Medications aren't perfect. Even headache pills have a long list of side effects you might get.

The medications we have are of an order higher. Strong meds can cause strong side effects.

But the benefits usually outweigh the downsides.

For Lamotrigine the only thing I had was "the headache" for about 3 days when I started it. Since then basically nothing - oh except almost instant relief from depression after 30 years and a dozen other meds that did nothing.

Only 2 things you need to watch for, it can trigger hypomania/ mania, and it can give you "the rash". "The rash" is a major alergic reaction which many meds can cause, lamotrigine being one. To quote from the UK NHS

"it's common to get a skin rash with lamotrigine. Most skin rashes are not serious. But if you develop a skin rash or redness, tell a doctor straight away, as this can develop into a life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare side effect of lamotrigine."

Note you usually have days to do something about it, and I think it goes away if you stop taking lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine is one of the most tolerated mood stabilizers and is usually number one for treating bipolar depression. My bipolar depression started to improve at a low dose, I think 75 mg. I did not get the rash. But I got many other side effects so I had to go off. But it is considered the most tolerable of all mood stabilizers, so it has a really good chance of working for you. But go up slowly. It is the highest-rated for bipolar depression. Try not to be concerned about side effects because you may not get any, or the side effects you get may be mild and go away with treatment. Everyone's different. I hope it works great for you!

I have been on lamictal for years now

Only.sife effects are hypomania and tremor it doesn't helo much with mood swings but that is just me

Side effects vary for everyone, I’m on a low dose of lamictal and can only take it in the morning. I take a low dose of seroquel at dinner. Together they work well for me.

I take 100mg of Lamotrigine everyday and it has done amazing for me. i also started taking a daily dose of Vitamin D as well. I’ve been on this for about half a year now, and it’s the first time in 12 years I’ve had a medication actually work for me. I still have my lows but it’s better than it was.

Thank you everyone!