- Lamotrigine appears to be effective for preventing depressive relapse, which is the most common mood state in BPII.
- Lamotrigine has few side effects compared to other medications for BPII. It does NOT cause:
- weight changes lamotrigine is considered a ‘weight neutral drug'
- cognitive ‘dulling' people do not tend to have trouble concentrating, focussing or remembering things
- sleepiness/drowsiness people taking lamotrigine may feel more energetic
- problems with sexual functioning this is reported by less than 1 in 100 people taking lamotrigine.
- Most people are able to continue taking lamotrigine even if they do experience side effects. In a study lasting 18 months, around 91 in 100 people continued taking lamotrigine for the duration of the study.
- Lamotrigine does not require regular ongoing monitoring over the long-term.
