Reader Question on Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Hi Julie,

I just read all the blogs and comments on Lamictal (and the generic Lamotrigine) and they really answered a lot of questions for me. First off, and I know you’re not supposed to do this, but my daughter had some left over meds when she tried it, so I used those up before I refilled my prescription. I noticed a couple of different things that happened to me while taking her prescription, but I blew them off not even thinking about them until I read the blogs. The first one was a twitch I got in my left hand when using the computer mouse and the second one is the rash that I got on my chest just above the breast. I am very thankful that you talk so much about Lamictal side effects. The only thing is these symptoms didn’t show up until I used my daughter’s prescription. Could it have been because of the age of the pills? Everything else about them is the same as mine. I just wasn’t sure if there is an expiration date on them or not but this is my only explanation of these 2 symptoms. What do you  think?

Tamara

Hi Tamara,

It’s always best to talk with your doctor regarding the Stevens Johnson Syndrome rash.  It’s serious, but very few people on Lamictal get this rash.  I know of one person who had to stop the drug out of the hundreds of people I know who take Lamictal. The rash is usually  benign and can be treated with benadryl.  Definitely call your doctor though and give an update.

I have to stress that a mild rash is very normal. A rash that really itches with oozing sores like poison ivy is not ok! It’s estimated that .3 % get the rash. That’s a very small number compared to the lives saved by Lamictal.

You do not have to stop Lamictal/Lamotrigine if you get the rash. It may just mean your dose is too high at first. Lamictal is started slowly in order to prevent the rash. Then if you go up in dose and it shows up, you can go back down and slowly go up again. Your health care professional will know all about this.

I still get some itching from the Lamical, but I live with it.  My coauthor Dr. John Preston is my source of info, so I’m lucky I can call him with all of my questions and he mentioned that most of the rashes are benign.

Remember, I am not a medical doctor!

As for the twitching- you should see me when it really gets going! It’s pretty comical. It’s very uncomfortable- especially in the legs. I know it means my dose is too low.  So twitching is not uncommon, but it shouldn’t last.

Regarding taking your daughter’s pills, I use my mom’s pills if I forget mine. She is on Lamictal as well.  Lot’s of people do this.

I know that doctors say not to do this- and I am NOT saying to do this, but reality is reality.I say it’s a lot better to take what is there than to go without! Also, to throw out expensive pills simply makes no sense.  I tell my nurse practitioner what I am going to do and she is supportive in these kinds of situations.

The age of the Lamictal is a question you can ask you doctor or pharmacist- but I doubt it is too old if it’s a semi recent prescription. If you switched between regular and generic that may be the problem. As you may have read in my other posts- generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine) did not work for me. The twitching side effects were quite intense. Once I switched back to Lamictal I was better.  This is beacuse the way they make the pills can be different and we absorb the drugs differently. I write a lot about this on the blog under the term ‘generics.’

I love Lamictal as you know. My coauthor John says it’s the most effective bipolar depression drug with the least side effects.

Thanks for your question and definitely check in with your doctor about the rash if it continues, spreads or oozes! If not, you should be fine.

Julie

PS: There is an excellent comment from Heidi in the comments section.