why I am often off drugs for long periods of time.
Please know this simply isn’t the place for scaring and confusing others who are starting the journey to management. Bipolar disorder is not anxiety -it’s not depression and it doesn’t fit into the more moderate type of psychiatric illness that can be treated without medications. Instead, it’s a complicated and dangerous illness that often presents all of the symptoms at once- as you see in dysphoric manic episodes. Thank you again for your comment. I do mean this.
In the future, I hope you can find a blog that fits your needs. This blog has always been and will continue to be a place where those who need medications can come for information. Those who don’t want to take medications can use all of the information in my books to create a stable life as well. The Bipolarhappens.com blog offers free information on how to manage this illness outside of medications. This is not a site where we put down the use of medications. No one is blind to the problem, least of all me- ask me about my three cracked teeth, weight gain, rashes and fibromyalgia- I do get it that having to take these medications sucks. I use a management plan for 75% of my symptoms- it’s called The Heath Cards- when the 25% shows up- such as my continual hypomania- I TAKE MEDICATIONS.
Thank you,
Julie
Hello Again,
Thank you for your responses.I appreciate that lamotrigine is a powerful drug as it so quickly erased 50 years of depression – actually 54, now that I think of it, lol. Sorry, it’s no laughing matter I know, but that’s a long time and I feel like I got a “get out of jail free” card from the Monopoly game. I’ve had the wherewithal to accomplish more in the past few week than ever before = it’s almost scary. Neither of your responses addressed my questions. Can you help?
I wanted to know-
Do you have to increasingly up the dosage to keep depression at bay? How can I treat those headaches? I
Hi Dianne
yes, I up mine by 50 mg every 3-4 months. I’ve been taking it a yr and am on 300 mg for bipolar. I’m not sure whether this is my “target dose” or if I will have to up it again. You can always go down 50 mg than back up. This is an agreement I had with my last shrink, although if I go over the 300 mark, I need to get a blood test, to test the levels. I also I also take 20 mg of citalopram, because I can’t do without that boost.
My breasts have gone up a whole bra size, which I don’t like and have only just attributed that to the lamotrigine (side effect)!!
Has anyone else had this side effect?
Miranda
I was just diagnosed with BP2 and was started on lamectil, I’m more afraid of side effects then anything? But I also am at a point in my life I don’t know what else to do? Been on drug day 3 I feel very anxious but I also suffer from that as well. So my question is how long should you take before you will know if it’s right? I have only taken anti depressants.
I am so happy to have found this thread. I have been on generic lamictal for over 2 years and itchy scalp only started recently. My family had a case of lice last year so I figured it was back. I kept using the lice comb expecting to find something, but didn’t. I am actually up at 2am searching on sculpt itch. I’ll call my doc tomorrow. I have one spot on one arm that has been itching as well. I’ve also had a throat tickle, but allergy med has helped that. Itchy scalp seems to have started since using nasal allergy med. I will check for possible side effects of that too. Glad to know I sm not crazy about this scalp itch.
My son has been taking this medicine for over a year now, and no one has regulated or monitored it. He has had several issues with violent outburst and fits of anger. Feelings of be agitated and extremely edgy and jittery. He has never been diagnosed as being bipolar, but having a personality disorder. Everyone has a personality disorder of one way or another. We have since taken him off this medicine, and he seems to be feeling better, no angry issues, no violence at all. Sure wish we would have gotten some help with this over the past year, because this medicine has sure done a lot of damage to our family and my son’s life.
I have been taking Lamotrifine for about 8 weeks and noticed a rash yesterday. Red spots that look like the red moles people have. I’ve started with a stiff neck last week and sore throat a few days ago. Has this happened to anyone else? Don’t want to be paranoid but concerned about the symptoms. My psychiatrist recommended I stop taking it for now. Went to the ER last night and they didn’t seem concerned. Guess it’s okay…. If anything gets worse heading back to the ER.
Hi. I just got diagnosed with BP disorder. I had no idea. Just started seeing a Psychiatrist. My regular doctor had diagnosed me with Panic Disorder and OCD 15 years ago. I’ve been taking Celexa for 8 years. Panic gone, everything else still there and continues to get worse. After reading more about BP I realize she is right. I wish I’d seen her sooner. She gave me Lamictal and has started tapering me up. I’m on 25mg. I noticed within a couple of days that I was getting tremors. I didn’t really have a big issue with that as that isn’t all that uncommon when started new meds. The more concerning side effect was that I was getting tired and short of breath very easily. Just on a normal walk I’m out of breath and having to stop. I can walk around my business and talk on the phone and find that I’m a little out of breath. I just feel a little asthmatic most of the time. I looked and apparently that is a side effect. My question, is it a dangerous side effect? And is there a likelihood it will disappear over time. I do like the way I feel on the medication mentally. But I don’t want to risk anything and I’m still pretty active so I don’t think I can go on forever feeling like I just ran a mile after walking down to the park and back (about 1/2 mile walk there and back). Any suggestions?
Hi
I am having the side effect of sore jaw, and inability to get comfortable at night as a result. Can anyone let me know if these side effects went away, or if taking a lower dose would help? Is there any other medicine that can be taken to counteract those symptoms?
Thanks
Taking generic lamictal prescribed by a careless dr was the worst thing i ever did for my health. Within two months it caused my depression/anxiety to become 5x worse. My idiot dr just kept me on it and added more meds, now, my life is ruined due to a dangerous reaction that has destroyed my health. Big pharma is corrupt and if this isnt posted you are doing a disservice to your readers.
Peace
I’m diagnosed with ADHD, severe anxiety and depression and BP2 and my Dr. recently took me off Zoloft (because I reported that It had not done anything to get me out of bed or to ease my Agoraphobia) and he prescribed Lamictal.
I tapered off the Zoloft and eventually finally took my first Lamictal last night (1 pill / 25mg) and almost immediately it caused extreme heart-burn and “acid reflux” and 12+ hours later I still feel like I have something stuck in my throat.
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a quick and uncomfortable reaction to a psych-drug ever before and for the moment I do not think I will take a 2nd pill of Lamictal at all and instead will resume my Zoloft until I can see my Dr. again.
Thoughts? Comments? Mainly want to know if the acid / throat effects are common with this drug. I also wanted to know if Lamictal is a replacement for Lithium? Or Zoloft? It seems weird because Zoloft is an SSRI and from what I read Lamictal is an anti-convulsant but, whatever, it’s what the Dr. prescribed.
Hi,
I’m on 200mg lamictal morning and 200 mg at night. It did take a while to get used to the ear ringing but if I was awake at 10:30pm my pdoc game me ambien. Ambien didn’t stop the itch but it did knock me out so ringing didn’t matter. I also take a low dose of lithium (just enough to keep me near the lowest therapeutic level.) About when I no longer needed Ambien I “noticed” some nasty itching in my ear canals (same with base of scalp)that I couldn’t resist scratching madly at. God forbid that I should be Lipitor too. Seems as though I’ll get treatment when my brains start running out on my pillow. I read above that Bendryl spray or tablets could work. Besides these relatively minor complications, I am assured that Lamictal and Lithium will work as long term maintenance therapy. I have be 3- 1/2 years clear and keeping out of private behavioural units is a plus.
Lithium resulted in essential tremor of my left hand after decades of therapy.
Shouldn’t be hard to guess that I am Bipolar. What is unusual is that I’m not sure exactly what depression feels like. I do know my manic episodes are devasting. Money gone, relationships destroyed, jobs trashed, police interventions. I just go where people take me when I’m in an episode, to the local locked up palace. It is nice compared to public facilities. OH, and if life seems overwhelming 1-2 times a week, I pop a .5 mg Xanax. Maybe that’s whats stopping the unseen depression. My stepson is a schizophrenic and my firm belief is such a situation requires maximum separation. When he starts his crazy speak, I simply must escape before it infects me!
I do have some interesting stories from the dark ages.
Wow, i’ve been trying to clear my throat for the past 20 years. It comes and goes in phases, but i’ve had it most of my lift…,.and now to find out it could be my Lamotrigine (150mg x twice per day). I’m astounded, and so annoyed.
Hello Sarah. All medications are a trade off. The idea that we can take meds with no side effects is rarely a reality. Do the benefits of the Lamictal outweigh the side effects? That is the question! Its a dilemma. I have some meds I tolerate and others I simple can’t. Good luck!! Julie