Effects of Lamictal?

[RubyShooz]

I've been on Depakote and Seroquel for bipolar and not improving much, so today the doc took the depakote away and is starting me on Lamictal.  Can anyone share your experiences with it? He told me it should not give me the weight gain or fatigue, and the only thing I need to watch for is if a rash develops on my body to let him know immediately, as it could be serious enough to land me in the hospital.  Other than that, does the lamictal really have relatively few side effects?  I've already gained 35 lbs. in the 3 months I've been on the other stuff.  
Thanks,
Ruby

[Jen813]

Hi, I'm not sure if you are still checking this post, but I just thought I would comment that Lamictal has worked wonders for me.  I didn't feel the effects until I was up to 100 mg, and at 150mg things got much better.   I have had no side effects what so ever, and I don't even feel like I'm on meds, I just feel calmer and much more able to think straight.  I know that some people have complained that there memory gets kind of foggy, so you might want to watch for that, but for me I haven't had that problem.  My memory wasn't all that great to begin with (In fact, when I went to see the pdoc for the first time he asked me if I forget things alot and I said no, so out of the blue he asks "what day is it?"  I don't think I've stared at someone that blankly searching my brain for that long in my life!!!).  Anyway,  I hope it works for you and like everyone else said, just keep an eye out for the rash.  I've been told that you will know if you get it, but just to be careful and get to the doctors right away if you notice it happening.  Well, best of luck to you and let us know how things go!!!

[Bipolar2europe]

I´ve been on Lamictal as the only drug (exept sleeping pills) since last october. Before that I´ve been more or less (mostly more) depressed since 2001. It is a revolution for me to be able to laugh spontaniously. My life is returning. I´m not completly stable yet. I take 200 mg a day. My short time memory is really bad, but it has been like that for many years and isn´t an effect of Lamictal. Be ware of any skin lesions and contact your doctor if it appears, for a consultation.
Good luck!

[kris123]

Lamictal is one of the greatest drugs out there for bipolar i had no side effects at all

[RubyShooz]

Oh, thank you so much for your comments.  I feel so much better and hopeful that the Lamictal will finally get me feeling better without the nasty side effects.  I will watch for the rash.  And hopefully I can lose the weight I gained on depakote.
Hugs,
Ruby

[ames67]

Depakote is notorious for weight gain (and for me made my hair fall out)  and one of the perks of Lamictal is it may actually help you lose weight. I take 200mg and do not experience fatigue and I have been told if it works well, it may be the only medication you need. BUT DO keep an eye out for the rash, it is rare but very serious if it occurs. This is generally at the beginning of the treatment so once you are at the desired dose, if no rash has occurred you should be good to go :)

[Gianna_M]

I take Lamictal, Seroquel, Zoloft and Wellbutrin.  Lamictal works VERY well.  I'm really pleased with the medication.  Lamictal is a rashy drug - so don't be concerned if you get a rash.  Chances that its the toxic rash are VERY VERY low.  Only be concerned if you get a rash and a fever together.  CrazyMeds website explains this all pretty well.

The only side effect I get from Lamictal is the stupid "Lamictal Headache."  Which can be a bother.   But on the flip side, it really is one of the better mood stabilisers.

[xanweaner]

I feel no effects from Lamactil, but I take a low dose - about 40 mg. or so. No weight gain, no fatigue....I take it in the evening...
You will start on a low dose and ramp up slowly - the rash can be very serious, so you need to watch closely.
The weight gain on meds can be very frustrating!!

Hope this works out well for you...
-xan-