I have been on the small dose of 100 mg generic Lamictal for about eight years. It is activating for me, working more as an antidepressant, than moodstabilizer. I do appreciate Lamictal for its antidepressant qualities. It got me out of a year long depression eight years ago. I must, however, take only this small dose and other bipolar medications (especially an antipsychotic) to prevent possible mania. At 100 mg, I don't have any side effects. Lamictal is a better choice for me as an "antidepressant" since actual antidepressants are extremely destabilizing for me. Another medication I take that has proven helpful at curbing and preventing depression, is Seroquel XR. Seroquel XR is my super multi purpose medication, and is really the only one that is manipulated in my cocktail, regardless of episode type. However, Seroquel XR is not activating. It works on my depression in a different way than Lamictal. They complement each other.

Maybe 11 years ago, I took as much as 300 mg Lamictal with Abilify. At first, my mood was beautiful, but I gradually became severely manic with psychosis and hospitalized. At 300 mg, I recall some minor memory issues. Also, I sweated a lot, but that may have been a result of hypomania and mania. They took me off the Lamictal/Abilify combo during the referenced hospitalization.

I guess I could go off Lamictal, but my psychiatrist and I see no reason. It only does good. Plus, if I was off and a doctor wanted to start it again, many here know you have to start again from 25 mg and work up slowly because of the SJS rash risk.