One more Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Question

My question goes to those who use Lamictal as the sole medication with no additional one.

As I learnt, the most effective side of Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is preventing the depressive side of bipolar. So my question is, if it prevents depression but not mania and time to time or frequently if I have Hypomania or very rarely mania (my hypomania and mania are harmless, no money spending or no strange behaviors that give harm to me or people around me) should I worry because of this hypomanic/manic period, or will it have no outcome of depression in the end because lamictal already prevents it?

People who use it alone as the sole medication that do or do not experience above, or other people with comments - I wait for your remarks.

Hey a35as,

Unfortunatly, the question your asking is very technical and I think you're going to have to ask a professional. As far as I know Lamotrigine is fairly new drug to the market. I remember my Doctor had to get me to sign a waver just to be able to try it (this was a few years ago). This means that areas of research on the efficacy of this drug are still ongoing. You're really going to have to ask someone educated in psychopharmocology like a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse.

Sorry

Thank you infinite_joster.

In my experience taking Lamictal, once i was on 200 mg for a few weeks after ramping up, my mania did calm down. I did have risk seeking behavior, spending, hypersexuality, aggression and hostility, but no psychosis. Once I came down I did not fall into depression. I asked my Dr why not and she said it was because im on Lamictal which prevents that.

Just my experience... do talk to a Dr

I already have a very bad memory - and I can not imagine what happens if it gets worse, especially permanently. So - is there any other bipolar med (not an antipsychotic) which does not have cognitive decline side effect, but, like lamictal, works mostly on depressive side instead of mania part?

a35as,
Hi there! I haven't taken Lamictal, but I have taken anti-psychotics that made me very mentally "foggy" (ie- Resperidol). I'd def recommend bringing this up with your pdoc. If you're finding that Lamictal is impacting your memory or ability to think clearly, it's important that the doc know that so that they can either adjust your dosage or trial another med with you. I found the effects of my Resperidol (mental fog, blurry vision, shaking, poor memory) intolerable, so my doc weaned me off of it and moved me to another med.

Hugs,
Kosh

I was on this med for a good while. first of any diagnosis is a mostly term or label if you will. lamictal is used when you have mild highs and a medium amount of depression. So it will reduce depression significantly and have a mild effect on mania but may control it in lesser states and if you have a history of hypomania using an anti-depressant solely could be dangerous. I found it very tolerable compared to many other meds I have being on. Always expect some side effects with any med these usually fade away after a period. However there are sever but uncommon side effects from this med your doctor should have outlined them to you basically if there is a rash on your back contact your doc asap even if that means a afterhours doc

Thanks to all of you....

I soley take lamictal and have for 5 years. I was very hesitant to take meds so at the shigrin of my doc I stopped elevating my dosage at 100mg and have maintained that ever since. It certanly calmed my mind. I had less nightmares. I developed sort of a '###$ it' attitude in a good way. Feelings of guilt and negative thoughts went away for the most part. I personally am very glad i didnt take it up to 200mg. But hell, maybe id be the happiest sunuvabitch on the planet right now if i did...doubt it.
Ill say this dude, i take it in the morning. And when i wake up I can tell I need it. If im 2 hours late my brain gets heavy. Take it at the same time every day. This $#%^ is powrful (for me at least). Im currently trying to go down to 75mg just to see if i can. I started 3 days ago and its been a little tough on the mind. Napping when i dont usually want to nap and staying awake when i want to sleep... My point is to live with as low a dosage as possible before you ramp it up. Bc coming off this $#%^ is tough (but maybe youll never have the desire to come off it. And maybe i shouldnt be trying to reduce my dosage, but its a good time to test the waters for me as work is slow and i have less obligations). Later... Hope it works wonders.

Hi Tennessee123,

Thank you very much for your reply that you are taking Lamictal (Lamotrigine) as a standalone med. It is very encouraging. Can I ask if you are bipolar, what kind or if not what your diagnosis is?