Some individuals who suffer from seizures, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders may be prescribed Lamictal to ease symptoms. However some patients are reporting a Lamictal side effects rash that in some cases can be deadly.

What is Lamictal?

Lamictal, generically known as lamotrigine, was originally approved in 1994 as an anticonvulsant. Years later, in 2003, it was found to be a good drug to treat bipolar disorder. Lamictal has been found to be helpful in patients that do not respond to other mood stabilizing drugs and patients who want less side effects than other similar drugs.

However, some patients have reported a dangerous Lamictal side effects rash that can, if left untreated, lead to extended hospitalization and even death.

Lamictal Side Effects Rash

When patients take Lamictal, they can experience minor side effects. But some side effects from Lamictal are not minor. A potentially deadly condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been linked with patients who take Lamictal.

Lamictal side effects rash symptoms can begin with symptoms that look and feel somewhat like the flu. Often, those who are experiencing Lamictal side effects rash symptoms don’t initially know that what is happening is a reaction to the drug. Symptoms of the beginning of a Lamictal side effects rash include headache, fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes, diarrhea and vomiting.

If a patient begins to experience these symptoms while taking Lamictal, it is important that they pay attention to the possibility of developing a rash. If a rash occurs after these symptoms while taking Lamictal, a patient should immediately see a doctor.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the body. It attacks the skin, producing red and purple blisters on the skin and blister in the mouth, nose and eyes. In some cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can cause blindness.

After the flu-like symptoms, Stevens Johnson Syndrome produces a red or purple rash on the body. This rash can turn into large blisters on the skin which eventually causes the skin to peel or slough off in large sheets. The blisters can create problems in the lungs, eyes and in some cases, cause permanent skin or eyesight damage.

The patient, at this stage of a Lamictal side effects rash, is very vulnerable to infection. If this rash spreads over a large percentage of the body, the condition is now called toxic epidermal necrolysis. This occurs when the Lamictal side effects rash has spread to over 30% of the body.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN, is a very dangerous condition. The patient is very susceptible to infection, fluid loss, sepsis, organ failure, pneumonia and in some cases, death. With those who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the death rate is 10% and for those with TEN, the fatality rate rises to 50%.

If you have developed a Lamictal side effects rash, seek out medical help immediately.

Legal compensation may be available to you. Speaking with an attorney experienced in Lamictal side effects rash cases may benefit you. While monetary compensation cannot take away any pain and suffering that may have occurred as the result of a Lamictal side effects rash, it can help alleviate the burden of lost wages or medical costs.