What is your experience with Lamictal?

[Moochie Mamma]

9yo DS has been diagnosed with cyclothymia (mild bipolar) and spends most of the time in the depressed end of the spectrum. He is very irritable, easily angered, anxious, has pulled all of his eyelashes out, scratches up his arms, is now pulling his hair out one by one. Doc wants to try Lamictal. Wondering if anyone out there has experience with it personally or for your kiddos? He is going to start him at about 12.5mg then titrate up from there until he reaches theraputic level. What kind of side effects have you experienced/noticed?

Thanks!

[crazycat]

My 8-year-old son takes lamictal for seizures. He has done well with it, although I think since switching from the generic (lamotrigine) to the brand extended-release version he has had more trouble with insomnia. This is a common side effect from what I have read anyway, but I mostly read about kids having more trouble with the generic form than the brand. Otherwise, you do have to watch for a rash, but we have not had trouble with that in the year or so DS has been taking it, or any other obvious side effects. Good luck!

[Satori]

There's a lot on this drug over in the mental health forum if you do a search. Both I and my 9 year old are on it and its been a godsend. It really does help with depression and stabilizing mood.