"i&#039;ve suffered from depression and anxiety since i was a teen, made worse after the birth of my child. i tried various antidepressants which had the usual side effects of headaches, sluggishness, low libido and weight gain. one was a total disaster and triggered a hypo manic episode. i&#039;ve spent 3 years medication free, with no manic episodes but still struggling with depression.  3 weeks ago i started lamictal. i know it&#039;s early days to call it a win but i immediately felt better. the volume on that horrible self talk has been muted, i feel positive and optimistic. no headaches, no loss of libido and it is weight neutral. i have noticed a few side effects - the first week my skin was very itchy and i&#039;m losing more hair than usual. hope this subsides."