Posted by Cam W. on December 15, 2001, at 20:48:53
In reply to Re: Lamictal rash side effect is steven johnson , posted by john bower on December 15, 2001, at 9:08:52
John - Approximately 1 in 10 people taking Lamictal™ (lamotrigine) will experience a rash, while 1 in 1000 may get Steven-Johnson Syndrome. I think that the numbers are much lower than these figures in 2001, primarily because most docs are increasing the dosage more slowly, and Lamictal is seldom prescribed to children, anymore.
Most of the rash problems were seen in people who had their dose raised too fast, and in young children. It is no longer recommended for those younger than 12 years.
I would be concerned about any rash that occurs while taking Lamictal. Researchers are now saying that the true incidence of SJS in adults is probably 1 in 10,000; someone is that "one". I would have any rash that develops when starting Lamictal checked out. The doc may want to stop the drug until the rash clears up, and then restart it at a lower dose, raising the dose more slowly.
Everyone is different, but definitely, not all rashes that occur while taking Lamictal lead to SJS.
IMO - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:58876
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87048.html