Posted by SLS on May 28, 2006, at 8:04:26
In reply to Re: Itching like crazy! Lamictal or psychosomatic?, posted by ivory on May 27, 2006, at 23:14:24
> i just started lamictal for depression. i've been itching and have a slight rash on my chest and neck. i was worried so i called my friend, a nurse, to look at me. she said rashes on the chest could be psychosomatic, as i know i have to look out for a rash. the itching could be too. it doesn't feel like an allergic reaction (i had one to morphine and i.v. benadryl didn't even touch it) but it is annoying. and my skin is red. is that a rash?
Yes, I think what you are displaying should be considered to be a rash.
Any type of rash that appears when starting Lamictal must be viewed as a possibly serious reaction to the drug. Certain rashes produced by Lamictal are potentially fatal. This includes a condition known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The prudent thing to do at this point is to speak to your doctor immediately. If you cannot contact a physician who is trained to administer Lamictal, I think you should discontinue it immediately.
What dosage of Lamictal did you start at? Did you use the special starter pack provided by the drug company? It is crucial to start Lamictal at a low dosage and increase it gradually in order to prevent a rash from occurring.
If you began taking Lamictal at too high a dosage, you can stop it now and restart it later once the rash disappears.
Lamictal can produce rashes that are not fatal. However, it is difficult to know in advance what type of rash will develop. It is better to be safe and treat it as being potentially serious.
It is not psychosomatic.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:91038
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060525/msgs/649614.html