First Lamictal SJS Victim Shares Her Nightmare
By Jessica Tyner
Lamictal has been available since 1994, and is a popular drug to treat seizures and bi-polar disorders — it’s even given to very young children. Lamictal has also been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a severe skin rash that is sometimes fatal. SJS basically burns a person from the inside out and moves quickly, turning from a rash into blisters that can blind Lamictal victims, literally causing their skin to peel off in layers. The first California textbook victim of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome has shared her memory of the nightmare.
Kathy McDaniel was only three years old when she became the first Lamictal SJS sufferer in the Golden State. Since she was so little, she doesn’t remember any of the details but the pain and fear remain with her even as an adult. McDaniel was hospitalized just three days before her fourth birthday because of febrile convulsions. Doctors immediately gave her the popular anti-seizure drug. Even though she was being monitored in a hospital, she developed full-blown SJS within 14 days.
McDaniel’s Stevens Johnson Syndrome Ordeal
It’s surprising that McDaniel lived through her SJS nightmare, since it’s often mis-diagnosed even today. She considers herself “one of the lucky ones” since there are no long-term ocular issues in her case. Unlike other Lamictal SJS victims, she didn’t become blind or lose her eyelashes. As an adult, she’s almost fully recovered but scarring in her lungs remains. She’s officially diagnosed with COPD, caused by Lamictal SJS, and describes her breathing and voice as “someone who has chronic bronchitis” or a regular smoker.
Scar fluid is prone to gathering in her lungs, and she was forced into regular draining by medical staff until she was 18. Since her childhood ordeal, she’s more prone to respiratory infections including bronchitis compared to other people. This isn’t very concerning right now, since McDaniel is a young woman. However, a lowered immune system may cause a world of trouble as she ages.
A Mother’s Struggle
McDaniel thanks her mother for being so vigilant about finding out what was happening. At the time, there was no research available, no online forums for Lamictal victims and very little was known about this brand new drug. Her mother did everything necessary to force doctors to find the right treatment, and McDaniel faces her own challenges as a mother today. Her daughter has also experienced allergic reactions to drugs, though nothing as severe as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
A 16-year-old girl from McDaniel’s hometown was recently diagnosed with Lamictal SJS, which brought the experience back full force. Together with her husband, she operates an independent review board that keeps a watch on clinical pharmaceutical trials, hoping SJS won’t appear — but being prepared in case it does. McDaniel wants to ensure other don’t suffer like she did.
Did You Have Lamictal SJS?
SJS is routinely mis-diagnosed, and some people may not realize their Lamictal prescription is to blame. If you experienced SJS or a severe skin rash while taking Lamictal, you might have a Lamictal legal claim.
Learn more at the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. You’ll be able to submit your Lamictal SJS story at no charge. If you have a case, an attorney will be in touch to further discuss your Lamictal claim review. SJS may be a rare reaction, but you’re not alone.
Updated June 20th, 2013
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