About a week after I started taking Lamictal, I felt achy and stiff all over as though I'd run a marathon the day before. From what I've heard, that's a common initial reaction. After a few days at each increasing dose, the muscle aches and headaches subsided. So don't despair - it often gets better. As far as the sleepiness/insomnia, Lamictal didn't affect my sleep patterns at all. Could it be that the sleepiness and insomnia are more from mood changes than from the Lamictal? Just a thought I really hope you get some relief soon!!