Some docs do go to lamictal for depression when antidepressants just haven't seemed to work. Lamictal is known to work particularly on the depressive symptoms of mood stabilization, so it is an option that is tried with some for depression alone.

I only had side effects with lamictal in the early, low doses (below 100mg). Once the dose increased, the side effects went away. Weight neutral for me (and for most people). Initially had aches and pains (felt flu-like), headache, etc., but absolutely no side effects once the dose went above 100mg.