1. < Depression & Anxiety
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~ Side effects from anti-anxiety meds (Lamictal)~

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Nov 5, 2017

I am sitting here both relieved and thankful. Ever since I had my RTKR and then the revision, it doesn't hurt at all, but my balance is way off. I have to be extremely careful or I will fall, and some of them have been real hurtful ones......like on the garage floor which is concrete and I landed on my back, hitting my head, into the coffee table sending everything there flying, including my water and tea, walking up a slight hill on some grass, and many, many, more times. I haven't said anything to you all because I was terrified it was something awful .... a brain tumor, Parkinsons ....
Well .... I got the Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine and in the section on Stress and Mood Disorders, page 177, it talks about anti-anxiety medications. It says "side effects include unsteadiness, drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination, and problems with balance. These medications can also cause memory problems." I cannot tell you how relieved I was .... these side effects are primarily from the anti-anxiety meds.
I know that taking Lamictal, causes my hands to shake, and for that (they call them essential tremors) I have to take a small dose of propanalol, which is a beta blocker.
Anyhow, if any of you folks are experiencing any of this, as I have been, take heart .... it may not be at all what you think.
abby

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "Did that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

Did that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much of anything.

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Dear heart... please stay.. I have wrestled with the same thoughts for several years now.. as my digestive issues have been going on for so long and soo painful and scary and all of that..I've even called the suicide hotline..( depends on who you get).. today I went to the grave of my best friend who committed suicide in 2006..I miss her soo.. her family misses her.. she had 2 girls and some grandchildren.. she had ..me..I needed her.. but she was soo sick.. and as an RN she knew what was coming so she ate a bullet from a 9mm.. and we all cried!! We still cry!! You are irreplaceable and special!! If it's your meds.. talk to the doctor..and ..if you really need someone to talk to ..Jesus never leaves..(I've had my 38 special to my head several times.. especially after my husband passed of cancer..felt all alone..so alone).. but God has a plan for you..and there are ministries..maybe I shouldn't' say on here.. but they will pray with you and stand in faith with you..Psalm 91 over you.. it's a prayer of protection..

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?

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Hi @autumn2025, I'm glad you posted here and that you also contacted 988

You're right that some medications intended to help improve anxiety and depression can also have the unwanted side effect of creating suicidal thoughts. This includes Lamictal (lamotrigine). In some people, it can cause new or increased thoughts of suicide or death, new or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior and difficulty sleeping.

Please contact your prescribing doctor as soon as possible to discuss what you should do. I realize that today is Sunday and you may not be able to reach your doctor today. You may be able to talk to a pharmacist to find out if Lamictal is interacting with other medications you may be taking and what you can do until you can speak with your doctor.

If you have these unwanted thoughts of suicide again, please contact 988. I know the person you reached last night didn't say much, but you will get a different counsellor the next time you call. It is good to talk.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– Call or text 988
– Chat with a counsellor at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. You don't need your phone. You can chat on your computer.

And, of course, we're here on the forum if you want to reach out any time. I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. How are you today?

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1 reply
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yeja | @yeja | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?

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i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and crying hysterically. same meds venlafaxen, works well until it doesnt. 69 year old female. this week i’ve been in a dark hole no hope

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2 replies
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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?

Jump to this post

@autumn2025 As others including @colleenyoung wrote it's possible that Lamictal could be contributing to your thoughts of suicide. Calling 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, is a good plan as they are available 24/7. I have another suggestion too. As @colleenyoung wrote, it's Sunday and your prescribing doctor may not be available today. If you continue to have thoughts of suicide and you have a plan for how you would do it, then please go to your nearest Emergency Department at your local hospital. All hospitals have mental health professionals on call including psychiatry.

How are you feeling this morning?

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?

Jump to this post

@autumn2025
Have you talked with your prescribing doctor and shared your symptoms and concerns? Are you working with a psychiatrist and psychologist? You should not suffer alone. I have been where you are for the last few years and have been trying different medications and combinations to deal with major depression. I am a bit stabilized now on bupropion and sertraline but it is not optimal treatment. I am going to taper off my sertraline to see how I am and then try something new if needed.

Your medication may not be right for you now and you may need to try something else and possibly a combination of medication to optimize your treatment.

Please do not delay getting the help you need and deserve.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 18, 2025
In reply to @yeja "i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and..." + (show)
Profile picture for yeja @yeja

i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and crying hysterically. same meds venlafaxen, works well until it doesnt. 69 year old female. this week i’ve been in a dark hole no hope

Jump to this post

@yeja, how horrible to feel that you are in a dark hole with no way out and no hope. If you need to talk to someone, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– Call or text 988
– Chat with a counsellor at https://988lifeline.org/chat/

They are there 24/7.

I'm glad that you posted here in the forum. We're here and we're listening. If venlafaxine is not working for you any more, have you had a chance to talk with your prescribing doctor about what you can do next? Do you also see a therapist regularly?

REPLY
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autumn2025 | @autumn2025 | May 18, 2025
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @autumn2025, I'm glad you posted here and that you also contacted 988 You're right that..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @autumn2025, I'm glad you posted here and that you also contacted 988

You're right that some medications intended to help improve anxiety and depression can also have the unwanted side effect of creating suicidal thoughts. This includes Lamictal (lamotrigine). In some people, it can cause new or increased thoughts of suicide or death, new or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior and difficulty sleeping.

Please contact your prescribing doctor as soon as possible to discuss what you should do. I realize that today is Sunday and you may not be able to reach your doctor today. You may be able to talk to a pharmacist to find out if Lamictal is interacting with other medications you may be taking and what you can do until you can speak with your doctor.

If you have these unwanted thoughts of suicide again, please contact 988. I know the person you reached last night didn't say much, but you will get a different counsellor the next time you call. It is good to talk.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
– Call or text 988
– Chat with a counsellor at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. You don't need your phone. You can chat on your computer.

And, of course, we're here on the forum if you want to reach out any time. I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. How are you today?

Jump to this post

I feel raw with emotion and exhausted.

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dianestjohn | @dianestjohn | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from a deep depression and intense anxiety. Years have gone by... it seems that I feel pretty low at the beginning of the day, and feel even lower by the end of the day. Suicidal thoughts have been present for the past week. I feel useless, replaceable, and very emotional. I have been retrying lamictal and am on the 4th week (50 mg). I see that it can increase suicidal thoughts in some people. How do I know if it's the medication causing them or that my depression has just gotten worse over time?

Jump to this post

PLEASE DONT LEAVE US ♥️. I have been there. It is not easy. PLEASE call your doctor or go to the ER now🙏. I have read the comments to you. You have a heck of a lot of people who are here for you, and love and need you. I know, I DO 😘

REPLY
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dorothy1914 | @dorothy1914 | May 18, 2025
In reply to @yeja "i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and..." + (show)
Profile picture for yeja @yeja

i am the same. 25+ years on meds, repeated episodes of deep depression with anxiety and crying hysterically. same meds venlafaxen, works well until it doesnt. 69 year old female. this week i’ve been in a dark hole no hope

Jump to this post

To @yeja
I feel just like you but I caused my own suffering. I was successfully on Effexor 150 mg for about 40 years and in Jan. of 2024 I stupidly went off of it without proper tapering (I didn’t even know what tapering was). Stopped it at 75 mgs. The withdrawal symptoms didn’t start for about 8 months so I thought I was in the clear. How wrong I was. I became anorexic and was told by doctors I was malnourished. I am eating but I still look like a wrinkled mess. I have permanent heart palpitations, difficulty walking and talking, burning skin, horrible tinnitus, hair loss, and more. My memory is shot. I can’t leave the house. I have medications that won’t be filled by my endocrinologist unless I see him in person.How could I have been so stupid! My husband has been wonderful but he is getting upset with me pleading with him for help. There is no way he can help me. Why didn’t I leave well enough alone. I have never called the suicide hotline as I am concerned they will call the police.

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SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael | @SusanEllen66 | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "Did that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much..." + (show)
Profile picture for autumn2025 @autumn2025

Did that last night. Unfortunately, the person on the otherside of the line didn't say much of anything.

Jump to this post

@autumn2025
I’m glad you reached out. We are here for you. Please feel free to come on here and pour out your heart, if you want to.
We are listening without judgement.

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