[Stevedeclerck]

Hi,

This my first post. I'm already over 1 year taking Lamictal. The reason the psychiatrist prescribed it was that I was struggling already many years with mood swings. Mood going up and down for no reason. During my highs I was very motivated to work and I finished lots of work in a short period of time. Didn't need much sleep, etc, etc. I was diagnosed with ASD, not with bipolar. And my highs were never that high, I mean I never ended up in a manic episode. My highs were just fine, I was functioning well. During my lows, it was difficult to get work done. I was unmotivated, uninterested, falling asleep at 7 PM in front of the TV, just like feeling really lazy.

During all those years (many years), I took a whole bunch of different anti depressants. Most of them didn't work at all and gave me a feeling that was worse, or they only worked during a short period of time. Last one I tried was Wellbutrin, didn't do much and my anxiety was sky high and it caused tics.

So, I ended up being on Lamictal. Dose was built up from 50 to 100 mg. I must say it's a very good medication, it really helped with my mood swings. Good thing is, I don't have anymore those very lows, but the problem is also the highs are gone. That's a pity. Apart from that, I always feel so very tired, unmotivated and uninterested. I just feel the Lamictal is completely slowing me down. I'd rather have the highs and lows instead of feeling like this.

Of course I'm happy I don't feel really depressed anymore, but it's just not nice to feel always tired and lazy (I'm not lazy, but I mean really that feeling). Most of the times I don't even have appetite to wash the dishes or other things that don't even require much initiative or energy.

I told it to the psychiatrist and she adjusted the dose, from 100mg to 200. It's just strange to me, if I feel like that on 100mg, how could it be better on 200?

I googled the internet a lot already and I've read a lot of experiences with Lamictal and it seems pretty normal to feel like that. While I've read a lot of stories, nobody really had a solution.

So I was wondering if people here on the forum feel this way on Lamictal and how they solved it?

Many thanks in advance !!

[Travelinglady]

Welcome to Psych Central, Steve! I was on Lamictal for years and it didn't affect me that way. So, I don't know exactly what to suggest, but I hope someone will come along soon who will know. I hope you can get more energy soon. Again, welcome!

[still_crazy]

hi. different people react to lamictal (or any other psych drug) differently. 100mgs helps my low moods w/o causing as many problems as antidepressants did (for me).

I have a friend who had some difficulties on 400mgs. The problems went away once the dose was reduced a bit. Maybe a dosage reduction is in order?

Lamictal is one of the safer, easier to tolerate drugs used for mood swings. Perhaps you should talk to your doctor about another option, or maybe consider non-drug treatments?

[facefulloffuzz]

I'm off Lamictal now due to a rash but I used to feel the same way every time I titrated up. It would level out after a week or two though.

[Guiness187055]

I take 200mgs and I have to take it in the morning. I find it activating.

[metamorphosis12]

I find lamotrigine to be activating also. When I was on it; I took it in the morning. Though I have heard some find it more sedating. I think it is a good mood stabilizer. Once you zero in on the proper dose. That being said, everyone's physiology is different and have to take into account what other meds. you are on.Rashes and/or skin issues can be an issue. Stevens Johnson syndrome is what you need to be utmost careful of and usually happens early while titrating up. Pub med article on SJ and lamotrigine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905385/ Links https://www.drugs.com/sfx/lamotrigine-side-effects.htm https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/lamictal

[Stevedeclerck]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Welcome to Psych Central, Steve! I was on Lamictal for years and it didn't affect me that way. So, I don't know exactly what to suggest, but I hope someone will come along soon who will know. I hope you can get more energy soon. Again, welcome!

Hi Travelinglady,

Thanks for the reply and to welcome me. Good to read it affected you in a different way, so there is still hope

[Stevedeclerck]

Hi !

Thanks for all the replies. Indeed the medication is good and not causing the usual side effects of anti-depressants. I will look for a dose decrease and I started to take it also in the morning. Not bad.

Thanks !!