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Lamictal and depression: has this happened to anyone else?

Mon, 09/22/2008 - 15:04
I started lamictal nearly a year ago and had very few problems when I first went on it. I was first on depakote but due to the idea that I may go away for college I had at the time, I went on lamical. For the a good few months I felt fine and like my old self. Back in the spring I had started to feel bad on myself which at the time I attributed to the fact I couldn't get the loan I needed to go to my first choice college but  recently I have been feeling so much worse. I feel like I am not worth people's time and and like I was never meant for anything in life. Life has just become a dull repeat everyday already and I don't know how to deal. I want to know if this happend to anyone else who has taken lamictal to help to determine treatment.

Comments

Re: Lamictal and depression: has this happened to anyone else?

Submitted by rikk on Fri, 2008-12-12 - 23:48
been taking lamictal for 9 years.  it can both help with depression, and can cause it.  it is usually intermittant.  that being said chronic illness causes depression,  felling bad long term causes depression,  lamictal can cause depression.  life as having epilepsy is just plain depressing.  road blocks being placed in your way when you are already dealing with enough crap is depressing.  i can give you a little tiny bit of advice.  find what allows you to feel happy and do it.  even if you don't feel like.  now for the bad.  if you get to the point that staying with the living is not an option, then not getting help is not an option.  here we help each other.  it is not a bother, it is not a pain,  if we are worth the effort, we are no better than you.  we welcome you.  we lift each other up, as we ask others to lift us. we all share a part of the same thing.  be your own advocate, ask question, then ask more questions. and when you have made the medical world listen, make them give you answers you are comfortable with.  don't give up goal, dreams, or just simple little happy thoughts.  you are a part of this world and this world needs you too.  hope this helps.  rikk

Re: Lamictal and depression: has this happened to anyone else?

Submitted by chrisdullanty on Thu, 2009-03-05 - 02:22

I agree with that about Lamictal being a good mood stablizer.  I have epilepsy/Auras because I had brain surgery, along with major depression and anxiety.  My neurlogist put me on lamictal for my Auras but it also helped my depression.  I got off of the other drugs I was on except Zoloft.  I at one time was taking up to 25 tablets a day because I was on 4 different drugs.   I have had episodes where the thoughts of suicide have popped into my mine but i have learned how to manage those feelings.  I can have mt great days and then there are bad days.  I can laugh like crazy but I can also get really pissed.  Soemtimes they're Auras that are causing mood swings.

I agree with that about Lamictal being a good mood stablizer.  I have epilepsy/Auras because I had brain surgery, along with major depression and anxiety.  My neurlogist put me on lamictal for my Auras but it also helped my depression.  I got off of the other drugs I was on except Zoloft.  I at one time was taking up to 25 tablets a day because I was on 4 different drugs.   I have had episodes where the thoughts of suicide have popped into my mine but i have learned how to manage those feelings.  I can have mt great days and then there are bad days.  I can laugh like crazy but I can also get really pissed.  Soemtimes they're Auras that are causing mood swings.

Re: Lamictal and depression: has this happened to anyone else?

Submitted by SHELTIE on Tue, 2009-02-03 - 10:00

Firstly I admire every single one of you for being so brave to come on this forum and being so honest. I've never has the courage to discuss my epilepsy, lamictal and depression with anyone apart from doctors.  Doctors, family, partners, friends - they can only sympathise (some don't even do that), but will NEVER truly understand what we go through.  I find that the worst thing; the feeling of isolation. My short term memory and ability to process information is non existant and I'm left feeling hopeless and worst of all, people think you're "scatty" (I really hate that word).

As I have been seizure free for about 5 years, I feel it's my Lamictal which is causing my depression but being bullied at work didn't help.  Is it the case that Lamictal alone isn't responsible for the depression but also a terribe life experience?  My confidence is a rock bottom thanks for my evil bosses.  I worked for a man and wife and they almost ruined my life.  Finally I got out but my mental health has not improved.  There are days I don't want to leave the house. I am about to start a new job but to be honest I'm terrified.

What a moaner - I've probably made you all miserable!  Lots of love and hope - Clare xxx

Firstly I admire every single one of you for being so brave to come on this forum and being so honest. I've never has the courage to discuss my epilepsy, lamictal and depression with anyone apart from doctors.  Doctors, family, partners, friends - they can only sympathise (some don't even do that), but will NEVER truly understand what we go through.  I find that the worst thing; the feeling of isolation. My short term memory and ability to process information is non existant and I'm left feeling hopeless and worst of all, people think you're "scatty" (I really hate that word).

As I have been seizure free for about 5 years, I feel it's my Lamictal which is causing my depression but being bullied at work didn't help.  Is it the case that Lamictal alone isn't responsible for the depression but also a terribe life experience?  My confidence is a rock bottom thanks for my evil bosses.  I worked for a man and wife and they almost ruined my life.  Finally I got out but my mental health has not improved.  There are days I don't want to leave the house. I am about to start a new job but to be honest I'm terrified.

What a moaner - I've probably made you all miserable!  Lots of love and hope - Clare xxx

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