[SilverSprings]

Hi there, I had another post in which my therapist thought I had Bipolar... and that I was scared. I went to Psychiatrist last night, after a long 1.5 hr appt, talking, lots of questions/ questionnaire- she feels that I have BP, it is not BP 1 (meaning: it is not showing severe signs of mania) but she believes it is Bipolar, so now 2 clinicians suspect. She will send Eval over to my therapist, and I will know more as to the actual diag.. So that is somewhat relieving to me. Although the inner skeptic is always present- wondering if this is all really happening. It makes sense too, that since starting Prozac, i have become much more 'high' feeling (i think this is mild mania). She said if i had a higher dose, it could have been worse.

So- what I am mostly worried now is the prescription. She wants to give me Lamictal 25mg for 3 weeks, working our way up slowly. I am really scared- b/c she told me about the side effects/ rash. She doesnt want to do Lithium b/c of eating disorder history and possible dehydration and blood tests needed, etc.

I am trying not to overly google this drug, do not want to make myself nuts here. I am 34 yo, I generally am healthy- i think i will need to ease up on the alcohol (1-2 nights a week i do enjoy a few glasses). If i start to see signs of this terrible rash- and if i catch it early- is it still deadly? I am a abit of a hypochondriac also....!!! so that **** is scaring me... :O

She said i can change my mind, and think about it - shes really nice and seems very available.. Is there another drug I should look into / consider without the rash risk or weight gain? I am very in tune with my body- Typically hate to take meds like this, but i really want to have a normal life so I am willing to dive in if necessary. She said if i start feeling better at say 50mg or whatever #, we can stop increasing dose. Perhaps i need to just 'let go' and let the process work.

(side note: I had a bad allergic reaction to Penicillin after taking it all my life, last summer, bad case of hives on my skin...ALL OVER my body- was so crazy. So even though this does not indicate i will get the rash- I am traumatized by that experience so it triggered some real fears there... though I was assured these are both very different / unrelated drugs). \

Thank you for your input here- it means allot

[Victoria'smom]

Lamictal has been the best mood stabilizer I've tried. Watch for the rash but don't stress about it.

[LettinG0]

I agree with Miguel'smom. Lamictal is a great drug. And, like she said just keep an eye out for the rash. It should be obvious so don't stress.

[Moogieotter]

Lamictal is my friend. The long build up is the way to go. I think you will enjoy Lamictal. The side effects are way mild. For me it's almost like taking nothing - just makes me feel kinda normal. Good luck and welcome aboard.

moogs

[raspberrytorte]

Lamictal is great. I haven't had any side effects from it, other than that it makes me feel a bit more awake after I take it. And no weight gain.

Don't worry too much about the rash.

Both times I was on it I titrated up really fast (first time was while I was inpatient. second time I did it outpatient and on my own because I wanted to feel better right away. That was probably foolish, but I didn't get the rash the first time, so I wasn't too worried about it).

It's just getting off of it after you've been on it for a long time (say three years!) that is hard.

Lamictal works like a charm with little to no side effects here. The rash is not a little red rash, it's the skin dying. Google Lamictal rash images and you'll see what it looks like.

The rash is not a common reaction as long as you follow the doctors directions of titrating up slowly. You'll feel stabile for a few days then it'll like seem to quit working, this is normal. It just means that you have to step up a dose till you hit that level that works for you dear.

You'll know when you get there. I felt "settled" when I got there. I hope it works well for you,

If you, by any chance, do get the rash, quit taking immediately and get to an ER ASAP. You'll need to be treated because it is a life threatening reaction, not to scare you any.

It's a normal thing that everyone goes through at first, like when starting a new drug....fear of the unknown.

[bunnifoo]

I'm taking Lamictal (again) and yes there's a rash but that's why the doctors raise the meds slowly.

The two times I've been on it and no rash. I don't know how rare the rash side effect is but it's not common. The first pdoc who prescribed the medication had only seen that reaction in 1 of his patients.

I wouldn't google actual picture of the rash but I would talk to your doctor about what to look out for and what the early signs are.

[Shadesofdark]

Don't let the rash scare you. As long as you trickle on or off at the speed your doc tells you it should not be a problem, or course keep an eye out for it but don't let it scare you. Lamictal is a great drug that works very well, for a lot of people. Since I was on a clinical trial for it till now, never a side effect. Welcome to the forums.

Originally Posted by bunnifoo

I'm taking Lamictal (again) and yes there's a rash but that's why the doctors raise the meds slowly.

The two times I've been on it and no rash. I don't know how rare the rash side effect is but it's not common. The first pdoc who prescribed the medication had only seen that reaction in 1 of his patients.

I wouldn't google actual picture of the rash but I would talk to your doctor about what to look out for and what the early signs are.

Why not Google it? I had no idea what to look for. I was calling in on any stupid red mark and itch! Lol I even have this dark splotch lump on my breast that I went in for, turned out to be toughening of the skin.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I've been on lamictal for 7 years now and no side effects. The rash is very uncommon. Just be aware and I serve for signs of it. You're starting slow which is good. I take 300mg.

I think maybe it will be good for you. Good luck!

[Disorder7]

I could be wrong, but I've heard lamictal can cause a basic rash, usually somewhere on the body. Of course, get it treated, but don't freak out because it's not "The Rash".
I've read the serious rash usually starts on the face. But either way, seek treatment.

I'm glad you got the diagnosis, I read your other post about your therapist bringing it up.

I'm not on that medicine so I can't speak much to that, but I'm glad you're here.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted!

[thecrankyone]

I've on it for years, currently up to 200mg 2x day.

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome ( a very specific rash reaction to certain meds) is a possibility, however it is actually rare, but because of the remote danger they have to warn people.

It is usually quite treatable if you get help asap.

[Hashi/bipolar mom]

Love me some Lamictal! I'm allergic to everything or have terrible side affects to most drugs. Not this one. Yes, you have to gradually up the dose so you don't have the possibility of getting the Stevens-Johnson rash. BTW, that's not unique to Lamictal either. That can happen to anybody on any kind of medication. It's just Lamictal might have a greater propensity towards it. Don't worry about it at all. I'm on 200mg in the morning and 200mg at night!

[Crazy Hitch]

A BP member here on the forum posted about 2 months back - if I recall offhand it was a pretty sudden onset - like day 3 of the med about there.

Just got to have your witts about you. That's all.

Hopefully it will all be well. I reckon most don't get that adverse reaction.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Don't worry about the rash. I had it and you'll know if you're getting it. Just don't be dumb like me. (Granted I was out of the high risk period) I said to my therapist one night I have this little itchy place on my face with some bumps, must have gotten bitten by something weird. Then I went home and took more lamictal which was the worst thing I could have done. I worked part of the next day but had to leave early because the rash was becoming very obvious to anyone. It's a really weird rash and it both itches and burns. There really isn't much mistaking it unless you don't think the first signs are rash. Even though I wound up with it kind of badly (I needed a steroid shot but they make me extremely manic so I refused) all over my face with one eye swollen nearly shut and even my lips bumpy I was fine with stopping the drug and about a week of prescription anti-histamines and steroid creams. The rash is mostly dangerous if you ignore it and it gets huge or if you have it very severely which is rare. It's not fun but it's also not fatal. Just be cautious with anything that could be a rash (at least look in the mirror at it) and you'll be fine. Plus the incidence of rash is pretty low. I don't remember numbers but not high at all. I wish it hadn't happened; it was working well for me.

[Crazy Hitch]

Sorry about that nasty experience BeyondtheRainbow.

Thanks for putting your own personal experience out there.

It's important that we know these reactions (to any med really) and it's good to hear it first hand.

[~Christina]

Yes as stated the JSJ rash is quite rare. Less than 7%.

Lamictal actually works on the depressive aspect of Bipolar, Its down right useless for the hypo/mania range to be honest.

There are many mood stabilizers that can be tried... Hearing the words " Bipolar" can be very upsetting but it can also be a positive, you now have a name/label and you can begin learning about Bipolar and how your own unique Bipolar responds to medications and lifestyle changes.

Everyone is different. You will get loads of advice, suggestions and support here.

[Chickenkicker]

Lamictal is a fantastic med for me. I've experienced no weight gain or rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome). Only 2-6 people out of a million get this syndrome, so don't let this drive you batty...and if it did show up, you'll just have to come off it and try something else. At 25mg you are at a very low dose.

I've also taken Lithium for 3+yrs with no issues. There are a lot of horror stories out there about it, but if you stay hydrated, take it easy on those silly 'energy' drinks and other diuretics and avoid ibuprofen it will be fine.

After I got to my therapeutic dose of this combo my reaction to alcohol changed greatly. After 1 beer I kind of start stuttering and feeling anxious, and if I have two I might as well just go home because I don't feel right. And this is a good thing. Alcohol is no longer my friend.

Please try to relax...its gonna be ok. None of these meds are going to cause an immediately serious condition if you come up on them slowly like you are. They will give you plenty of warning if they are toxic to you, and you simply can reduce your dosage until you're off them.

On lamictal as well. Works well for me. No weight gain or any other side effects.

[SilverSprings]

Holy cow! You are all so awesome - I am really pleased to have such advice and such nice welcome too... I took my first dose last night, mainly felt good about it thanks to you all Im not sure if it is in my head- but i already feel a sense of calm and peace / happy feelings. Is that possible? lol. Placebo effect perhaps... I guess I also just have a sense of relief that I am more in control of things now.

-Beyondtherainbow: Wow! Thank you for sharing that and Im sorry you had to go through it. I had a really bad reaction to Penicillin about a week after taking, rash all over my body, itchy as hell and needed steroids to counter it. (never realized at the time i might be BP....not sure if it caused mania for me but that is interesting to note). So, it sounds like this rash is even worse with burning and i will watch out esp on my face. However, now i realize i should just be cautious but not overly paranoid. so thanks again!

~Christina: Do you have experience with Lamictal? I wonder if it will help me- since part of what I realize was happening is lots of negative thoughts, and they would lead to tons of paranoia which it seems if it does work on the depressive side, perhaps it might help me to avoid these dangerous 'rage attacks'. I feel like perhaps i was in denial of major depression, because i tended to pretend i was fine and put on a happy front for all. However, those close esp my clinicians know the real deal. I will stay alert to the fact that it might not help the mania aspect, but so far i feel pretty good/chill and happy

Thanks all! Will keep you posted, and am much more relaxed about the 'rash'.

[SilverSprings]

ps: I decided to take it at night (i did not sleep that great in all honesty- but that is likely b/c i am a bit paranoid due to newbie drug). Is that a good time to take it? It seems like it might be- and my Pdoc did not give guidance there...

[LettinG0]

Originally Posted by SilverSprings

ps: I decided to take it at night (i did not sleep that great in all honesty- but that is likely b/c i am a bit paranoid due to newbie drug). Is that a good time to take it? It seems like it might be- and my Pdoc did not give guidance there...

I was told to take mine at night.....to help with the racing thoughts at night. Not sure if that is standard or not. Also, just fyi on watching for the rash...I was told to watch my hands....Welcome again. Glad you decided to give it a go!

[BlackSheep79]

I was diagnosed 8 years ago and I have been on Lamictal since with no side effects. This is one drug I will never come off of.

[thecrankyone]

I also felt almost immediate relief. It was like a miracle drug. I've been on it, since it was first used for Bipolar, it was very expensive then but is now thankfully generic.

I did have some drowsiness in the beginning and when I would up my dose, but as I adjusted it went away.

Once you get started don't miss your doses, I went off for a few days (money issues) and soon had the tilt-a-whirl effect.

I was once scared when I had a rash, but it turned out to be unrelated to my meds