So it is official - as of today both of my [long-time] doctors have agreed I am suffering from Bipolar II, and the next step is to treat it and see where it goes.

I am starting on Lamictal tonight. Does anyone have experience with this drug? Success stories?

I am split on my reaction to having the diagnosis confirmed:
1) I am relieved, ten years of struggling and not understanding what was wrong with me may finally be addressed with the proper treatment.
2) Wow, so this is it...I'll be on medication the rest of my life and already today my family has confirmed they do not approve of my treatment plan.

Thoughts?

To me, it's side effect free and I can think well on it. I'm taking 300mg, too.

1) isn't it great if this is it! Bipolar can be a hard animal to diagnose. Most are labeled off as depressed and left at that.
2) family has nothing to do with you getting well sweety. If anything, they can make things worse. It's your recovery, not theirs. They probably are pessimistic about the whole thing because they've been watching you go through all this with no real good ending. This might be their way they of showing their frustrations through disapproval because they've watched you go through so much of everything else in the past that they are afraid that this is going to be another failed attempt by another lame doctor to peddle his pills.

Only time will tell hunny. They'll change their minds once they see things are getting better for you. They are just overly concerned. That's my take on it, but I'm not there so I don't really know them like you do.

[raspberrytorte]

I take 300mg lamictal. Works great for my depression and no side effects.

My family is unsupportive too. It's okay though. I don't talk to them about anything anymore anyway.

Hope meds work for you! Good luck!

(and try not to worry about what your family thinks)

[~Christina]

I was on it for a few years , its a mood stabilizer and its usually side effect free for most people. I only noticed a slight headache as the med was being titriated up.. It works more for the depressive side of Bipolar.

Just take it exactly a your pdoc prescribes to lessen the chance of SJS rash.

As for your family , well now there is just a "label" to an illness and symptoms you have battled for 10 years,now your actually going to be working to treat them more effectively. Try not to be worried about what your family thinks yep easier said that done .. I assume your adult so you can make decisions regarding your health care they can agree or disagree. Just focus on YOU feeling better. You do not have to discuss your Bipolar with anyone , it's your choice.

As for " being on meds the rest of your life"? That's not always the case , many people once they find stability and learn ways to help themselves with coping skills of all kinds , it is possible to go off meds.

Take care

[Wander]

I am taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and it works well for Bipolar depression. Hope it works for you!

[BlackSheep79]

I've been on Lamictal for years and have had no side effects. Just know that it might take some time to find the right med combo, and for me my meds have to be adjusted from time to time, so don't give up. I hope it all works out. I'm lucky that I do have some family support, but I also have others that just don't get it. Just know you have support here.