Lamictal helped me a lot with depression without inducing mania. SSRIs were hell for me. I was so psychotic, so I am thankful for Lamictal. I still get breakthrough mania and depression, but I am on an antipsychotic medication to control that. It usually helps where my episodes are not as long-lasting, compared to before I was on it. (I am struggling with some mania right now, but that issue does not really involve the Lamictal, but more so because my antipsychotic dose is not high enough).

I really have nothing but good things to say about Lamictal. The taper definitely takes time (I'm on 400 mg, which is pretty high). I do not get side effects from it at all, which is wonderful. Please be careful though when it comes to any skin irritation or rashes. There is a very small chance of Steven-Johnson's syndrome when you first start it, but if you are fine after a period of time while on it, it's usually smooth-sailing. A good pdoc will make sure the taper is not too fast, so that way your body is able to tolerate it. Everyone is different, but I really hope it works for you!