Why did my psychiatrist prescribe me lamotrigine?

Doctors may prescribe lamotrigine to adults or adolescents who are otherwise being treated for bipolar disorder or weaning off other medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of lamotrigine and prescribed lower doses.

Is Lamotrigine used for major depression?

Conclusions: Our results suggest that lamotrigine could be useful as augmentation of antidepressants for treatment-resistant unipolar depression. Also, lamotrigine may accelerate the onset of antidepressant action, and therefore might be useful in treatment of major depression in general.

Is major depressive disorder same as bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is easily confused with depression because it can include depressive episodes. The main difference between the two is that depression is unipolar, meaning that there is no “up” period, but bipolar disorder includes symptoms of mania.

Does Lamictal help major depressive disorder?

Lamotrigine is an important option in bipolar disorders. However, many clinicians also use it in patients with a (unipolar) depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to conventional antidepressants. Lamotrigine is an important medication option for the treatment of bipolar disorders.

What does lamotrigine do for bipolar?

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) for Bipolar Disorder It has been found to help delay bouts of depression, mania, hypomania (a milder form of mania), and mixed episodes in those being treated with standard therapy. It is especially effective in the prevention of bipolar depression.

How is lamotrigine used for bipolar?

Lamotrigine is usually taken 1 or 2 times daily with or without food. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from 25 mg to 400 mg.

Is Lamictal used for depression or anxiety?

Lamictal (lamotrigine), a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any anxiety disorders. It is approved to treat bipolar disorder and seizure disorders.

Can you have major depressive and bipolar?

Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are two separate conditions — you can’t be diagnosed with both at the same time. But that’s because diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder II includes MDD. Of course, it is possible to be misdiagnosed.

When does lamotrigine work for depression?

Sometimes it’s called a mood stabiliser, as it reduces mood swings. It usually takes around 6 weeks for lamotrigine to work properly. This is because the dose needs to be increased slowly to prevent side effects.

Is Lamictal good for bipolar depression?

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) for Bipolar Disorder It is especially effective in the prevention of bipolar depression. It was the first FDA-approved therapy since lithium for maintenance in bipolar disorder.

What does lamotrigine treat?

Lamotrigine is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It can also help prevent low mood (depression) in adults with bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine is available on prescription.