[Megsays1358]

Hi All.

I was dx BP2 about 3 years ago, but then the dx changed to unipolar depression, so I was switched from Lithium to Prozac and Trazodone. However, I got back home and had to see a psych because my meds weren't doing it for me. She tried Effexor, Vybriid (made me lose my mind), Fetzima, Zoloft, and a few other anti-depressants only to realize I am treatment resistant depressive. She rediagnosed me with BP2 due to my short manic days and long drawn out depressive days/weeks/months.. I was on Trileptal (generic) 600mg a day and it helped keep my mania down but didn't do anything for the depressive side of things. I am taking restoril for sleep (15-30mg) and am now on Lamictal. I was told about the dreaded Lamictal rash. There apparently is a benign one that can show up on the trunk and such that isn't much to worry about but one I should see my psych to make sure it isn't anything more..and then there's the crazy SJS rash. Anyway, she told me that if any blisters or anything odd appeared in a mucous membrane or on my face that I needed to contact her immediately, stop the med, pop benadryl and get to an ER. I'm currently on day 3 of Lamictal (generic) 25mg, where I am supposed to double the dose every 2 weeks (slow titration) to keep from SJS happening. WELL! .. last night I was just rubbing my face and felt a patch of skin that has small raised bumps. They're not pimples, cannot be popped, DO NOT itch, but I know they're there as I can see them and feel them. The fact that they're so close to my eyelid is what has me all worried (although Lamictal even at a small dose has reduced my ability to worry immensely). I don't know if this is the beginning of something bad, or what. I've already contacted my doc. I left a message for the on call nurse but with it being Easter there is no telling when they will get back with me. SO, I have posted a picture with this post and am asking if ANY of you have any experience with any type of rash while on this medication, could you please advise me whether or not I should be concerned or any other advice. I am so sad that this could be happening as I am pretty sure this med is my last option and it was already working its magic.

Please and thank you.

[kaliope]

i imagine you will be hearing from your dr. shortly. i couldnt tell from the picture whether there was a rash there or not. here is what if found.

A more common but less serious rash may exhibit the following characteristics:
Fine red spots that are widely spaced, may be itchy but not tender
Not accompanied by fever or flu-like symptoms
Resolves after 10 to 14 days

Rare but potentially serious rashes may exhibit the following characteristics:
Rash accompanied by fever or flu-like symptoms, and loss of appetite
Involves the face, mouth, tongue and genital or **** areas
More prominent in the neck and upper trunk
Merging rash that appear red and swollen (wheal or hives)
Purplish, small spots that are tender to touch
Skin redness and swelling all over the body, with or without skin shedding

Source: Lamictal Rash Symptoms and Treatment (Lamotrigine) - Drugsdb.com Lamictal Rash Symptoms and Treatment (Lamotrigine) - Drugsdb.com

another med you havent mentioned i have been on for years,. i have had a lot of success with and the only side effect was losing weight. topamax.

i hope that this isnt a serious rash and you continue to have success on lamictal.

[boydisappearing]

I got the serious rash from lamictal. It was purple and it hurt like a burn. It was over Christmas too, so I ended up waiting a few days and then going to the ER. They took me off the lamictal right away and told me to come back right away if it kept spreading or spread to my mucous membranes. Luckily, d/cing the lamictal suddenly really sucked for my mood but made the rash stop and eventually heal.

I don't have a picture of it, sorry. It was a couple of years ago.

[raspberrytorte]

I would stop taking it until you hear back from your doctor. That's what I would do anyway in that situation.

It could be serious. However, every single pill I have tried has made me break out. The worst was lithium. With Lamictal, I had the less serious breakouts, and they went away. I just have ridiculously sensitive skin, unfortunately.

Work with your doctor.

[Capriciousness]

Best thing is find a good and available dermatologist. I have had a number of rashes on it including a bad heat rash in the very beginning which freaked me out big time. Urgent care told me to get off it. Pdoc told me to get off of it (with out seeing it or returning my calls) but a nice nurse told me to go straight to a dermatologist. I did and he said heat rash no problem. I now have him on speed dial. And I fired that pdoc. My derm always tell me to put cortaid ointment on it and if it gets better in 24 hrs good and if it doesn't to come right in.

[Nammu]

I hope it's the less serious rash and goes away on its own, lamictal has made such a huge difference for me. Chances of getting the serious rash are very very small.