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Rhys asked in HealthOther - Health · 10 years ago

What are your experiences with lamictal or its generic form, lamotrigine?

I had to reduce my daily dosage of the antidepressant Luvox about a year ago because I had a seizure (the only one I've ever had) and the high dose of Luvox might have been a contributing factor. My depression's gotten worse on the lower dose, but my doctor does not think I should go back on the higher dose. She prescribed lamictal/lamotrigine as it is used both as an anti-seizure med and a mood stabilizer, and I have just started taking it as an addition to my normal low dose of Luvox.

I had awful side effects from the anti-seizure med I was given at the hospital (Keppra), and I was supposed to keep taking it indefinitely but I stopped. (It hijacked my moods and made me irritable and angry 24/7.)

Anyway, I was hoping I could get some info about other people's experiences on this med. Does/did it work for you? Did/do you have side effects? What are they, and how severe? Any info about what other people have experienced taking lamictal/lamotrigine would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

--Rhys

1 Answer

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  • 10 years ago

    Hi, I have taken Lamictal for more than 13 years(almost 11 years as my only AED). I am Very much a proponent of the drug- the Side-effects are MUCH less severe than the many other drugs I have taken....I definitely am Not a zombie as i was on depakote(similar side-effects to Kepra), nor do I draw (mind)'blanks", as I did with Dilantin. In addition I do not have the 'Undesirable' personality that Dilantin and Tegretol gave me.

    The only real side-effects of Lamictal/Lamotrigine is some blurred vision(adjusted to it, after a few weeks), and the impact meds can have on cognitive skills. There is a small 'drowsiness' side-effect, however it is definitely Not bad, as I've heard Kepra is.

    Hopefully this information helps. I will also add this...I don't know if you're having difficulty paying for your meds, but I want to share with you a site I found that has some Very good discounts on AED's- my Lamotrigine is Less than $20(instead of $300+), with this card. The free site is:

    www.prrxcut.com/mnc00086 all you need to do is print the card, then you can use it.

    Hopefully the above information helps.

    Source(s): Take this drug.
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