Posted by paulb on February 12, 2002, at 12:24:36
In reply to Questions about Lamictal/Lamotrigine, posted by Bekka H. on February 11, 2002, at 23:12:45
> Is there any way to know whether someone is more likely to develop that dangerous rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)than someone else? I tend to get rashes from almost everything, and so I am particularly concerned about Lamictal. How will I know whether it's one of my usual rashes or the deadly rash?
>
> Is anyone on Lamictal plus a low dose stimulant (like Dexedrine) for unipolar depression? If so, does it help your depression? I've had terrible luck with antidepressants over many years, so now my doctor is talking about the above combo, but as I said, I'm scared about that dangerous rash and I'm also doubtful that Lamictal would be useful with just a stimulant and NOT an antidepressant.I dont know whether any groups in particular are likely to develop the serious rash with Lamactal because there isnt enough data on the subject although children may be at more of a risk and persons taking Sodium Valporate concurrently. It sounds risky to take Lamictal if you have already got a rash because that would obviously cause confusion. If you know the things that will precipitate a rash I would avoid them when starting out on Lamactail and then go slow. Usually its fine to start at 25mg and then increase the dose by 25mg every one or two weeks. A more cautious approach that is used is starting out at 12.5mg and increasing the dose by 12.5mg once a week. I found benefits with Lamactal at 25mg so dont be discouraged by the thought of having to spend weeks working up to a therapeutic dose. I would add that immediate discontinuation of Lamactal if a rash occurs is effective and theres no reason not to start again but go slower. I think yours is a tricky situation that if I were you would consider very carefully.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
paulb
poster:paulb
thread:93840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93876.html