A Lamictal side effect may include the rare but potentially deadly Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Lamictal is an anticonvulsant drug that is prescribed to children and adults for a seizure disorder. It has been especially helpful in treating Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome which, according to Everyday Health, is an extreme but rare form of epilepsy that can interfere with a child’s negotiation of developmental milestones. It is also used by some doctors to control adult bipolar depression disorder.

Some physicians prescribe the drug outside of its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval range to treat recurrent migraine headaches and clinical depression. Everyday Health indicates that Lamictal was first approved in 1994 as an anti-seizure treatment. This range was expanded to include bipolar depression in 2003.

What is the Lamictal Rash?

While it has been effective for so many recipients, the side effect called Lamictal rash can herald several very dangerous situations, according to Medical News Today. The Lamictal rash—which most often develops in the first eight weeks of treatment—can signify a minor or major reaction. The trouble is that this Lamictal side effect is difficult to distinguish. Prompt medical attention needs to be sought at the first sign of outbreak for this reason.

Approximately 10 percent of users will experience the rash and the likelihood of breaking out is increased if combining epileptic drugs such as divalproex sodium, valproic acid, and lamotrigine (Lamictal).

A very small range of between .08 to 1.3 percent will have the rash turn threatening. This is more likely if the rash appears over most of the body.

Life-endangering problems that could develop include:

• Steven’s Johnson Syndrome
• Toxic Epidermal Necrosis
• Drug Reaction with eosinophilia and systemic systems (DRESS)

Initial symptoms of the rash may be blisters in and around mucous membranes like the mouth, tongue, lips, or general facial region. Accompanying the rash may be fever, general malaise, hives, and itching. Serious developments along the Lamictal rash continuum that herald the need for immediate medical attention include:

• Redness and swelling of the eyes
• Achiness
• Blisters become painful
• Inflamed lymph nodes
• Cough
• Other flu-like symptoms

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can require several weeks or months to heal. It is commonly caused by an allergic reaction to anticonvulsant and mental health drugs or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and other painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and acetaminophen.

There are also genetic predispositions and generalized infections that can bring it on. The first step in healing is removing the offending drug and maintaining a lifelong avoidance of the substance.

SJS often involves a very painful blistering of the skin around the nose, eyes, mouth, and genital region. After the blistering, the outer layer of skin sheds and leaves the body very vulnerable to infection and sepsis.