I have rapid cycle and I've been on lamictal for several years. It has done wonders. I never had skin rash problems. My mom is also on the drug but for seizures at a MUCH higher (8x) dosage and she had some skin problems but we both agree it is worth it. I don't think the rash issues are to much for the people taking the dosage recommended for bp.

Btw- congrats on taking the leap! It is soooo hard to really accept that YOU are bipolar. It took me years of thinking doctors were wrong but once I accepted it and started on medication my life has changed so much for the better. Now I think of managing my bp like a diabetic manages insulin.