Posted by T_R_D on April 27, 2004, at 10:44:01
In reply to Thanks for the major panic attack., posted by bwl on April 26, 2004, at 22:58:38
Hey bwl, for what it's worth, S-J syndrome is extremely rare. I've also learned that A rash is not the same as THE rash. What you're looking for in terms of severity is the combination of rash, itchiness and fever. Fever is the most important component as anticonvulsants in general can make you more sensitve and susceptible to rashes in general. If those three things occur in combination get thee to an emergency room--pronto. If treated quickly, I *believe* that your chances of not developing full blown S-J syndrome are drastically reduced.
I've been through this process very recently--although not in the exact same way. Imagine my surprise when two weekends ago I woke up with this terrible, itchy red rash ALL OVER MY ENTIRE BODY! Man, did I cry. The Lamictal was working SO well and I was already paranoid enough about THE RASH. Since it was on a weekend I couldn't get to see my regular doctor. I immediately discontinued the Lamictal and went to a walk-in clinic (where the GP on duty didn't even know the drug Lamictal at all! Ignorant old goat!) Anyway, I totally megadosed on Benadryl to try and get things under control. I thought I was going to go insane from the itchiness.
So cut to Monday when I go see my doc. I was chilled but not feverish, had a sore throat and small mouth ulcers/canker sores. All of these things are rare but possible side effects of Lamictal and I'm just that much of a freak that I've gotten really rare sides to other meds in my past.
Imagine my surprise when my doc told me it was a VIRAL RASH! I was tickled pink (literally--haha) but still kind of scared to go back on the Lamictal. He said start it right back up and that would for sure tell us what was going on.
Well, a week and half later I'm like new.
So the moral of the story is, what can appear to be the worst news may not actually be that serious in the first place.
Take care and relax. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Karen
poster:T_R_D
thread:208531
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040423/msgs/340552.html