Medication commonly used to treat mental illness is being linked to a rare dermatological emergency.

Lamictal is a mood stabilizing, anticonvulsant drug effective in treating bipolar disorder, but the side effects can be deadly. Studies show that Lamictal is one of many drugs that trigger a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

What is SJS?

Sufferers of Stevens Johnson Syndrome may not even be aware of the severity of their situation at first. Initially, Lamictal SJS mimics symptoms that can be easily mistaken for the flu; what comes next requires immediate medical attention. A quick spreading purple or red rash begins to appear on the skin and mucous membranes followed by skin blisters, and can eventually cause the top layer of the skin to die and shed. Most cases of Lamictal SJS are reported within the first few weeks of taking the medication.

The progressed form of SJS is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and is just as life threatening with even larger areas of the body affected. It’s reported that on any given SJS patient about 10 percent of the body is covered in a rash that eventually causes the skin to peel off whereas in patients diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) about 30 percent of the patient’s skin peels off with very little effort. In both disorders, the numerous symptoms and complications have been reportedly linked to allergic reactions to anti-seizure medications like Lamictal.

Nearly 300 new reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are recorded each year with about 5 to 15 percent resulting in death. Recovery can take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months and almost always requires hospitalization. SJS treatment requires physicians to focus their efforts on finding the underlying cause of the syndrome and to control the symptoms. Lamictal SJS requires a permanent avoidance of the drug.

Lamictal SJS Risks

Approved by the FDA in 1994, Lamictal is commonly prescribed to treat epileptic seizures for both adults and children. In addition, Lamictal is often given to adults with bipolar disorder to help with mood episodes.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is just one of the many risks involved with taking Lamictal. The following are additional serious side effects that also require immediate medical attention:

• hives
• swollen lymph glands
• painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes
• swelling of the lips or tongue
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• severe fatigue or weakness
• severe muscle pain
• frequent infections
• widespread skin pain

And perhaps just as serious as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, using Lamictal may in fact worsen depression and suicidal thoughts in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Lamictal SJS lawsuits

Lawsuits are currently being filed by patients who feel the manufacturers of Lamictal did not adequately warn consumers of the severe risks involved with taking the medication and therefore developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a direct result.

In many cases, Lamictal SJS lawsuits are the only way patients can be reimbursed for the lengthy hospital stays and required medical attention needed after being diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

If you have suffered injuries due to your use of Lamictal, you may have a legal claim.