Lamictal or lithium? - Mental Health Message Board

KimberlyV · 06-17-2004, 06:08 PM

Has anyone here taken lithium or lamictal and if so what are your experiences with these products? Which would you recommend or not recommend? My doctor has weaned me off of Paxil, deciding that I have a mood disorder, rather than depression. He has now prescribed Lamictal (which I am currently taking) and Eskalith Lithium (which I haven't started due to fear). I have heard that Lithium is bad for thyroid patients, and I fear weight gain, as I am already quite overweight. Can anyone here give any advice, or share any experiences with either Lithium or Lamictal, good or bad?

valerie234 · 06-18-2004, 03:19 PM

Hi Kimberely. I took Lithium for two years and did experience weight gain about 20 kg. Also I noticed a decrease in my thought activity and a sort of blahness like I couldn't experience highs and lows normally. I was always middle of the road blah. My highs and lows were never classed as manic and I was prescribed it as more of an antidepressent than anything. I did not like the drug and weaned myself off it without the doctors consent and lost weight rapidly after.

Ruth6:11 · 06-19-2004, 06:14 PM

I've been on lithium for 20 years and it has kept me balanced.
I am 5'2" tall and weigh 125 - and I'd rather be heavy and balanced than thin and noticeably bipolar!!!