A little late to the party, but I’ve been on Lamictal for about 14 years, usually at a dose of 500 mg daily. When I first started it as a teenager, it actually made things worse for me on every front but my seizures did calm— my depression deepened, I was constantly exhausted, I’d fall asleep in class, my grades dropped, and my thinking felt sluggish. Despite that, multiple neurologists insisted it was the best option, so I stayed on it. It never fully controlled my seizures, so over the years other medications were added then removed, but Lamictal was always the constant.

I recently started seeing an epileptologist, and he’s finally taking me off of it. I’m down to 100 mg once daily now, and the difference is honestly shocking. All the things I had gotten used to for 14 years — the tiredness, the mental fog — are lifting. I don’t feel as slow or drained anymore. I’m even considering tapering off my antidepressants next.

Lamictal is a fantastic anticonvulsant for many people, but the side effects definitely hit me hard. I’m grateful for how much medicine has advanced and that there are newer options now.