lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if a mood stabilizer like lamotrigine (Lamictal) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
bipolar disorder

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What is a mood stabilizer?

Mood stabilizers are a class of medication that helps support mood stability for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.

How does a mood stabilizer work?

Mood stabilizers work by regulating the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which can protect against manic or depressive episodes.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is lamotrigine (Lamictal) used for?

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a mood stabilizer, a type of medication used to treat mood disorders, like bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers work by reducing the severity and frequency of symptoms like mood and energy fluctuations.

Does lamotrigine (Lamictal) help with fidgeting?

For some people, fidgeting or restlessness can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, which lamotrigine is effective to treat. However, fidgeting can occur for many reasons, so make sure to speak with a licensed clinician to discuss this.

Is the prescription drug lamotrigine (Lamictal) in short supply?

Both generic and branded lamotrigine (Lamictal) have previously been difficult to access due to a shortage caused by reported manufacturing issues. If you are having difficulty accessing your medication, please speak with your provider.

What happens if you take lamotrigine (Lamictal) and are not bipolar?

You should not take any medication, including lamotrigine, unless it has been prescribed to you by your provider and you have a condition that can be treated by that medication. Lamotrigine can be prescribed for bipolar disorder, a seizure disorder, and is sometimes prescribed adjunctively for other diagnoses.

Does lamotrigine (Lamictal) cause weight gain or loss?

Unlike many other mood stabilizers, lamotrigine (Lamictal) has not been found to significantly impact weight.

How long does it take for lamotrigine (Lamictal) to work?

While mood stabilizers like lamotrigine can be effective at low doses, it will likely take weeks to reach a therapeutic dosage. This is because lamotrigine carries a rare but serious health risk that is monitored and managed by increasing its dosage more slowly than other medications. It is essential to follow your provider's exact instructions to safely and effectively start this medication.

Does lamotrigine (Lamictal) make you sleepy?

You may feel more tired than usual when you first start taking lamotrigine or if you increase your dose. These side effects typically resolve over time, but talk to your provider if they persist or make it difficult to manage daily life.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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