Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a potentially life-threatening and disfiguring illness. It is a medical condition that affects the mucous membranes and the body’s largest organ, the skin. The usual causes of the condition are typically an infection or medication.

An anticonvulsant medication, Lamictal, or lamotrigine, has been known to cause the condition of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a possible side effect.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome has far-reaching consequences. It states, “Stevens-Johnson syndrome has also been mentioned as a rare hypersensitivity reaction/side effect in the drug information pack of Lamotrigine characterized by severe rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatic dysfunction, blood disorder, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation with multi organ dysfunction.”

Lamictal is a prescription medication to assist in the treatment of bipolar disorder and is considered a mood stabilizer.

Additionally, most cases of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome linked to the prescription medication had occurred initially in the treatment as soon as the dosage of the medication was rapidly increased.

Reportedly, there are skin reactions that do occur as an adverse effect of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome. And although serious cases of skin rashes or SJS, do not typically occur, it is important to identify and be aware of the symptoms of SJS that may come about because of taking the medication.

SJS typically begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, a fever, sore throat, and a cough. What follows, however, is a red/purplish painful rash that may spread and blister. Moreover, the mucous membranes and skin start to feel like they are scorching and sweltering hot from the “inside out” as the skin burns and blisters begin to form on the body. The tongue may also start to swell, as well as the face.

Serious symptoms of SJS, therefore include blisters on mucous membranes, particularly in the nose, eyes, and mouth, and also in the genital area; widespread skin pain, swelling of the tongue and face, shedding of skin, and hives.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, not many reports have been published suggesting that SJS is a common side effect of Lamictal, though Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a known association with the drug.

However, “SJS, on the other hand, has been reported from concomitant use of Valporic Acid and Lamotrigine and is thought that Valproic Acid interferes with the metabolism of Lamotrigine by inhibiting glucuronide causing increased Lamotrigine blood levels. It has also been suggested that rapid dose escalation of Lamotrigine increases the risk of cutaneous rash.”

Additionally, “the risk of developing SJS with Lamotrigine is rare and relatively predictable during the first few weeks of its use; clinicians prescribing this medication should however be aware of this high- risk condition. Current evidence indicates that although Lamotrigine may cause a serious rash for which clinicians must continue to observe standard new dosing paradigms and practice precautions…”