"i&#039;m bipolar with mania. also, i&#039;ve been a addict for 25 years (self medicating my mania). i hated all the mood stabilizers i&#039;ve ever tried, but would always eventually go back to using. anyone that has lived in a constant manic state of mind knows how hard it is. after many many years of trying to get clean i reluctantly gave lamictal a try. it has literally saved my life. it has totally balanced my crazy brain. my thoughts are not a 1000 miles an hour, i can actually sleep and eat normal and most importantly i no longer self medicate by using drugs and alcohol. my wife can write a book of what this medication has done for me and our family."