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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lattecrzy on April 9, 2001, at 4:30:10
I have been on Depakote for bi-polar type 2 for almost a year. The depressive episodes have lessoned but have not been relieved entirely and recently increased in severity. Just this week, my doctor put me on Lamictal and I'm very much looking forward to the results. From what I have read, it seems like a good medicine for my problem with the only adverse reactions being the rash issue. Just found this site and I think it's wonderful to be able to share this kind of information with others in the same boat.
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 9, 2001, at 8:21:10
In reply to Lamictal, posted by lattecrzy on April 9, 2001, at 4:30:10
Here is the truth about the rash issue: The fear of a rash has caused many to avoid the drug, and they now suffer with a drug that has more side-effects.
The fears over Lamictal (lamotrigine) rashes are unfounded. The chance of having a mild to moderate rash are 3%--according to clinical trials. But clinical trials done years ago do not necessarily predict the incidence of side-effects now. Besides, most of these rashes were due to taking a combination of Valproate and Lamictal, and they resolve without hospital stays. I believe that the chance of a seizure from Wellbutrin is much higher, and the chance of a hypertensive crisis with phenelzine is a little higher.
The chance of having a severe rash leading to hospitalization is reported as 0.3%. With those odds, it is easier to get hit by
lightening than it is to have a Lamictal rash. Point in case: You never hear in the paper about someone severely harmed
by Lamictal.
I have taken Lamictal for one year with a moderate benefit and absolutely no side-effects. I believe that Lamictal will replace Lithium as the drug of choice in bipolar disorder in 10 years, due to its prominent antidepressant effect and benign side-effect profile.
Posted by KarenB on April 9, 2001, at 10:12:13
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by SalArmy4me on April 9, 2001, at 8:21:10
Dear Lattecrzy,
I'm crazy about lattes too.
I and a friend I know, got the rash. It was mild and happened during titration upward with the dosage. We both hung in there and are receiving benefit from the drug. I guess, according to SalArmy, we are in the 3%. This doesn't surprise me, though. If there is a small chance of something happening, it almost always happens to me. This does not apply, however, to the lottery.
If the rash persists or becomes raised and itchy, call your doctor immediately. Have them paged. It's a very serious issue.
I have gotten everything from terrible headaches to mild stomach upset from Lamictal, but I hang in there because I believe it is going to work for me, to lift the depression and stop the cycling. It has already started to work in both areas. I am now at 75mg and working toward 100mg.
Don't rush the titration. Major side effects can occur.
Good luck!!
Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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