I've been on Lamictal for about a year (for bipolar). Tried lots ...

I've been on Lamictal for about a year (for bipolar). Tried lots of anti-depressants and this has made a huge difference. I take it with Effexor. The big thing I want to add here is that I have done better on only 75 mg of Lamictal a day. They tell you it isn't a therapeutic dose but who knows what is for sure for each of us!? When I went up to 100 mg many of the things people say here happened worse. I went back down to 75 and have been so relieved to be semi-normal feeling--the best I've felt in many years. If you feel better at a certain dose, why do they insist on going up so far? Something to think about. I do have more acne, jawline rash that itches and definite sore muscles. I too have gained at least 15 lbs this year, not eating any differently--and they say it doesn't create weight gain! For me, the side affects are the lesser of the evils for now. I know it's made me more sane and that is huge.