Lamictal is an anti-seizure medication that is often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder. Evidence shows that an allergic reaction to Lamictal can result in a potentially deadly rash called Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS).

Lamictal, generically known as lamotrigine, is available in immediate-release and extended-release dosages. An allergic reaction to Lamictal is possible with either one.

Lamictal rash is a side effect often seen on an upper right arm, abdomen, thighs or all over the body. When the rash affects the neck and face, the mouth or other mucus membranes, it is potentially more serious.

What Is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson syndrome is a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed as the flu. An allergic reaction to Lamictal can begin with Lamictal rash and quickly progress to Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Stevens Johnson syndrome can become so severe that it leads to toxic epidermal necrolysis, causing victims to lose large sheets of skin that come off of the body in addition to painful sores in the mouth, eyes, anus and vagina.

People with Lamictal rash that develops into Stevens Johnson syndrome sometimes lose so much skin that their bodies look bloody; blood does not gush out of them, but their skin is so raw, the blood and lymphatic fluid are exposed.

Even though only 300 new cases of Stevens Johnson syndrome are diagnosed each year in the United States, many of those are allegedly linked to an allergic reaction to Lamictal.

The chances of developing Lamictal rash and Stevens Johnson syndrome while taking Lamictal increase when taken concurrently with other medications purportedly because this can cause the Lamictal concentration to double in the patient’s system.

Mother of Five Barely Survives Lamictal Rash Reaction

Michigan resident Becky worked at a health clinic in 2009 when she was going through a stressful time. The mom of five children, ranging in age from 2 to 17, with the youngest being twins, was a full-time job in itself.

After speaking with the doctor at the clinic where she worked about the stress she was under, Becky was handed prescriptions for both Lamictal and another medication called Depakote. He told her she would feel better in 24 hours, and she did.

Two weeks later, she developed a sore throat, dry cough and irritated sinus cavities. Sharp chest pain and red, itchy eyes were followed by a rash.

Red dots all over her face, arms and torso blistered so quickly that it looked like her skin was bubbling up from the inside out. Her eyes swelled shut with blisters.

Her lungs were also so full of blisters, and she was in so much pain, she could not even speak.

Lamictal rash and the resulting Stevens Johnson syndrome had to run their course, and after three days in the hospital of unbelievable pain and misery, the pain medication started to work and doctors were able to remove Becky’s feeding tube because she could swallow soft food and the facial lesions were healing.

After almost three weeks of hospitalization, Becky went home with her eyes stitched shut from surgery. To this day, she is legally blind, seeing only shadows in her left eye, but able to hold a computer tablet close to her face to read a little.

Becky still endures stabbing pain in her eyes from nerve damage attributed to Lamictal Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Lamictal Rash Risk Missed By Doctor, Pharmacist

While doctors and pharmacists are aware of black box warnings of dangerous drug reactions and potentially fatal drug interactions, some health care professionals have become desensitized to these warnings.

If you or someone you know has already endured Stevens Johnson syndrome after taking Lamictal, a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer might be the best way to be compensated for the medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.