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

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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | May 18, 2025
In reply to @autumn2025 "I feel depleted. In my past, I was motivated in trying anything to get better from..." + (show)
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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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We are listening ..and praying for you!! Please stay here with us!! Just because one suicide hotline person was not the right one for you.. they do have others..I said..I've been where you are..and had my 38 out..at least twice.. and called the suicide hotline.. here in Oklahoma.. one was not so good ..one was excellent.. and even called me back the next day to see how I was .. remember "you can't take a bullet back".. (and if you're going to do it some other way.. DON'T do that either.. think things thru.. take a deep breath.. who would find you?.. can they live with that..??) You are one of a kind .. specially made in the image of God by God.. and He has good plans for you..altho you might not see them right now.. breathe deep.. you are OK... you are OK...you are OK!!! Love prayers and hugs!!

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dianestjohn | @dianestjohn | May 19, 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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Good morning, how are you ? I have had you on my mind a lot since reading your post yesterday. I am concerned about you, and I, like a lot of other people to reacted to your posting are. In retrospect, I THANK YOU for reaching out and being honest with your feelings and posting them. THAT is a start. PLEASE follow your instincts to survive. You are on the right path.

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depressedbutnotdead | @depressedbutnotdead | May 19, 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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Yes! Meds can do this. It happened to me. I nearly followed through. Please get into the hospital now. It's really really important. I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't gotten a prescription change when I did.

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | May 19, 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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Some medications can and do worsen depression and suicidal thoughts. Try Daliresp! Took it for one month at the therapeutic dose of 500mcg and was ready to execute my plan.......terrifying experience. quit taking the medication and waited for the half-life and almost felt completely better. Let me just say.......most Pharmacist will not speak with patients due to the possible liability, and most Doctors haven't a clue!

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tiredandthristy | @tiredandthristy | May 19, 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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My experience is that meds may make you more motivated before they make you feel better making it more likely you will follow through with your suicidal thoughts. Remind yourself that these are just thoughts and that you have been well in the past and can be well in the future simply by taking care of yourself and getting the help you need.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 19, 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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@autumn2025 I’d like to check in with you. How are you feeling? Have you talked with a doctor or a your prescribing doctor?

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autumn2025 | @autumn2025 | May 19, 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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Exhausting day for reasons outside of myself and immediate family.

I sent a message to my temporary prescriber and didn't get a clear answer probably because she doesn't know if the medication or my depression is causing the suicidal feelings.

Life goes on. I have too many things demanding my time and energy this week. I hope I don't get too overwhelmed this week - so much to do. I don't have time or energy to be depressed or anxious.

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | May 20, 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

Yes, some medications can cause suicidal thoughts. Lamictal did not work for me either. Try and remember that today is all any of us have. Try and think about things you are grateful for, even just basic things. I have tried so many different anti-depressants over the years. I will say this, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary issue. Be sure and let your doctor know that you are having these thoughts. I am grateful you posted here. People need to hear what you have to say and we never know who we may be helping without even knowing it. Hang in there, just today!

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dianestjohn | @dianestjohn | May 20, 2025
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@autumn2025 I’d like to check in with you. How are you feeling? Have you talked with..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@autumn2025 I’d like to check in with you. How are you feeling? Have you talked with a doctor or a your prescribing doctor?

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Thañkyou❤️👍❤️

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xpax | @xpax | May 21, 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

Try Tryptophan, it's the only anti-depression med that helped me safely.

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