Hi @murphymarg59
As I mentioned earlier in this discussion, Lamictal was my first AED and had the fewest side effects for me. I only stopped taking it because of terrible insomnia. But as my doctor always reminds me, everyone responds differently - what doesn't work for one person might be perfect for another.
I completely agree with @jakedduck1's point of view. Reading the medication leaflet can potentially influence us. Based on my husband's suggestion, I've stopped reading the leaflets myself. Instead, if I experience any side effects, I ask him to check the information for me. You might consider asking someone you trust to do the same. That way you can avoid being influenced by all the potential side effects listed, while still having access to the information if needed.
Chris

I also have a frustrated neurologist. In the last 30 years of seizures, like most, I have been on the medication merry-go-round. I had severe reactions - from being found hiding under my desk at work to drug-level toxicities. And it seemed that a change in any other medication impacted the ability of my seizure medication to treat the seizures. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with depression (I, a math-whiz, couldn't figure out how to balance my checkbook!). That brought on the addition of the antidepressants.

A new, now bestest, friend was a drug-rehab counselor. As I was turning to her for advice, I asked if she knew someone who could help. I didn't want to put this friend in the position of being "nurse" as well. She referred me to a retired psychiatrist. He was a counselor to the counselors, practiced behavioral alignment, and, better yet, he was a neurologist who knew drug effects backwards and forwards.

The result is Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine). I don't presume to suggest what works for you, but I was so pleasantly surprised. The bi-weekly counseling sessions allow me to go with the flow. There is more to the story of how well this is working for me, so I will keep you and all others dealing with seizure med issues in my prayers.

I have been on Lamictal for over 10 years, accompanied with Keppra. No problems with dizziness, dry mouth or any such thing. I do have sleep issues. Reviewing others' comments, Lamictal seems to affect their sleep. It may be affecting mine too.