"i started taking lamictal to treat my bi-polar 2 disorder. at first, the medication really helped my constantly manic depression and i loved it. then i noticed the fogginess and my brain felt like it wasn&#039;t as sharp. the more my doctor increased my dose, the more i started to swell. eventually i had gained 5 lbs just in water retention. m joints would ache and i couldn&#039;t take it anymore. my doctor switched me to topamax and i can really tell a difference! i loved the emotional effect from the lamictal but the physical side effects were unreal."