I think Lamictal does not prevent mood swings as much as it delays them and make them less frequent and severe. Also I think it is known for helping to manage depression than swings into mania. For that matter, I think when you take a mood stabilizer, this does not mean you will not have any mood swings. I think this is why the doctor wants you to ride it through. But I personally do not believe in this approach. If you have a mood swing where it is interfering with your daily functioning, like in your case, I believe a med change is in order. JMVHO

By the way, I think the goal of the pdoc should be remission, not just making the mood swings more manageable.