I recently went to a psychiatrist and was prescribed Lamotrigine - a mood stabilizer. I had a HUGE episode of borderline rage, and it really pushed me to see a psychiatrist. My regular therapist said it was a good idea as long as I didn't intend to stay on it forever, which I don't. He also said that since we were beginning to get into deeper stuff in therapy (doing less damage control and going deep into my upbringing), the mood stabilizer will help manage stress and other emotions I'll be feeling as a result of this.

I started Lamotrigine on 25mg for two weeks, and I am about to go up another 25mg (as prescribed). My psychiatrist said with this medication, it takes a long time to get to a therapeutic dose. 

Anyone taking this, how much are you on as a "therapeutic dose?"

ALSO, side effects I've been having are:

\- Dizziness when standing up too fast

\- More tired at the end of the day

\- Heart palpitations

\- Loss of appetite (though, I am making a point to consciously think about when I need to eat, so it's not really an issue)

\- Losing my train of thought

What are other side effects you all experienced going further into medication?

THE POSITIVES

\- I have significantly cut down on drinking (though I don't know that you're really supposed to drink at all on this medication). I went from binge drinking 3-4 days a week to having one or two drinks about twice a week. I haven't gotten drunk at all. 

\- I am actually able to contain my emotions and haven't had borderline rage or feelings that are too intense since starting. I don't know if it's a placebo effect of just knowing I'm on the medication, a result of being more tired and not really having the energy for that, or the medication already having a positive effect.

\- I have gotten other parts of my life together and overall feel like an improved person (looking for a new apartment, decluttering, managing money well (also not spending so much on alcohol), and consolidating &amp; refinancing my loans). 

\- I can tell I have a better sense of self-worth, maybe just as a result of taking charge of this.

I'm supposed to go up to 50mg in three days. I just want to know what other peoples' experiences are on this! My therapist said this week that he is already amazed at how well I am doing. It makes me feel good that he is proud of me, and it gives me more motivation to get better.