Lamictal (lamotrigene) is an anticonvulsant drug manufactured by GalaxoSmithKline. It is primarily used to treat seizures seen in epilepsy. Like other epilepsy medications, the drug also improves mood, and it is approved for treatment of biplolar disorder.

Additionally, physicians may prescribe the pharmaceutical for off-label use, meaning that even though the FDA did not approve the drug for an intended condition, it has been found to be helpful. It’s main off-label use is as a treatment for depression.

Physically, it has been helpful to treat migraines and headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and reduces neuropathic pain. For psychiatric ailments, it is used for post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, depersonliazation disorder, and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

Lamictal belongs to the sodium channel blocking class of anticonvulsant drugs, and like others in the same class, it can have a number of side effects. Such Lamictal side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Crossed eyes
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Missed or painful periods in women
• Mood changes
• Nausea, indigestion and abdominal pain
• Nightmares or vivid dreams
• Pupil constriction
• Vaginitis in women

Lamictal and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Lamictal carries a black box warning regarding serious skin reactions, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and a related, more serious condition, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

SJS is a severe and life-threatening skin disorder requiring hospitalization and emergency treatment. In almost every case, it is an allergic drug reaction caused by the ingestion of a drug. Certain infections may cause SJS, but it is much more likely caused by a pharmaceutical medication or even an over the counter drug.

Initially, the SJS symptoms start out like those of the flu, such as sore throat, achiness, and fever. Shortly after, SJS symptoms progress to the skin and mucous membranes, producing a blistering rash anywhere on the body, in the nose, ears, eyes, or genital area.

The SJS rash blistering causes the skin to die and slough off in large sheets, and most patients end up in the intensive care center or burn center of the hospital for treatment. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is considered Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis when the rash spreads to cover more than 30% of the body.

Severe complications in addition to the skin and mucous membranes also occurs. Internal organs may also be affected in Lamictal SJS, with permanent damage as a possible outcome. Blindness has also occurred. The mortality rate for SJS is approximately 5%, and for the more severe TEN, the mortality rate is 30%.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Information

The severity of drug reactions to Lamictal has led many consumers to question the safety of the pharmaceutical and marketing practices of GlaxoSmithKline. While there has been progress to include the black box warning for Lamictal SJS, some feel that it is not enough to prevent these dangerous drug reactions from occurring.

If you or someone you love has taken Lamictal and developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, you may be entitled to legal compensation.