Lamictal rash is a body rash that can follow within the first eight weeks of starting the prescription drug Lamictal—known generically as lamotrigine—an anticonvulsant medication, according to Medical News Today. In addition to being used to treat some seizure disorders, Lamictal is often given to address bipolar symptoms as well.

If the Lamictal rash appears as a side effect, the treatment regiment is typically eliminated and the rash can go away of its own accord without further ado. Although the risk is extremely slight, a small pool of people can experience rash that is more serious in nature and possibly poses a threat to the life of the patient. This occurs most often in pediatric patients and in those taking more than one type of medication simultaneously.

What Conditions Can A Serious Rash Be A Sign Of?

There are three conditions to be aware of when noticing a rash—particularly those that appear to cover most of the body. The first condition is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. The second condition is toxic epidermal necrolysis (TENS). Finally, a patient could be exhibiting symptoms of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

According to the Mayo Clinic, SJS is typically a reaction to a drug affecting the skin and mucous membranes. While rare, it is serious and can start with severe flu-like symptoms such as unexplained fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle, and joint aches, as well as headache.

As the condition progresses, the body will break out in red to purple blisters that seem to concentrate around the mouth, tongue, nostrils, and eyes. These blisters can extend to 10 percent of the top layer of skin over the body. Before healing can begin, the top layer of skin must die and shed. The dangerous part of this process is that it can leave the patient open to serious infectious invasion which can be life-threatening.

What is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)?

TEN is very similar to SJS but is distinguished from it by the amount of tissue involved, according to Merck Manuals.com. In TEN, up to 30 percent of the surface layer of the body’s skin is affected. Skin eventually peels in large sheets and leaves the patient so open to invasion that they must be hospitalized in a burn unit for protection. Often the process of healing is extremely painful and loss of hair, fingernails, and toenails can occur.

What is Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)?

DRESS is a hypersensitivity reaction to certain drugs marked by widespread rash. Often present is a fever and a physician may note a definitely swelling of the lymph nodes. The blood undergoes changes with this condition that will show up in diagnostic lab work. The changes will include a low number of platelets, a higher-than-average number of lymphocytes, and an abnormally high level of eosinophils or leukocytes. Organ swelling can occur with DRESS and mortality rate is roughly 10 percent.

A consumer taking Lamictal or any prescription or over-the-counter drug needs to be aware of the potential for a drug-induced rash. If one develops, medical care needs to be sought immediately.