Posted by Emme on January 19, 2004, at 21:43:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal and rash, posted by HenryO on January 19, 2004, at 19:35:17
> OK, a rash but what are the stats on THE rash.
>
>I can't recall exact numbers off hand. Certainly way less than a percent. But there's qualifiers. Incidence is different for youngsters vs. adults - it's not recommended for those under 16. Risk is higher if you're taking valproic acid because that increases blood concentrations of lamictal - dosages and titrations have to be adjusted accordingly. And, finally, rate of titration (valproic acid or no). Slower titration decreases risk of any rash and would, therefore, lower the risk of a dangerous rash. From what I can tell, pdocs have become more savvy about doing a slow titration.
Anyway, for *exact* stats, some online searching should turn up some info. Glaxo-Smith-Kline has the product info online, and there are other info soucrces as well. A couple of months back or so, I posted a list of a few places where I had found some info on Lamictal - I may or may not have put actual links. If you search on Psycho Babble it ought to show up. Anyway, if I get a free moment, I'll try to dig it up for you.
I certainly don't mean to diminish the high stakes of potentially developing SJS and utter severity of the illness. I can tell you that I'm one of the people who successfully increased Lamictal despite some minor rash problems. We proceeded with anxiety, caution, a dermatologist, and a glacially slow titration.
poster:Emme
thread:301934
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040118/msgs/302963.html