[Shancan]

So my pdoc has agreed to let me try Lamotrigine instead of abilify for my depression and anxiety. I also suffer from migraine with aura (last 20years) and have read Lamotrigine help with this type of migraine. I cannot take antidepressants after terrible reactions on them. I am so optimistic but absolutely terrified of starting this medication tonight.
Any comments about experiences with this drug would be so appreciated! Anything I may experience that I should not freak out over and just work through it?
I am not able to start at a compounding dose on this medication .... so I start at 25mg ... which to me feels like I am being out in front of a firing squad.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi!
I recall your other post re: lamotrigine vs. Abilify.
You had mentioned you are pre-diabetic, or in the "red zone" for diabetes.
It's quite possible that lamotrigine is a better choice, espedially considering the migraine with aura situation, too. I have the same type of migraine and Abilify does not help my migraines.

My husband is on lamotrigine. He'd titrated upward very slowly. He had no difficulties. He has been on it and has been very, very stable for 15 years!

The SJS rash is very scary; it's also quite rare. I forget the percentage. but it is very low. The SJS rash is a possibility for many meds. people just are not aware of it.

I am sure your doctor has advised you to take it slowly. Do just that.

Just be aware, as you know, of any rash and report it immediately.

I am interested in how you are doing!

Keep us updated?


WC

[SparkySmart]

Hi! I've been on lamotrigine for over a decade, from low doses to high, and have found it almost transparent; in other words, I haven't had any noticeable reactions or unpleasant sensations. I believe it works well for me.

I'm always afraid of new meds, so I completely understand your fears.

[Shancan]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Hi!
I recall your other post re: lamotrigine vs. Abilify.
You had mentioned you are pre-diabetic, or in the "red zone" for diabetes.
It's quite possible that lamotrigine is a better choice, espedially considering the migraine with aura situation, too. I have the same type of migraine and Abilify does not help my migraines.

My husband is on lamotrigine. He'd titrated upward very slowly. He had no difficulties. He has been on it and has been very, very stable for 15 years!

The SJS rash is very scary; it's also quite rare. I forget the percentage. but it is very low. The SJS rash is a possibility for many meds. people just are not aware of it.

I am sure your doctor has advised you to take it slowly. Do just that.

Just be aware, as you know, of any rash and report it immediately.

I am interested in how you are doing!

Keep us updated?


WC

Yes the rash part freaks me out a bit. I am a rashy person and have skin issues to begin with. So I need to keep my anxiety in check on that one as I will be calling the doctor every day otherwise!!! (And I don't want that)

Type 2 diabetes runs in my family ... and my last blood panel I had a bit of a jump. Still in the normal range, but the top of the normal range. So I an not prepared to add Diabetes to the mix. I try to eat very healthy and am very active when I have the energy. I force myself to do something each day.

And if this drug can help with my migraines and the vision and aura problems that come with it I will be so happy.

But let me tell you - I am not comfortable with popping this first pill tonight.

I am 45 years old ... and I feel 12!

[cool09]

Was on it for 10 years with no response. No negative reactions except when my doctor pushed it to 600 mg I crossed my eyes.

[Luvinchrist]

I also take lamotrigine. I have taken it for several years. I have had no side effects from it. I feel that it helps me. Best wishes!!

[Shancan]

Originally Posted by cool09

Was on it for 10 years with no response. No negative reactions except when my doctor pushed it to 600 mg I crossed my eyes.

Oh man!! I really don’t want to be anywhere close to 300. We will see what happens.