The mood stabilizing medication Lamictal now carries an FDA black box warning due to the risk of developing a life-threatening rash known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Lamictal is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder and is also commonly prescribed as an anticonvulsant medication used in epileptic treatment. Recent studies show taking the medication may cause Lamictal SJS, which is a rare but deadly side effect.

The allergic skin reaction SJS reportedly occurs in one of every 50 patients under the age of 16 taking Lamictal. Adults patients develop the SJS side effect in one of every 1,000 cases. Studies show that Lamictal SJS may occur at any time but is most likely to develop within the first few weeks of taking the medication.

What is Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Lamictal SJS is a dermatological condition that occurs as an allergic reaction to medication. Initial symptoms of SJS are similar to the flu as patients report chills and body aches. However, after the flu-like symptoms comes a red or purple rash that quickly spreads across the body. The skin and mucous membranes begin to blister and eventually the top layer of skin will die and shed.

When the skin rash covers 10 to 30 percent of the body it is referred to as SJS. If the condition worsens and the rash spreads to more than 30 percent of the body, it is then referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Both medical conditions require hospitalization as the rashes are similar to fire burns and can take months to heal. Physicians treat SJS and TEN by finding out what medication is causing the SJS rash and urge patients to permanently avoid that medication.

An estimated 300 new reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome occur each year. Lamictal SJS is fatal 15 percent of the time, while a TEN diagnosis carries a 40 percent mortality rate.

Lamictal Side Effects

Lamictal was FDA approved in 1994 to treat epileptic seizures in both children and adults. The medication has also been proven as an effective treatment of mood episodes in bipolar disorder patients. SJS is just one of the many Lamictal side effects reported by consumers.

Some of the other serious side effects include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Hives
• Swollen lymph glands
• Severe muscle pain
• Frequent infections
• Painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes
• Swelling of the lips or tongue
• Severe fatigue or weakness
• Widespread skin pain
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

Lamictal SJS Lawsuits

Lamictal consumers who file SJS lawsuits claim that the drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline knew of the SJS risks linked to their product but did not adequately warn customers or the medical community. Numerous lawsuits allege the drug makers were negligent for not fully disclosing all of the potential Lamictal side effects. Plaintiffs filing Lamictal SJS lawsuits seek financial compensation for the high medical bills associated with the lengthy hospitalization needed to treat SJS. In addition, plaintiffs want to be compensated for the pain and suffering they endured after developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.