Lamictal and rash

In late May of 2008 I had a pretty severe bipolar II crash. I was prescribed Lamictal but can not recall how much; it seemed like my doctor had a healthy fear of Stephens Johnson syndrome, Subsequently my dosage was slowly increased until, one day, I began to notice a rash. I went to the ER as directed and before I knew what hit me I was in bad shape. The good news: it wasn't Stephens Johnson, Bad news: It was something even more rare and almost fatal. Fortunately, I recovered in about 7-10 days. This ordeal seemed to throw my bipolar II for a loop, and I struggled with depression/anxiety for many months. Ever since I " came to" after the Lamictal event, I have had pain in both shoulders of all things. Imaging turned up nothing unusual

"Bipolar cocktail" is an excellent way to articulate my medication regimen as well lol. I've been on Wellbutrin for about 8 years, and recently increased my dosage of Lamictal dramatically. (I'm on Lexapro too, but I don't think it's relevant to this situation.) Immediately after the increase in dosage, I started having greater difficulty with my cognitive abilities, a whole lot of trouble speaking (that pulling the word out of my head issue), short-term memory worsened beyond the little ability I had left from the rest of the side effects of my other medications, and other examples of brain mushiness :) Anyway, I recently brought this up to my doctor- she said these symptoms sound more like side-effects of Wellbutrin, and Lamictal is supposed to have few to none except a rash. But I haven't had a change in my Wellbutrin dosage in something like 5 years. Has anyone heard anything similar to this from their doctor? It doesn't make as much sense to me as it being a side-effect of Lamictal does...

"Bipolar cocktail" is an excellent way to articulate my medication regimen as well lol. I've been on Wellbutrin for about 8 years, and recently increased my dosage of Lamictal dramatically. (I'm on Lexapro too, but I don't think it's relevant to this situation.) Immediately after the increase in dosage, I started having greater difficulty with my cognitive abilities, a whole lot of trouble speaking (that pulling the word out of my head issue), short-term memory worsened beyond the little ability I had left from the rest of the side effects of my other medications, and other examples of brain mushiness :)

Anyway, I recently brought this up to my doctor- she said these symptoms sound more like side-effects of Wellbutrin, and Lamictal is supposed to have few to none except a rash. But I haven't had a change in my Wellbutrin dosage in something like 5 years. Has anyone heard anything similar to this from their doctor? It doesn't make as much sense to me as it being a side-effect of Lamictal does...

Well on 2-15-09 my sister in law died just shy of turning 39. She had severe depression, As of three years ago she began starving herself. She would go weeks without eating or drinking anything. She was in and out of the hospital through out the years. She started taking Lamictal six days prior to 2-15-09. The Dr. said she had made a mistake and wrote 100mg where it should had been 25mg. The doctor's later stated it didn't matter if they wrote 1mg it would have happened eventually.

Now we had called her on her birthday three days prior to 2-15-09, and she said the medication made her feel weird. That night she fell to sleep and did not wake up but for only a brief minute in the hospital. After being asleep for a day she was rushed to the hospital were a battery of test were run. She had begun to have liver failure and sepsis. The doctor's had her airlifted to a hospital four hours away where liver specialist were available. She arrived there and withing a few hours her lungs collapsed, her kidneys began to fail, and she had two heart attacks where she finally died at 11:10 pm on 2-15-09.

So I am here to make you aware. This is the side affect no one has talked about yet. Now she had no rash. She had weekend her system by not eating. Other than her depression she was OK. The doctor's don't know if she had an allergic reaction or not. The autopsy will be arrive in 40 days. With just some fatigue and weird feelings she continued to take the medication for the six days. I read on and on and I see so many symptoms, this would be a great time to evaluate with a profession because lets face it we really don't know the long term affects. It could be doing damage to your internal organs, or not. I feel if your body is showing you signs that are not normal than it is a good indication that your body is telling you that is cant tolerating it to well. So at least your getting the signs you might want to see what else is out there. As God is my witness we wanted her healthy and to not suffer so I really do have only good intentions for you all.

The funeral is today.

I've been taking lamictal for btwn 2 and 3 years now, for depression and as a mood stabilizer. I was on wellbutrin 300 mg, and then I had an episode of severe depression (crying all the time) while on the wellbutrin. So my doctor added lamictal, gradually going up to 200 mg.

It works, and I haven't had a really severe depressive episode since (except for circumstantial reasons), although I'm generally mildly depressed.

Side effects: My fingernails have weakened, and some have ridges down the middle that are so weak they become cracks even if there is only 1 mm of white nail growth. I thought it might be a nutritional deficiency, but I eat healthily, and I finally decided to look into the side effects of my meds. Others on this site are talking about hair loss -- I'm quite sure the nail problem is from the lamictal, as hair and nails are produced in similar ways.

I yawn every few minutes, whether or not I'm tired, which at least one other person on this forum mentioned as well, as a less common side effect. (I'd figured this was due to one of my meds -- now I know which one it is.)
I've also been concerned that I'm klutzier than normal lately. After reading everything on this site, I've just decided to start weaning myself from 200 mg towards a lower dose of 100 mg. I don't think I'll go off of it entirely, b/c it works.
One last thing I have to say is that I really recommend ACUPUNCTURE for any mood disorders. I get it for free at a school in Chicago (it's often a long wait, but free!), and many bigger cities probably have an acupuncture school where it will be cheap, if you're on a budget like I am. Occasionally, insurance covers acupuncture. Anyway, I try to go once a week, and it helps tremendously with my depression, migraines, and general energy level-- it has a very powerful cumulative effect! When I stop going, I notice huge differences emotionally, and I get a lot more migraines. My mom and sister have also had very positive experiences using acupuncture for depression and anxiety.

I actually ask to be treated for my headaches, not specifically depression, but it helps me a lot with both issues. I really can't say enough about how wonderful acupuncture is, and how much it's changed my life. Last time I was medication-free, 5 years ago, I was going to acupuncture every week for many months, and it was enough! Just don't expect it to work overnight -- just be consistent and give it some time. When I first started going every week, I noticed a difference after a month or so, although the treatments generally leave me feeling relaxed and good right afterward as well.

I have been on Lamictal for 3 months after being on Paxil first and then Cymbalta for many years. I thought I might be bi-polar due to family history but after spending 2 hours with a psychiatrist who really knew his medications determined I was just clinically depressed. He started me on the 5 week starter pack and my max dose is 100mg/day. I am a early riser and take the medication about 5am every morning. I have had no experience with dreams, shortness of breath, etc. I have however developed a rash (under the skin) dry but not itchy, red splotches about 3 weeks ago. I thought might be the Lamictal but realized my dentist gave me a very expensive toothpaste for whitening and dry mouth to use. "Fluoridex", when I looked for side effects of the toothpast, it was rash and dry splotches to the face.

Lamictal has saved my life. I have had 8 brain surgeries in 4 years and had lost the will to live. I feel alive again and started feeling that way when I was midway thru the starter pack at 50mg/day. I think in everything, you have to have the right doctor and they have to know their medications. I have never felt so good in my entire life. My sex drive has increased after 32 years of marriage (husband is very happy) I work out in gym 5 days/week and have lost 20 pounds and have no desire for sweets or diet sodas, losing the desire to smoke (yeah).

I have read alot of the post that are negative about Lamictal. Please see your doctor and either have him decrease the dose or change the medication. You owe this to yourself.

As I read all of these postings, I see I'm not alone in my side effects while taking lamictal. I started out on a very low dose (12.5 mg) and doubled this amount each week. It took a while to get to my current dosage of 150 mg per night. I've been experiencing mental confusion, more panic attacks and it's very hard to wake up in the morning. I've been more frequently tired and dizzy during the daytime. Also, at night, my dreams have been extremely vivid. Many have been nightmares leaving me in a state of severe confusion as I try to awake in the morning. Recently, I started having upper back pain that I've never experienced before.
I thought this drug was supposed to be safe with very little side effects (except the potential RASH). I think my life was better before lamictal. Or, do I need to give it some time to work???? Help Please

I started the drug Lamictil about six weeks ago at the insistence of my Doctor and my wife because I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Depression brought on by long periods of darkness and cold - winter). Recently I noticed that I can barely get out of bed and that my feet hurt. I am a trained athlete and my workouts have been essential for controlling my sadness and now my depression is worse than ever and as a side benefit I have tremendous feet and leg pains, rage issues, thoughts of suicide and extreme sadness. I have also broken out in a rash which could be Johnson-Stevens disease - all because those two nitwits didn't want to deal with my occasional sadness. They just threw me under the bus -IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS GET OFF IT and if you are seriously depressed ask your health provider for something more stable. No matter what your condition is short of seizures, this medication is not the answer.

My daughter, who is 22 yrs old now, has been on lamictal since January (seizures which came out of the blue after being ill for 2 years) this year. She ended up in the hospital for most of February with vomiting and diarrhea. She was first diagnosed with celiacs, then gastroparesis, all the time the neurologist is telling us it ABSOLUTELY CANNOT BE THE LAMITCAl...now, she has had some twitching and the doctor increased the lamictal from 100mg 2xs daily to 150mg 2xs daily. Well, the diarrhea, which she's already on all kinds of stomach/bowel medicine, never really resolved but now with the increase is worse. I just called and will take her back on Friday, but think we need to find a new doctor, Good luck to everyone. and God help us all.

Since I haven't seen it documented, I thought I should not the constant popping of my ears. It's not unbearable, but I question whether the ongoing pressure is affecting my hearing. Also, perhaps related, I have begun to observe soreness in my right jaw. But I have not had any true inner ear problems, such as dizziness or nausea.

On another note, my short-term memory seems to be affected. I'd be very disturbed by this fact, except that I'm taking the Lamictal for bipolar disorder and the net effect is a higher level of functioning.

I'm happy overall, but it's only been two months. I'm concerned about more serious effects setting in later after reading this page. I should note, however, that certain side-effects have already come and gone, including the runny nose, aching muscles, and a brief scare of a serious rash.

One question: does Lamictal affect the immune system? I've taken two rounds of antibiotics now to beat a sinus infection and bronchitis, and I still have a cough....

Am suffering from severe shortness of breath (along with bloating, weight gain, palpitations, inability to sleep). On Lamictal when it started. Went off Lamictal for about 6 weeks. No change. Dr. Had me go back on it as it did do well. Am trying to find anyone who has had their shortness of breath and other symptoms directly linked to Lamictal and what did you do? Am at the end of my rope unable to breathe and can't get treated.
Please respond. Thank you!!

Hey, I cycle, so who knows if some of this is the meds or the BP roller coaster..

What I do know:

• Memory Loss ***
• Rash like Poison Oak if I increase too quickly *12.5 mg
• Heart Racing + Mind Racing (part of all this right)

GROUCHY at work regardless of meds.

I'm sorry to hear all the bad side effects you all had with lamictal. I was on lamictal for depression for about a month and a half. I started low, 25mg. But when I got up to 100mg I started to itch! No rash, just itch, about a half hour after I took it! I was in denial, of course, because I had been feeling on top of the world! I had a loss of appetite, which I needed due to the fact my migraine meds had me gain 40 lbs over the last 2 yrs and NOTHING would take it off. My energy level had come back....something the Abilify had taken away a year ago....I'm getting off that very soon. I hate it. It takes away mania for bipolar disorder, so they say, but I'm slightly different....borderline bipolar II,so it takes away my personality, my get up and go, my motivation, you name it. I'm only on 5mg. When I was on 10mg, it knocked me out....I'd get the kids to school, come home and sleep, and be in and out like a drug addict all day til it wore off in the afternoon. Anyway.....lamictal.....I'm back on it.........starting at 12.5mg a day, then 12.5mg 2x a day, etc up to about 50 or 75mg, no more than that. It was a great help to me so I'm not going to let myself get those darn itches again. I did notice a little bit of intestinal irritation in the beginning last time, but that was only for a few days. I take Wellbutrin and also take Topamax 250mg.....and have a ton of hair falling out....and acne, so i feel for those of you with those symptoms. And yes, I still get migraines and still am depressed. But life goes on....I have kids to raise. I just cry in the shower and in the car. The best to all of you....good luck with your meds! Keep on trying!

wow! lamictal. im taking it for bipolar and it sounded so great due to the fact that it concentrates on the "lows" more than the "highs" and since i've been battling depression and suicidal thoughts since the 4th grade i thought this would be a wonderful addition to my medication. i would keep the seroquel at night and only take during the day "as needed" i was told there weren't very many side effects, just following starter kit exactly and i wont get that terrible rash. i didn't have access to a computer until a few days later after my first dose. so i didn't really get a chance to do much research. the first night i was surprised i felt a little loopy. didn't thank much of it. BUT several day late i felt i had the mind of a child. my speech slowed, my motor skills were off i felt heavy in body but light in the head. i could produce simple words. i knew the meanings of the words just had know actual word for them and would have to try to explain these words. stupid me started a new medication just before having to study for an exam( i was not expecting such a quick start of side effects) wow! i had no short term memory. could barely function. it was hard to even order a cup of coffee. of course there were other side effects such as pounding headaches and muscle soreness but they were nearly as annoying as the mental side effects. i started out at a low dose of just 25 mg. i had to stop taking it so my head would clear up and i could actually function just to take my exam. im not cleared up all the way yet but i do feel better. im sure my psych teacher will understand. ....but something im curious about is a weight limit issue. it really seems the side effects shouldn't have started so quickly and so intensely. i haven't been able to find anything about weigh a certain amount to take certain dosages. does any one know about this? should lower weights start even slower? im am a few pound below 100 and im thinking that might be why it hit so hard. considering its the weekend im not going to talk to my pdoc until maybe after my exam about stopping than restarting, but i do plan on restarting and giving it more time for the side effects to clear up

Hi. I went on Lamictal April 2007 after being diagnosed w/ BiPolar. The key issue that brought me to the psychiatrist to begin with was acute depression following a divorce, move cross country, losing my job and my only son going off to college. All the big stress factors - short of death in family. Nonetheless, I was nervous that one year after all these crises that I was, if anything, feeling worse. I had been able to handle all the changes during them, but now that they were over all I wanted to do was sleep all day.... Anyway, I had been on Paxil for years re anxiety, and my psychiatrist decided to keep my on the Paxil till I tolerated the Lamictal, then get me off the Paxil..... Well, the 20 mg of Paxil and the 100 mg of Lamictal worked great, I thought; the Lamictal really raised the bottom.... BUT, apparently Paxil fuels mania, so after a few months, I was taken off the Paxil completely and my Lamictal went up to 200 mg. Almost IMMEDIATELY upon going to 200 mg Lamictal my ankles / feet / legs got enormously swollen. Plus, I noticed that my hair started to fall out // thin out.... Plus -- and I don't know if this is the Lamictal or the absence of the Paxil, but I sob uncontrollably almost 24/7. The sobbing and anxiety and sense of dread and sadnessness has persisted even when the Lamictal was dropped to 100 mg and the shrink added first Clonazepam .5 mg, then when that wasn't calming me, changed me to 1mg Xanax -- each as needed. The Xanax isn't helping me either, and now I also feel paranoid. So, in short: Lamictal at 200 mg makes my feet / ankles / legs swell or suffer edema; Lamcital as low as 100 mg makes my hair thin out; and either the Lamictal or the loss of the Paxil or these anti-anxieity meds (Clonazepam or Xanax) are making me paranoid, profoundly sad and depressed, panicked, anxious, stressed out and, most urgently, make me sob uncontrollably 24/7... My shrink says that we should use anti-depressants with bipolar, and that Paxil fuels the mania, but I tell you, I'd rather be manic and screaming at everyone than so depressed that I'm fearful and sobbing constantly.... Any answers out there: Any anti-depressants for your bipolar?

I've been on Lamictal for about a year (for bipolar). Tried lots of anti-depressants and this has made a huge difference. I take it with Effexor. The big thing I want to add here is that I have done better on only 75 mg of Lamictal a day. They tell you it isn't a therapeutic dose but who knows what is for sure for each of us!? When I went up to 100 mg many of the things people say here happened worse. I went back down to 75 and have been so relieved to be semi-normal feeling--the best I've felt in many years. If you feel better at a certain dose, why do they insist on going up so far? Something to think about. I do have more acne, jawline rash that itches and definite sore muscles. I too have gained at least 15 lbs this year, not eating any differently--and they say it doesn't create weight gain! For me, the side affects are the lesser of the evils for now. I know it's made me more sane and that is huge.

so far i like it, but me being on this med does this mean I'm bipolar?? doc said i was not but thinking he thought i would freak if i was... Also he gave me a sample pack, I have great insurance but what is the cost of this med??

I have been experiencing a flu like symptom for over a year now. They started about 2 months after I began taking 350mg of lamictal a day. Symptoms include exhaustion, headache, soar/achy throat, post-nasal drip, TONS of nausea, lack of digestion & regurgitation of food. I am tired and feel warn out all the time... I have had everything checked by doctors and they've found no health reasons to explain these symptom's.

HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS????

I've been on Lamictal for the past 2 years. I had suffered from depression from the age of 15, which was subsequently diagnosed as bi-polar at age 37 and treated with Lamictal at 39. I started on 25 mg increasing to 100.

It literally changed my life. I felt completely normal, without having lost my personality and didn't have these huge ups and downs. My short term memory, which was never very good, has become worse.

I have now got a rash. This maybe because I was feeling so great, that I didn't take my tabs for a few days, then resumed at my normal dose.

I have moved and so am no longer in contact with the doctor who prescribed this to me. I just can't bear to go back to the space I was in before I took Lamictal and am going to try starting at a low dose and building up again.

Good luck to anyone trying this. For my bi-polar condition it literally changed my life. I was never really happy before, and I can say that i am often content these days, and positive.

I'm having serious side effects currently. The onset of the side effects began after taking Lamictal for over 2 months. I started slowly on 25 mg and gradually increased to 200. I felt a great improvement in Bipolar disorder-mood swings- at 100mg but was told that is not the theraputic dose, so we increased to 200mg.

I had no side effects until the rash began to appear. At first only on legs, then arms, then neck, then face...and surprisingly in private areas. Unbearable itching. Rash continued to rage even after a pack of steroids. Swelling became apparrent in face and entire body. Slight difficulty breathing. Went to the ER and received another dose of steroids intravenously. The rash continues to improve but is still extremely itch. The swelling improved for a couple of days but is back. Had one day of severe headache. It has been 14 days and today I am experiencing blurred vision in the left eye, and new swelling in the tongue.
I sit at home with an Epi Pen next to me waiting to hear back from the doctor.

All of this is so unfortunate because I felt more stable than I have in years while on the medication. I'm feeling very concerned about my continuing side effects. Don't know what to expect.

I have been Lamictal for about two years now, for the help in controlling cluster headaches. I recently started breaking out in a rash, could this be because of the Lamictal? The rash or hives are in one area, which is on my neck and shoulder on the left side. I hate to call my doctor if it nothing. I haven't changed anything that I have been eating or using. Any help would be appreciated.

AThomas

I took Lamictal for only 12 days and had to get off it. I was only taking 25 mgs on the starter kit and the rash I got is so awful, my whole body broke out withing 10 days and I took myself off it. The itch its is more than I can bear. I have taken every drug for bi-polar and nothing seems to help. It seems like my body just can't handly the side effects of the meds.

I am a 37yr old female. I started on Lamictal Jan.' 07 for severe depression. Which I have battled for years and still do not know why I have it. My doc tried many different antidepressants, but nothing seemed to really work well. In fact Wellbutrin XL made me very sick!! I felt like I hadn't eaten in days and had no appetite and then lost major weight. The doc said it was due to the depression, which I knew wasn't true. I took myself off the Wellbutrin XL and immediately felt better. Remember no doc knows your body better than you do!! I Started with the starter pack of the Lamictal. The doc worked me way up to 200mg. Now I just started 300mg for 3 wks, then the doc said I could take 400mg if I felt the need to do so. Taking 400mg makes me quite nervous to try. All the listings I have read are so interesting and helpful b/c I too have many of the side effects....... acne on face which I never had before, extremely itchy bumps along my jaw line, loss of short term memory ( I will ground my daughter and the next morning I can't remember why), problems concentrating, forget how to spell common words, balance is off, sometimes a little butterfly red rash across the face, loss of libio at times, a little slurred speech, and bad nausea once in awhile. These postings have really helped me b/c I also have Multiple Sclerosis and I wondered if all of these symptoms were from that or the Lamictal. I do believe that it is from the Lamictal b/c I haven't any problems w/ the MS in a long time. It is very comforting to know I am not alone w/ Lamictal problems. God Bless you all.

Been at 50 mg of Lamictal for 6 months now- went to 150 at one time with bad results, rash, more depressed, spacy, tired and everything that goes along with that. I take it for depression/anxiuety along with 4 mg of clonipin and Ativan mixed daily.. I am not as sharp as I used to be. Searching for words in speach and typing. I am sure for some people this drug is fine. For me it does nothing but make me worse. I am scared to come off it totally. I am at 37 mg right now. My mood swings are worse. I look for vergbal fights, look to get angry and can't stop myself when I am in a verbal fight.. I am not the same person. I have tried every anti depresant in the books with no results. My only savior is Benzos. Clon and ativan. I would not survive without them. Does anyone know the long term side affects of this drug. When stopping this drug do the side affects diminish or go away. I have much more to say but can't remember cuz of this wonderful drug..Good luck to all

Light Rash, dizziness, BAD blurred vision making it hard to drive, BAD heavy bleeding(changes in menstrual cycle lasting three weeks with spotting then heavy bleeding) easy bruising sometimes black and blue ...headache,cant think, kidney pain I have (VUR) and am not sure if i should have been givin Lamictal.... I just stopped taking it went from 200mg to 100mg for a week now not taking any its been two days. and im hoping I start to feel better soon.

I started lamictal about 4-5 years ago,50 mgs three times a day, I was always tired,depressed, and found it to be very hard to do anything at all. I started to gain alot of weight and had diarrhea.Went to see the Dr..I was told I had hep-A for two years.I asked my doc to send me to a specialist to make sure I did'nt have cancer of the liver, the specialist told me I had celiac disease.So I went on the gluten free diet for almost another two yrs. My psychiatrist then decreased my clonazapan and put me on another 75 mgs a day of lamictal. I broke out in such a rash I went to the hospital 2 days in a row, they did'nt know what was wrong. I went for my next appt. to see my shrink,i told her about my problems, she said "I told you if you break out in a rash stop taking the drug" she(or I don't remember) never told me that! I have been lamictal free for about two months now. I now have a whole new set of Dr.s ,they can't find any signs of either hep-a or celiac. I have so much energy now,my head is clear and feel almost normal again! Still working on the weight, slowly but surely it' Is going down. I was always a size 1 at 105 lbs,and went up to 140. I am 50 years old and it is much harder to lose the weight . has anyone else had any of these symptoms? Please let me know. Thanks!

Started Lamictal for Bi-polar II after two weeks of taking low dose, I felt so much better and focused. Then I got a sore on left side bottom tounge then an inner ear infection, and left side swollen glands under my jaw and on my shoulder blade. I went to a Dr. and she said no rash keep on medication. I have always been really healthy. I've never had these reactions ever to anything else I have teken over the years.
I also take Clozapan 0.05. This helps to calm me instantly.

I am going to continue for now, because I feel better in my mind.

I began Lamictal in Jan 07. About a week after I began it I noticed excess production of phlegm. I mean crazy phlegm production to the point I needed to spit every few minutes. I also noticed that I began to have difficulty breathing at times. I had no rash.
In February I developed a fever, chills, shortness of breath, severe fatigue and severe leg cramping in both legs. I thought I was having a heart attack it was so bad. I went off the drug and the symptoms subsided however now I am severely fatigued at times and my breathing is still not quite the same as it was prior to the medication.

I'm starting to see small itchy patches of skin in random places on my arms, and even above my eye. I have only taken lamictal since Feb. and on a low dose i experienced no problems it is the first medication that has ever worked for me, I'm Bi-Polar II. Once they stepped me up to 200 mg i got really sick and started to develope the rash...Does that mean i have to stop taking it? I'm really confused.

i need a photo of what the rash looks like please email it to me as soon as you can

Rash ???

I am under Treatment for Bi Polar using Lamictal-
200 mg in morning and 200mg at night before I go to bed. (totally 400 /day),
300 mg of trileptol at night and
100 mg of Zoloft in the morning.
I have taken the Lamictal for about 5 mos ramping up steadily( 25 mg,50 mg etc) as per directions to prevent the infamous rash. I used to take 1200 mg of treleptal and depakote before that.

Rash? I don't know what you call it. I get the feeling of a bee sting sensation periodically on my neck and collarbone area. To say the least, it itches and I have redness ( i don't know if this is from the scratching or a side effect)
Ouch!!! ( I have it now)I use ice to soothe it but it seems to progressively get more annoying. The little stings occur every 2 minute or so, isolated in a 2-3" square area, they will occur in different places at different epsiodes that occur about once every 48 hours. but always on the neck /collarbone region The Psychiatrist says it is not the rash that everyone talks about. When I was on Lithium 22 years of 1500 mg starting in 1977, I remember a similar rash at times.
I remember a rash that itched on my stomach about a month ago - I figured it was just a bug bite.
( I once attended a BPSA meeting and declared that lamectal is just lithium in disquise)

feed back, experiences and comments welcome

The ANGER experienced is NOT aside effect of Lam. and could be attributed to chronic pain as well as no longer being on an antidepressant., nor is the pulsing head _ that, I found out, is a sinus condition. SO, I really have not experienced any side effects from Lam at all, and am only just beginning treatment. IF YOU HAVE A RASH: stop taking Lam. NOW!!

Those of you with a rash STOP taking Lamictal and see your doc ASAP!!!!!!

I started 25mg of lamictal at night and after five days, began to itch all over. I felt burning sensations under my skin several times and noticed two rashes on my stomach.

This was a curse for me.

I'm a sharp person with perfect coordination and a quick mind, and this medication reduced me to a slow, clumbsy, stumbling, muttering moron. I've walked right into walls, given up on talking because my words always came out slurred, and I never made too much sense because I didn't use the words in their context.

I ALSO had a sore throat, runny nose, rashes to no end, fever, chills, I wouls sweat like I've never seen before... I'd wake up in a literal pool of my own sweat... dizzy, MIGRANES... oh the headahces I had...

And, I'm not sure if it's just my mind playing tricks on me, but I swear my tourettes became about 10 times worst on this stuff.

Re my post #14305 on Nov. 15, 2005: SAW MY PSYCHIATRIST RIGHT AWAY ABOUT ALL MY SIDE EFFECTS. SHE CHANGED MY LAMICTAL DOSAGE TIMES TO 100 MG IN THE PM AND 100 MG IN THE PM, NOT ALL AT ONCE, AND TOLD ME TO TAKE CLONAZEPAM .5 MG THREE TIMES A DAY TO CALM ME DOWN. THIS WORKED! ALMOST ALL SIDE EFFECTS ARE GONE! EXCEPT THAT I STILL WAKE MYSELF BY YELLING. SHE THINKS I AM HAVING VIVID DREAMS I DON'T REMEMBER AND THAT THIS IS CAUSING THE YELLING WHILE I'M ASLEEP. I AM HOPING IT WILL SUBSIDE. OTHERWISE, I FEEL ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!

FOR GOD'S SAKE, READ THE LITERATURE THAT COMES WITH LAMICTAL OR GET SOME LITERATURE FROM YOUR PHARMACIST IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT. THE RASHES SOME PEOPLE GET ARE REALLY TERRIBLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! THEY CAN BE FATAL! IF YOUR DOCTOR DISMISSES IT, FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE E.R. OR AN URGENT CARE CLINIC, AND MAKE SURE THE DR. YOU SEE KNOWS ABOUT LAMICTAL AND THE SIDE EFFECTS! THE MEDS SHOULD BE STOPPED IF YOU GET A RASH. NOT ACNE, BUT AN ACTUAL RASH, LIKE HIVES OR ANYTHING THAT APPEARS TO BE A RASH! BE SURE YOU SEE A DR. WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT LAMICTAL OR WILL AT LEAST READ UP ON IT. I HAD ONE TRIP TO THE E.R. (BECAUSE MY DR. WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND HAD NO BACKUP) ABOUT TERRIBLE SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS OF LITHIUM I WAS ON AT THE TIME AND HE DIDN'T KNOW S--T ABOUT LITHIUM, I WAS TREATED TERRIBLE BY THE NURSES AND I JUST GOT UP AND WALKED OUT. THEY BILLED MEDICARE $958 FOR MY 2 MINUTES WITH THE DOCTOR. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE HOSPITAL AND GOT NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER. IF THIS EVER HAPPENS AGAIN, I WILL NOT GO TO THE E.R., BUT TO AN URGENT CARE CLINIC. EDUCATE YOURSELF! DON'T JUST HANG OUT THERE IN THE WIND, WONDERING....

I started Lamicatal May 19th, 2005. I was warned by my doctor of dangerous rash and itching. If so, stop taking medication, call him if not too bad that I need to call 911 to go to the hospital. On my print out from the CVS pharmacy is clearly stated: Serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occured while using this medicine. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop any type of rash. If this medicine is the cause of the rash, the medicine must be stopped. Even after stopping this medicine. It is still possible for the rash to cause permanent or life-threatening scarring along with other problems.

Possible Side Effects:
drowsiness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle aches, double vision, blurred vision, fatigue, weakness, headache, shakiness, or clumsiness.

Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction include:
rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of Overdose:
may include unusual dizziness, serve headache, unusual sleepiness, involuntary eye movements, and loss of consciousness.

I starting itching really bad the second day on the medication. To the point I had huge bruises allover me. I got a spurt of energy that I have not had in several years the second night but not since then. I can't go to sleep at night. Even taking 6 Tylenol PM and a Klonapin I don't get sleepy until around 9 to 100am in the morning and then I sleep all day long. I have started to have frequent headaches, suspious bumps around my mouth area. My muscles ache, too. It is Memorial day weekend so I can't call my doctor but I am going to on Tuesday. I have (MDD) Major Depression Disorder, Manic Depression, (TRD) Treatment Resistent Disorder. Nothing I have taken thus far has helped me with my depression.

Does anyone have first hand knowledge on ECT treatment? I am seriouly considering this procedure. I am desperate but I have no insurance or money because I haven't be able to work for 9 years now. This is the only thing that has kept me from getting the ECT treatments, is money! I have contacted every Talk show, hospital, clinical trials and no luck in finding free help with ECT.

Any ideas, guidance or suggestions would be most appreciated, I am dire to get help soon or I won't make it.
Sincerely,
Lost Hope

Well im 16 and I was in a level 6program for 13 months and
while i was in the program they had me on LAMICTAL,well
it turns out that I was allergic to it, I got a rash and almost died,that was the bad part the good part was that it did help me but it almost caused me my life !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just thought you should know before you put yourself on this
med. or any one else you care about!!! and if you have any
questions just email me and let me know if youve ever had this problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerley, Devon

I have been taking lamictal for about two months now, slowly increasing about 25 mg a week to insure that I do not get the serious rash. I am not at about 150mgs a day now. I really do not like this drug. I waited patiently to feel different, better, for my moods to stabalize, and in place of feeling that way, i have been somewhat disoriented, more emotional, at a loss for words and I generally feel "stupider." It is a horrible feeling, i am usually very quick to my feet, and now i am lagging. In addition, I have been having very vivid, intense dreams, that I never had prior to taking lamictal. All I want to do is get off of this drug, however, i have to do so slowly because of this rash, and that too will just be another long waste of my time.

i have had dry eyes skin peeling and yes i have noticed a rash but blamed on laundry souap thought that was funny cause i use the same soap for several years

Hello
i just started lamictal about a week ago....im on just 50mgs so far and my doctor did warn me about rashes and stuff. but that is fine.i just cant stop itching!! what could help this?
thanks

Due to a head injury,I am succeptable to seizures.I have been taking Lamictal for over a year. Initially I started with 300 mgs daily.It did not work effectively,so my doctor raised the dosage to 400 milligrams per day.I asked the doctor what are the side effects?He replied that tere are none. He said in fact "it stimulates the brain."I replied "how could any medication that deters seizures not have any side effects"??
At this point I am frequently constipatedI get rashes.I also am extremely forgetful terrible memory & cannot get my words out that I had no problem with while taking dilantin.I stopped dilantin, although it worked effectively, due it's terrible side effects& constantly having gum problems

I HAVE BEEN TAKING LAMICTAL FOR ABUOT 6 MONTHS. FOR MANIC DEPRESSION. I TAKE 300MGS DAILY. 200 IN THE AM AND 100 IN THE PM.
I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE IS GETTING SIDE AFFECTS SUCH AS DRY EYES, BURNING RASHES AND SKIN PEELING ON PALMS? MY SKIN KEEPS SPLITTING AND PEELING AWAY. HURTS A LOT.
THANKS,
MEL

I have been on 300 MG'S of Lamictal for several years now I have had rashes,dizziness,sensitivity to the sun and recently I have had episodes of rapid heart beat which took a trip the the E.R. to get it under control. I have noticed when I am out in the sun for a few hours I get dizzy and heart seems to skip beats and beats faster then normal up around 100 bpm.

They tell me the skin eruptions can be very very serious and you shoul tell your doctor immediately. Mine tells me it can be a very dangerous drug and a rash is something I was told to look out for.

I can't say I'm crazy about this drug anyway.

Good luck!

Charlie