In my experience Lamictal is slow to take effect. Do you have anything like benzodiazapines to help in the meantime?
Focus is the hardest thing for me and meditation can be impossible. I find that using a mantra is much easier for me than trying to empty my mind. Try to exercise, if you can, to burn off excess energy right before you study. Study in short bursts. Do something creative in between study sessions. I love those adult coloring books for that purpose. Different colored highlighters are helpful for me too, and writing notes by hand instead just typing. What works for might not work for you though.
Edited to add that fidget toys help me too.