Trileptal or lamictal for mood swings?

My pdoc just prescribed trileptal 150 mg twice a day. I asked him for lamictal because I have mood swings. He seems against giving me lamictal. I may have bipolar II.

Is there a difference between the two meds or what is your experience on either med? Please help ...

I haven't taken the first one, but am currently ramping up on lamictal. I had been on it several years ago and did well. It may be that your doctor wants you on something that will not take as long to get to a therapeutic dose, which lamictal does (because of the risk of the RASH, the dose has to be increased very slowly over several weeks). I'm taking lithium for mood stabilizer until we see how I do on lamictal, then (hopefully), I can get off lithium.

Trileptal is in the same class of drugs as Lamictal. It has a very small chance of causing the same rash as Lamictal.
From what I understand, Trileptal is mild and the chance of any side effects is less than with Lamictal.

Of course, your pdoc would be the best person to ask.