As may of you know if you’re a regular to this blog- I had a very bad reaction when I changed from brand name Lamictal to to generic Lamictal (lamtrigine.) Others made the switch just fine. If you have switched over from your brand Lamictal to generic Lamtrigine and have noticed a difference in the efficacy of the drug, there are many blog entries under the Lamictal tab to the right that explain generic bipolar drugs in great detail. You can also ready my story- it was quite a saga! But it has all worked out. My mother who takes Lamictal had no problems and has stayed on the lamotrigine. I went back to brand Lamictal and am very happy with the results. No matter what you take, knowledge of generic bipolar disorder drugs is essential!
Julie
This is not generic Lamictal…. yes, I am trying to make you laugh!
When I switched to the generic lamotrigine the pills would more or less get stuck in my throat (what a horrible shape), I got so nauseous I had to stop taking lamictal/lamotrigine all together. Still trying to find a combo that works as well as lamictal and lithium!
Hi,
I hope you can find a way to take the Lamictal if it worked for you! I take a large dose a day …. 550mg and if I take the doses too close together I get terrible twitching, neck pain and breathing problems. I split the pills into 100 mg pieces and then take them five times a day. It has made a huge difference- the problem is that I forget to take the doses! In fact, as I write this I realize I need to take a dose right now.
Side effects can be very frustrating and worrisome with bipolar meds, but there are ways to get past them. Abilify comes in liquid form for example- and some pills come in small doses- there are Risperdal shots and pills that can be crushed into little pieces. I’ve tried it all and luckily found a way for Lamictal to work without so many side effects.
Please let me know if you find a way to tolerate the drug.
Julie
It’s so funny that you speak about itching in relation to Lamictal. I developed a really kind of profuse itching and ”skin disturbance” (not the steven-johnson’s type rash associated with Lamictal) shortly after I started taking the medication. My Psychologist thought it was something else, but it started after. It was really a disturbing symptom but it did subside after a while.