I was prescribed Lamotrigine because after 5 days on 25 mg of Zoloft my anxiety got much worse and after 10 mg (a baby dose) of Nortriptyline for just a week my depression got much worse. I've been diagnosed with GAD which also results in depression. I've felt this way for about 4 months - triggered by very stressful life events. Because I have periods during the day when I feel "normal" and because of my reactions to the Zoloft and Nortriptyline, my pdoc thinks I have a mood disorder - perhaps bipolar 2. I've also had this happen two other times in the past 8 years - also preceded by significant life stressors. The first time it was just depression (although the diagnosis was anxiety) and it passed after a few months without medication. The second time it was mostly anxiety and I took Paxil. I had to wait 8 weeks for the Paxil to kick in but eventually it did and I got better. I was on the Paxil for 10 months. I should note that I've never had a true manic episode. My "ups" are just a feeling of centeredness and contentment - just feel good and normal. My main symptoms are depression and anxiety. Will the Lamotrigine work for me? If so, when should I expect to at least get some signs? It's been 5 days on 25 mg. No bad side effects. Does seem to have helped a little with the anxiety but not the depression yet. Thank you in advance for any replies.
Been taking 25 mg of Lamotrigine for 5 days. When will I begin to feel some effects, even if a bit?
Question posted by Bikojo on 24 March 2014
Last updated on 2 October 2019 by Cathcnz
5 Answers
Bikojo, can you tell me how you ended up after being on lamotrigine? I'm about to start same journey.
Reading your posts matches my life exactly... as I read them I thought wow this is the male version of me!!!
hi!
for me it took about 6 weeks to quick in (after 1 complete circle - down and up).
I realized that my ups where not that bad anymore and downs way more handlebar.
But, honestly? I look back and after 2 years on meds, I can know say that it has improved my life so much.
As our disorders works in circles, it's hard to notice improvement, it takes a lot of self knowledge and retrospective.. I would recommend to keep a simple mood diary to just keep track on how outgoing/ depressed you feel, go regularly to your doctor and psychologist in order to have an outside view .
Hello and I wish you luck in your care. I am on Lamotrigine however I am on 300mg a day and it is a blessing. I have a lot of issues, but I feel that I would not be here today if it were not for the Lamotrigine! I do still however suffer with depression but it is only because of dealing with untreated intolerable pain. When I was on a pain regiment that worked I felt wonderful. I was happy, had a good quality of life and I loved the results from the Lamotrigine. It did take a while though as the dose had to be increased slowly until I reached the point where it helped me. Be patient I think Lamotrigine is the best medication that I have ever taken and I have tried several, trust me. I wish you luck and I pray that my response has helped. You have to start at a low dose until they find a dose that will help you. I am so glad that I was switched to Lamotrigine. It is absolutely the best medication that I have been on in 30 years! Good Luck, Hang in there!
Sharonlynn,
Thank you very much or your response - it is very helpful and encouraging. I've been on the Lamo now for almost 7 weeks and am now up to 150 mg a day. Finally I am feeling some noticeable relief from the depression, although still not where I eventually want to be. To get there, do you think I'll have to increase the dose or might the 150 mg just need a little more time? I've only been on that dose for 3 days. Also, I do still have some acute anxiety that started a little after the depression did. Do you think the Lamo will also help with the anxiety? Thanks! bikojo.
I just started lamo 25mg on my second dose no effects feel really wierd though kinda dizzy and cognitive issues. Cant sleep of it so I smoke marijuana, will that effect the lamo an inerfere with it doin its job?
I think you will feel better when the Lamictal is increased. You may need anxiety medication as well. I was put on anxiety medication as well. I had severe anxiety due to an abusive spouse, that had me kicked of pain management. I was ran over by a 38 foot Racing Boat while I was riding a jet ski. I was flown to Shock Trauma in a coma and multiple injuries. Had to go to a rehabilitation hospital to learn how to walk talk etc, I have no meds for pain and cant find another Doctor in Maryland to help since my husband had me kicked out of the one I was seeing.
It usually takes a couple of weeks for those side effects to subside when first taking a med like Zoloft, but anyway, you are on a low dose of lamotrigine so you may have to wait until the doctor increases before you notice significant difference. It will help stabilize the mood including depression. It is trial and error ordeal, but worth the journey when you find what works.
Thank you. In the meantime, do you think I'll start to notice any difference soon - even if just a little? I need to take .25 mg of Ativan 2 to 3 times a day to keep the Anxiety in check. And the depression gets bad for a few hours every other day or so. In between it's just numbness. I'm hoping that even on just 25 mg of Lamotrigine for the initial week or two that I'll start to at least feel something to give me a little hope. I'm very tired of feeling this way after 4 months. Not fair to my wife and 3 young sons. All I want is to feel better. One other question in addition to the ones above. Have you ever heard of anyone suffering from general dizziness from general anxiety? The more relaxed I get the less dizzy. Not panic attacks - just general dizziness when I'm in an anxious mood. Sorry to ask all these questions. Thank for your help and input!
Going to have to be patient and yes, you may notice gradual lifting of your mood. Dizziness can be a symptom of anxiety. Don't be anxious about the minor use of Ativan until your anxiety is under control. Hopefully, all the dizziness, anxiety and depression will lift soon. If not, don't despair as there are many medications to choose from for our symptoms.
Thank you for your quick responses - they really do help and give me hope. Does the Lamotrigine work well for both anxiety and depression for folks like me with what is being labeled a mood disorder (I still think I just have anxiety which them causes unipolar depression).
I don't worry about my diagnosis (Bipolar 2), but rather concentrate on treating the symptoms. Lamictal works very well for some people whether unipolar or bipolar. It really is a matter of seeing what works for you.
Very good approach and advice - thank you. Paxil worked for me after I got over the month of hell. I didn't even know at the time that I was having a strong activating effect from it. 30 mg was too much - made me feel medicated plus gained some weight and lost some libido. But I felt as right as rain on 10 mg. I weaned off because I didn't think I needed it anymore - should have stayed on the 10 mg. Because a year later and here I am again. I know it's different for everyone, but have you ever heard of 25 mg of Lamotrigine working for someone? Or should I expect to have to increase the dosage. If I do, will the side effects come because I really have none on 25 mg which I really like, especially compared to the SSRIs.
Lamictal definitely has less side effects than most SSRI's. I can't predict what the doc will do, all depends on how you are doing, but don't be surprised or worried if he does.
Thanks for all your replies. As you can see I'm I bit nervous and frustrated. Your words give me some comfort. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. All the best.
One other question. I've heard that Lamotrigine can make you dizzy. Of course this is something I already suffer from when I'm anxious. If it is a common side effect, does it improve as your body adjusts to the medication? In other words is it temporary?
Lastly, one thing about the Paxil is that it made me a little "flat." It definitely took away the depression and the anxiety, but it also seemed to dull my up mood some. Will Lamotrigine do this? I've never been manic, but I don't want this med to flatten my good moods at all.
The dizziness may occur or may not, but will most likely subside with continued use. As far as flat mood, can't say for sure. If you are not ever manic, it may. Give it some time before you decide.
I will. I know I'm being terribly impatient - only being taking the darn stuff for 7 days and just 25mg. It's just that I hate feeling this way - hate it. Tired of it. You said it works well for anxiety, too, right? I would think anything used to treat seizures would.
Hopefully, it will help control the anxiety. Hang in there!!
Hi LauriShay. So I'm on day 11 of 25 mg a day of the Lamotrigine (I've taken a total of 10 pills in the last 10 days). I think I might be feeling ever so slightly better but still quite depressed and sometimes anxious (still taking the Ativan for that). I'm also irritable, mostly because I'm just so damn frustrated with feeling this way. Anyway, I checked in with the pdoc yesterday by phone and he said I'm not even feeling the full effects yet of just the 25 mg. I have an appt with him on Tuesday to decide if he will increase the dosage (it will be the 2 week mark from when I started the 25 mg). Anyway, i guess my question is whether I'm still being too impatient. As I said, I think there a very mild improvements and more "stabilization" but still no where near feeling good. Should I expect it to keep improving? If so, will it continue to be very gradual or will it happen more quickly?
I suspect you will continue to feel better gradually.
Okay. The only thing that seems to have gotten a little worse is the anxiety. It's only been 13 days on the 25 mg of Lamotrigine so it could just be good old anxiety that the Lamotrigine isn't affecting yet. I'm still only taking .25 mg of Ativan every 8 hours but it seems to be losing it's effectiveness some. What I'm wondering is whether or not the Lamotrigine could be making the anxiety worse. That would be a real bummer because it would mean every damn med makes my anxiety worse - at least initially. If it is the Lamotrigine that's aggravated the anxiety a little, is that normal? And will it get better or worse if the dose is increased? Just wondering if you have any experience with or insight into this, too. Thanks so much for your continued responses and support.
I doubt the lamotrigine is increasing your anxiety though it isn't unlikely for some psyche meds to cause an increase in anxiety in the beginning steps of therapy. I think as the dosage is increased you will see continued improvement.
Hi LaurieShay. So the pdoc increased my dose to 50 mg on Tuesday so I've had three days on this new dose. Sometimes I feel like I can detect an ever so slight overall improvement, but I am having horrible crying spells almost daily. And the anxiety is still there - sometimes bad enough to cause me to avoid situations and people which is very unlike me. I had these same effects when I took Paxil about 2 years ago. First few weeks I was worse but eventually it worked (but it took 8 damn weeks for me). I think I'm just writing for some reassurance and support - I can only cry on my sane wife's shoulder so many times! She's very supportive but like anyone who has not experienced mental illness there really is nothing she can do to help me.
I guess I'm wondering if maybe I'm experiencing the crying and anxiety as the doses are changed? Or maybe it's just that it's not working yet (too little time, too low a dose or both) and the depression and anxiety are just there? My therapist says that sometimes as depression starts to lift you can have the crying spells. They last about 20 minutes and I do feel a release after. The pdoc on the other hand would say I was rapid cycling. Who knows. And I guess who cares. I just want to get better so I can be a husband, father, son, sibling, friend and colleague again. So an I being impatient? Is it still too soon to expect much from the Lamotrigine (2 weeks on 25 mg and 3 days on 50 mg)? Should I stop taking it because it might be causing my depression and anxiety? Or, even it it is, should I power through because it's only temporary at the start and when there's a dose increase? Maybe, as with the Paxil, I'm just someone whose body needs a lot of time to feel the effects of these medications. Anyway, I know you're not my doctor and I promise I won't do anything without first asking him, but I do very much trust and value your input and opinions based on your experience. Thank you for being there.
Glad to hear the pdoc upped the lamotrigine. I think as you reach therapeutic level you will feel better. I know the wait is no fun, but be thankful your wife is supportive. Try to concentrate on the positives, keep your list of gratitudes, and before you know you'll be feeling better.
Thank you. For some reason words from someone who understands mean so much. For what it's worth I'm 46 and until my first brief episode in 2005 I have always been a very upbeat, energetic, outgoing person. I have two college degrees, lived abroad for 5 years mostly in Oslo, Norway (which is where I met my wife - she's German), and I am the CEO of a healthcare company in Connecticut, which is where we live. We have a beautiful home and even just built a second home in North Truro, Cape Cod. And of course the greatest joy in my life are my three sons - aged 7, 11 and 13. Okay - and our two rhodesian ridgebacks (big hound dogs). I was on the Board of Ed, I've coached my kids' soccer and baseball teams, I started snowboarding with them 4 years ago and we get out to the slopes about 30 times a year. I'm an avid runner and I play in both adult basketball and soccer leagues. I even organize a pick up soccer game with a bunch of local ex-pats.
My point is that I have everything to be grateful and happy for and nothing - NOTHING - to be depressed about. But I suppose that perhaps it all comes from the stress which after so long turns into anxiety - that's what the therapist thinks. A lot of pressure - but only pressure I put on myself because frankly my life is not very difficult. I have a secure job that I know how to do and that really isn't that stressful, a happy marriage, great kids and great physical health. So why - why have I become this anxious depressed person? Is it because I'm afraid of losing it all? Is it perfectionism? Is it just good old fashioned pressure I put on myself to he everything to everybody? Is it something from my childhood? Is it grief over a very serious accident my brother had in June - maybe PTSD? Is it some inability to adapt to changes in my life, like relatives dying and my children growing and changing? Is it me coming to grips with my mortality? Is it all these things? Is it none of them? In the end I guess it is what it is and that's that. You've been so helpful I just felt compelled to tell you a little about myself. I hope I'm not breaking any rules! And I do not expect you to reciprocate. I know this is not a social website. I just figured if you knew a little more about me it might be helpful.
Hi LaurieShay. Need some words of encourage and support. Almost a month now on the Lamotrigine (2 weeks at 25 mg, 10 days at 50 mg, and now 3 days at 75 mg). I think I can detect a small improvement, but I'm still no where near "normal." Still depressed and having crying spells and still anxious. Pdoc says it's normal and I'll have to wait until we find the right dose. He thinks 100 mg might do it. Bit after almost a month shouldn't I be feeling quite better? Is it not working or in your experience is he right - that it takes time. But has it taken other people longer than a month to really feel much anything? Will I feel better gradually or suddenly? And when - when will I at least feel quite noticeably better? I'm not looking for 100% just enough to give me a little relief and hope. One other question.
When a dose is increased (like mine from 50 mg to 75 mg) would you know within a few days if that's the right dose? Or does the new dose need time? In other words, if I've been on the 75 mg for 3 days now but haven't seen a real difference, does that mean it's probably not the right dose and I'll have to suck it up for another 10 days until we increase to 100 mg? Or is there still a chance the 75 mg could kick in, if even just a little?
You wil notice a more gradual change. Little less crying, anxiety decreases, depression slowly lifts. Once you reach therapeutic level for your body you will notice the greatest improvement. Don't be discouraged if the doc has to add another med to the Lamictal, but let's give this the good ole college try. You are a little ways yet to being on a good level so be pateint, care for yourself especially during these trying times, and remember here when you need to talk. Hang in there; you can do this!
Thank you - those are the words of encouragement I need. If he does add another med (besides the Ativan I'm taking that I don't think does much anymore) what do you think it might be?
Can't really predict, but if the symptoms aren't gone by the time you reach target dose of Lamictal, doctor may add antidepressant you haven't tried.
I spoke with the psychiatrist a few hours ago. He says he wants to keep me on 75 mg for the full 2 weeks because it can take up to 10-14 days when a dose is changed before we see a difference. He doesn't want to bump me up to 100 mg before that because he thinks the 75 mg might work. He's not surprised that it's not kicking in more yet - said I'm just not at the right dose. He also said I'm scrutinizing it too much - scanning every second of every day to see if the depression/anxiety is still there or if I'm improving. He said as long as I scan for it I'll find it. Said I need to be patient and stop scrutinizing it too much. Easy for him to say! But I think he's right. What do you think? Think 75-100 mg will work or at least start to give some noticeable relief? In your experience is it true that I won't know yet after only 4 days if 75 mg is the right dose?
It is true that 4 days at 75mgs is not long enough to tell if this dose is therapeutic or not. Unfortunately, you are going to have to wait. Try to keep your mind off the depression and anxiety and active with other endeavors. I know it is easier said than done, but a good coping skill to have; practice makes one feel better, I promise.
That's very good advice and I promise to listen to it. I've been going in to the office every day, taking my kids to all their practices and lessons, walking our dogs, even trying to work out again. I'm powering through but it is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life - trying to live my life having little to not interest or joy in anything and being totally unmotivated. Then through anxiety and fear on top of it and it's almost impossible. But I'm doing it - "acting as if" as my therapist says meaning act as if I'm not depressed. I think that's just what you're saying, too. I just still feel so "off" - so incredibly off. And I know people notice it because I'm the exact opposite of my normal self - the self I've been for 46 years. Hey - one more question. If the shrink has the wrong diagnosis and what I have is good old fashioned depression (with anxiety) will the Lamtotrigine still work?
LaurieShay - I need your words of encouragement and support. Day 9 on 75 mg and still no relief. Mornings are real bad - a few days I felt better towards the end of the day but still very depressed. It's really quite unbearable - I'm now only in the office part time as it's too hard to cope. I cry about 3 times a day - more like pitiful moaning. My thoughts when I cry are that this will never go away and that I'll never get my life back. It's even worse when I think of my kids and the father they've lost. I spoke to my psychiatrist a few days ago and he said he's not concerned - just means we haven't found the right dose yet. He's increasing it to 100 mg this Thursday - he won't do it any sooner because of the risk of the rash.
Shouldn't I have at least a hint of improvement after over a month on this stuff and 9 days on 75 mg? Should I be prepared to give up on the Lamotrigine or do I have room still? Do you think I'll at least see some light at 100 mg? I'm still taking the Ativan, too, which I think is making me feel tired and weak. Of course depression does that, too. I wonder if the Ativan could be exacerbating the depression? The anxiety is better so I might try to wean off the Ativan. Anyway - I need some support and some hope. Tell me that 9 days on 75 mg isn't enough and that I'll feel something soon.
I can't guarantee anything, but I do want to encourage you to stay in there and listen to the psychiatrist. The lamotrigine even at 100mgs is a low dose so hang tough. I know how awful depression can be. The hopeless, helpless feelings are unbearable. But don't give up. There is a light in the darkness. I remember when my daughter was young I would just explain to her that mommy was sick and was taking medicine to get better, but it takes time to work. This way she didn't feel like it was her fault. I think you will know soon after you are on the 100mgs whether this is going to be the solution.
How is it going?
I wrote a big long response but it didn't go through! Anyway, thank you for checking in. Short response is that I'm 6 weeks on the Lamo now and 9 days on 100 mg. Slight improvement overall with the depression but nothing dramatic and I still have crying spells. Anxiety still there - seems worse as the depression lifts which is frustrating. But I have had some of the best overall moments and days the last week than I have in months. But even they were not great. The shrink says I'm just not at the right dose yet - will bump me to 150 mg this Wednesday if I'm still not where I want to be. He's also prescribed 5 mg of Paxil to help until the Lamo kicks in but I haven't taken yet. Still take a little Ativan every day but not doing much anymore. A puny dose. What do you think? Is my progress to slow or is it usually gradual with this med? What about the anxiety - will the Lamo start helping with that, too, as it begins to work more on the depression? Should I be hopeful that I'm seeing a little progress?
This thread is getting long. If you friend me, we can talk through private message. Anyway, I think the progress you have made is significant. I think you'll see gradual improvement. Not sure what the Paxil will do in the short run because it will take upwards of a month to become fully effective. I would take the Paxil though. Eventually it will help the anxiety and depression.
Good idea. I sent you a private message. Please confirm you got it because I have no idea if I did it right!
Hi LaurieShay. Please respond to my last post - I'm not even sure it went through as a private message which is why I'm posting here again. Having another bad day so far - need to hear from you.
Sorry never received your private message. You need to click on my avatar and make me a friend, then click on send a private message. We will get this straight. Hang in there. We will get you feeling better.
I just added you as a friend and sent a private test message. In case you don't get it again I had bad crying spells yesterday. Felt better in evening although not as good as I usually do by the end of the day. Almost feels like it's getting worse. But a little better again this morning. I'll take the 5 mg of Paxil even though my dose of Lamo increases to 150 mg on Wednesday. When I took Paxil in 2012 it took 2 months before it really worked for me. I started at 10 mg and worked up to 30 mg. It actually increased my anxiety and agitation a lot in the first several weeks but I didn't know any better back then and didn't think it was the Paxil. The shrink now says that I won't have those same effects because I have the Lamo in my system. He also said it won't take as long for the Paxil to take effect (even 5 mg) because the Lamo is in my system and they will enhance each other. Is this true? Or should I just hold off on the Paxil, stick it out another 3 days and see what happens on 150 mg of Lamo?
Lamotrgine is an anti- seizure drug that is also used for bi-polar disorder. Your anxiety should keep improving but I don't think it will have any effect on your depression at all. You stated that you had used a low dose of nortryptiline I would speak with your Dr about a drug called doxepin its in the same class of drugs but I think it is a much better drug for depression. I wish you luck in finding some relief. Packard2046
Thank you very much for the quick reply. I've read that it works well for the depression side of bipolar 2. Can you further explain why don't think it will? Have you ever heard of it working for depression? You seem very knowledgable so I really respect your input. Also, do you think I'll start to feel the beginnings of any positive effects of the lamotrigine? I know it's only been 5 days on 25 mg but I'm trying to get any strands of hope I can for at least starting to feel a little better. Thank you.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, anxiety, lamotrigine, nortriptyline, dosage, prescription, cyclothymic disorder
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
