Two months ago, I was switched from lamotrigine to lamotrigine ER (i.e. Lamictal XR) by my new pdoc. My pdoc also upped my dose (which was much needed). I noticed oddly enough that it says in the pamphlet that the ER version is for epilepsy but "may be used for Bipolar." My new pdoc was the one who switched me to ER version since she said a lot of her patients do well with it. When I read the XR version "may be used for Bipolar" today, it alarmed me since it makes me wonder, Why wouldn't she keep me on the regular release that clearly indicates its use is for Bipolar?

Now I'm wondering if based on this information, I should ask her to place me back on the regular version of Lamictal. My pharmacy never has the XR in stock. I have to always ask the Pharmacy to order it a few days in advance. Even when I check other Pharmacies around me, they always tell me they have to order it. It's such a pain.

I'm surprised she said it's successful with a lot of people with BP since most people I talk to aren't even familiar with the XR version. Has anyone here had any experience with the extended release? I'm wondering if at this point I should ask this new pdoc to put me back on regular release since I hardly ever hear of anyone taking the XR version. With my history of episodes, I'm afraid. She's aware of my history of mania, but still....I don't know whether to trust her on this.