I've been on Lamictal a few years now, any of my weight gain has been due to being middle aged,less active, quitting smoking (cause I don't want to die like my dad did/emphysema) and not reducing calories to coincide with my amount of activity.
Lamictal did NOT make me gain weight, in fact in the begining Lamictal, I shed the pounds I had gained when I on Depakote.
When I was on Depakote, I put on 13 lbs in one month, and was chronically fatigued, plus other negatives.
Switching to Lamictal was a great alternative, I only take a total of 200 mgs per day, even dropping down to lowest therapeutic level, 150 mgs. That is the only mood stabilizer I'm on.
Everyone doesn't always have the same response to meds., so what works for one may not for another.
I personally prefer Lamictal,for the fact I'm not made drowsy by it.
Lots of luck with this, also note smoking is far more unhealthier than trying the mood stabilizer, so I wouldn't be so leerie of trying them.
Leg pain and stiffness can even come from peripheal vascular disease, which contributes to poor circulation, largely caused from smoking.
My mom now suffers with it due to not quitting smoking when she should have, when signs/symptoms were becoming apparent.
I know it is natural when we become disgusted/frustrated with meds. we automatically think what we are feeling is due to our meds and not looking at our lifestyles,poor health habits.
Again I wish you luck with this. Don't think your questions are wearing anyone out, it's good to ask rather than over worrying.
Take care,
DE