Lamictal

[NewCovenant]

If you are on Lamictal, and you get a rash, stop taking the drug immediately and call your doctor. Do NOT fool around with this. No kidding, this happened to me, and I had been on it for a few weeks already. (It's a shame, cuz it was otherwise working beautifully.) I was rushed to the ER and put on steroids and several other medications. I looked like a monster; I itched like mad, my skin was incredibly red, bumpy, irritated all over my body, my chest, my back, my legs... My face was badly disfigured (until the medication kicked in--in a couple of weeks, I was back to normal, thank God).

The rash caused by Lamictal is SERIOUS. It can lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and can be deadly. If you get ANY rash with Lamictal, STOP taking it now.

Read the following article from Whatmeds.com:
(http://www.whatmeds.com/meds/lamotrigine.html)

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"Overview
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Lamictal is the brand name for lamotrigine (also known as LTG), an anticonvulsant medication. It is chemically unrelated to other anticonvulsant medications. Lamictal’s side effects are generally few and relatively benign. Lamictal is known as a drug that is effective in people who were not helped by other, more traditional medications, when used as an anticonvulsant or as a mood stabilizer. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is not a cure for epilepsy, but this medication can help to control epileptic seizures, and it is often used along with other medications for this same purpose. Prescribing information for children as young as 2 years old is available. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is FDA approved for used as a mood stabilizer as a maintenance therapy, to prevent manic and depressive episodes. It seems to be effective in a large proportion of patients who were not helped with other mood stabilizing drugs, and is especially effective in bipolar depression. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why is this drug prescribed?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Lamictal is used to treat partial seizures in patients with epilepsy. Lamictal is also used to treat absence, tonic, and atonic seizures. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is also used to treat mood disordes that do not respond to other medication, such as: [/FONT]

1. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
   [*]Rapid cycling and mixed bipolar states
   [*]Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
   [*]Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
   [*]Depersonalization disorder
   [*]Schizoaffective disorder
   [*]Depression
   [*]Bipolar disorder, especially its depressive phase[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Warnings and Precautions[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Children: Lamictal is used in children primarily for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The risk of the side effect of a skin rash is higher in children under 16 than in adults. Sometimes the rashes caused by Lamictal could be very serious or even fatal. This risk must be weighed against the benefits of Lamictal and any rashes should be discussed with a pediatrician. The risk of rash is usually only significant during the first six months of beginning Lamictal therapy. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rash is the most significant side-effect of Lamictal because in rare instances, it has caused serious harm or, very rarely, death. Factors that increase the risk of a serious rash include a high initial dosage of Lamictal, and use of valproic acid at the same time. In the past the rash incidence, leading to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, was high because of high initial doses and failure to adjust the dose when given with valproate. Newer data suggest that the incidence of a dangerous rash is much lower with current dosing guidelines. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Patients taking Lamictal should not try new shampoos, soaps, or detergents and should avoid sun exposure so as not to increase the chance of an allergic reaction or development of a rash which is not due to Lamictal, but would necessitate stopping the medication in order to investigate the source of the rash. The appearance of any rash in a patient taking Lamictal should be immediately reported to a doctor. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dosage: adjustments to the dosage must be made by considering all medications that the patient will be taking. The medications valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, and phenytoin must especially be taken into account and may be adjusted for Lamictal. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whenever possible, Lamictal should not be discontinued abruptly, but dosage should be graudally tapered to minimize the risk of increased frequency of seizures. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Because Lamictal can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and vision problems, patients should not engage in activities, such as driving or operating machinery, until they are certain that Lamictal’s effects do not present a danger to themselves or others. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Lamictal’s effects have not been studied in pregnant women, but studies on animals indicate that it can harm the fetus or cause miscarriage, even in doses less than the equivalent of an overdose in humans. Pregnant women taking Lamictal may be asked to take a folic acid supplement. Lamictal passes into breast milk, but its effects on the infant are not well understood so breastfeeding is not recommended. " [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]

 

[bshaw96]

I took my 1st dose of lamictal lastnight. The doctor asked me to start at night. I too itched in different places about 2 hours after taking 25mg. I'm assuming it is psychosomatic. I'm being treated for bipolar disorder II diagnosed yesterday. It has rocked my world. It's been difficult dealing with the spiritual issues related to a mental disorder. Am I lacking faith because a doctor recommends medication for my mood swings?

This was my biggest struggle, until the doctor showed me exactly what was happening. It is a physical process, and because the part of your brain (lymbic system) that is affected is near the glands that control mood and energy (adrenaline), when it is not properly working, you have wild mood swings. The med Im on is actually an antiseizure med, and is working wonders already. It's totally physical with emotional side effects. Im a nurse and see stroke patients all the time whose personality has been completely altered due to brain damage to various areas of the brain. Knowing that, it's easy to believe a chemical imbalance can cause mood shifts. Hang in there. PM me if you wanna talk.

 

[wonderwaleye]

I had three real problems to deal with.

First was Mania

Second was Clinical Depression

Third was Extreme anxiety


My Extreme anxiety was the last to deal with and this is where lamotrigine came in to play a very important role. It stopped it. What a relief!!



Not every drug fits everybody else so stay with the doctor and if things don't feel right then the are most likely NOT.


ALWAYS REMEMBER:



XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )

 

[justafayes]

Anyone on this? I started it today. She said to take it in the am, it wouldn't make me sleepy. I guess I wouldn't describe it as sleepy, more like disconnected, for about an hour, almost panicky. And that was only 25mg. And of course Im paranoid about the whole rash. Have been itching all afternoon, though I assume that's in my head, no rash and only 1 pill taken. Please share all experiences with this med. THANKS!!!!

Bless your heart lil sis... I've been on it for a few months now.. I'm up to 150 mgs... I was fortunate enough to not get a rash or anytype of side effects... the mood stabilizer REALLY does the trick... I guess not for everyone, but it sure works for me! God is so good! He guides our dr's to help us,, I sure do thank him for it... I used to cry and cry everyday,,, ALL day and evening,, after going to bed,, getting up the next morning.. whoa,, it even scared me to look in the mirror at myself,, what a mess!! I began to look like a permanent bassett hound!! I KNOW totally what you're going through with the reservations of medicines and such,,, believe God and trust Him,,,He will guide and oversee the whole process,, you'll be fine,, if not Lamactil,, then whatever He would have for you!! Love you in the Lord,, and keeping you in my prayers, Faye

 

[justafayes]

If you are on Lamictal, and you get a rash, stop taking the drug immediately and call your doctor. Do NOT fool around with this. No kidding, this happened to me, and I had been on it for a few weeks already. (It's a shame, cuz it was otherwise working beautifully.) I was rushed to the ER and put on steroids and several other medications. I looked like a monster; I itched like mad, my skin was incredibly red, bumpy, irritated all over my body, my chest, my back, my legs... My face was badly disfigured (until the medication kicked in--in a couple of weeks, I was back to normal, thank God).

The rash caused by Lamictal is SERIOUS. It can lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and can be deadly. If you get ANY rash with Lamictal, STOP taking it now.

Read the following article from Whatmeds.com:
(http://www.whatmeds.com/meds/lamotrigine.html)

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"Overview
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Lamictal is the brand name for lamotrigine (also known as LTG), an anticonvulsant medication. It is chemically unrelated to other anticonvulsant medications. Lamictal’s side effects are generally few and relatively benign. Lamictal is known as a drug that is effective in people who were not helped by other, more traditional medications, when used as an anticonvulsant or as a mood stabilizer. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is not a cure for epilepsy, but this medication can help to control epileptic seizures, and it is often used along with other medications for this same purpose. Prescribing information for children as young as 2 years old is available. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is FDA approved for used as a mood stabilizer as a maintenance therapy, to prevent manic and depressive episodes. It seems to be effective in a large proportion of patients who were not helped with other mood stabilizing drugs, and is especially effective in bipolar depression. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why is this drug prescribed?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Lamictal is used to treat partial seizures in patients with epilepsy. Lamictal is also used to treat absence, tonic, and atonic seizures. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lamictal is also used to treat mood disordes that do not respond to other medication, such as: [/FONT]

1. [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
   [*]Rapid cycling and mixed bipolar states
   [*]Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
   [*]Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
   [*]Depersonalization disorder
   [*]Schizoaffective disorder
   [*]Depression
   [*]Bipolar disorder, especially its depressive phase[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Warnings and Precautions[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Children: Lamictal is used in children primarily for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The risk of the side effect of a skin rash is higher in children under 16 than in adults. Sometimes the rashes caused by Lamictal could be very serious or even fatal. This risk must be weighed against the benefits of Lamictal and any rashes should be discussed with a pediatrician. The risk of rash is usually only significant during the first six months of beginning Lamictal therapy. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rash is the most significant side-effect of Lamictal because in rare instances, it has caused serious harm or, very rarely, death. Factors that increase the risk of a serious rash include a high initial dosage of Lamictal, and use of valproic acid at the same time. In the past the rash incidence, leading to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, was high because of high initial doses and failure to adjust the dose when given with valproate. Newer data suggest that the incidence of a dangerous rash is much lower with current dosing guidelines. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Patients taking Lamictal should not try new shampoos, soaps, or detergents and should avoid sun exposure so as not to increase the chance of an allergic reaction or development of a rash which is not due to Lamictal, but would necessitate stopping the medication in order to investigate the source of the rash. The appearance of any rash in a patient taking Lamictal should be immediately reported to a doctor. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dosage: adjustments to the dosage must be made by considering all medications that the patient will be taking. The medications valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, and phenytoin must especially be taken into account and may be adjusted for Lamictal. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whenever possible, Lamictal should not be discontinued abruptly, but dosage should be graudally tapered to minimize the risk of increased frequency of seizures. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Because Lamictal can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and vision problems, patients should not engage in activities, such as driving or operating machinery, until they are certain that Lamictal’s effects do not present a danger to themselves or others. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Lamictal’s effects have not been studied in pregnant women, but studies on animals indicate that it can harm the fetus or cause miscarriage, even in doses less than the equivalent of an overdose in humans. Pregnant women taking Lamictal may be asked to take a folic acid supplement. Lamictal passes into breast milk, but its effects on the infant are not well understood so breastfeeding is not recommended. " [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]

WOW!! You go girl!! What a reply!! I'm sure it has answered questions for ALOT of brothers and sisters!
Thanks for caring,,
Love you in the Lord! Faye

 

[invisiblebabe]

Ultra rapid cycling bipolar II over here. Tried Lamictal for about six weeks. Made me almost black out several times, and didn't help my moods. So, the dr. and I agreed that it was time to say byebye to Lamictal. I've been on no medications for about three months now, and it is very hard... but alas, what else to do if meds aren't a viable option?


kayli

 

[Shalia]

Have you tried drugs besides Lamictal? Topamax or Depakote are generally better used for ultraradian cycling, and if combined with a decent antidepressant might work for you. Lamictal isn't the only option out there. Even if it's the only FDA approved one.