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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by poop'd-out on October 10, 2003, at 14:11:25
Hi All,
I am fairly new posting here, so to start of with let me just say 'Hello' to all of you.
I just started Lamictal yesterday(12.5mg) and am
currently on Tegretol 800, Neurontin 1800 and Zoloft 100mg which has been my standby for the last couple of years although not working that great, just keeps me functioning, so fun to just function. I had given up on trying anything new anymore because if you name it I most likely have been on it, without very good results!Back to the lamictal, I was just wondering if most people experience some type of skin discomfort after the very first dose. I took
the 12.5 and about 3-4 hours later my skin felt
warm. Mostly my hands chest and face very much like a Niacin-flush. It then proceeded to calm down and flare up throughout the rest of the evening. I also got that wicked headache I have read about and extreme dry eyes. This morning I have residual skin irritation here and there, but so far no bumps or anything, just a feeling of extreme sensitivity.I don't mind side-effects and have been through much worse in my time, my fear is that I have very hyper-sensitive skin and have hyper sensitive reactions to most meds, sooo, is it common to experience this type of reaction right off, after the very first dose?
From what I have been reading most people don't experience anything until at least the third day or so.
Sorry, I am being paranoid, but I determined to ride this thing out, I want something that works dammit! I guess I just need to know when and if I should back off.
My plan today is either to take half of what I took last night or wait a day. I appreciate your input.
Beth
Posted by galkeepinon on October 10, 2003, at 14:51:02
In reply to Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice!, posted by poop'd-out on October 10, 2003, at 14:11:25
Hello:-)
>>>>>Back to the lamictal, I was just wondering if most people experience some type of skin discomfort after the very first dose.
I take Lamictal. I felt a 'warm feeling' at first, and only a slight skin sensation/irritation. That 'Niacin flush' feeling, in my opinion, is somewhat normal when starting any new kind of medication.
>>>>>It then proceeded to calm down and flare up throughout the rest of the evening. I also got that wicked headache I have read about and extreme dry eyes. This morning I have residual skin irritation here and there, but so far no bumps or anything, just a feeling of extreme sensitivity.
Keep your doctor informed, of course, of all this.
>>>>>I don't mind side-effects and have been through much worse in my time, my fear is that I have very hyper-sensitive skin and have hyper sensitive reactions to most meds, sooo, is it common to experience this type of reaction right off, after the very first dose?
Understandable fear, but try not to worry, just keep your doctor informed about everything you're experiencing, after all, you are new on it.
>>>>>Sorry, I am being paranoid, but I determined to ride this thing out, I want something that works dammit! I guess I just need to know when and if I should back off.
No way~no paranoia, you have a right to question about these things, especially if you're feeling bad:-) Always do!!!
>>>>>My plan today is either to take half of what I took last night or wait a day. I appreciate your input.
Have you talked to your doctor about this? I would definately keep in touch with him/her about how you're feeling.
Hang in there and 'keep on keepin on', there is a light at the end of this tunnel for you:-)
Best wishes,
Kristen
Posted by I am the med I am on on October 10, 2003, at 21:06:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice! » poop'd-out, posted by galkeepinon on October 10, 2003, at 14:51:02
Don't get the rash. The rash can kill you!!!
Your doctor must have talked with you about this... you must discontinue immediately if you see any signs of a rash. Read about it.
FROM NAMI (national alliance for the mentally ill):
Lamotrigene (Lamictal) shows promise in the treatment of Bipolar depression and in the prevention of depressive episodes in Bipolar patients. Lamictal can cause a rash. Although this is usually benign, Lamictal can also cause a rare deadly skin condition so it is important to tell your doctor and go to an emergency room if you develop a rash soon after starting, when changing doses or when starting a new medicine while already on Lamictal.
The rash is bad.
Posted by poop'd-out on October 11, 2003, at 1:50:21
In reply to Re: Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice! » poop'd-out, posted by galkeepinon on October 10, 2003, at 14:51:02
Kristen,Thanks for the quick response.
I actually had just seen my doc the previous day. I was very adamant with him about when things got serious, what to watch for etc., and when I should call him. I realize I can call him at any time, but I don't feel the need right now.
I guess I just wanted some reassurances from you experienced people. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't on the 'road to the rash'!I decided to take a 1/4 tablet since all I have is the 25's. It's hard but I have a pill cutter.
Still some mild skin sensations today(to be expected), but overall much better. Believe me, if there is even an inkling of rash, I will be all over that puppy!
Thanks again,
Beth
Posted by poop'd-out on October 11, 2003, at 2:03:34
In reply to Re: The RASH, posted by I am the med I am on on October 10, 2003, at 21:06:23
> Don't get the rash. The rash can kill you!!!
>
> Your doctor must have talked with you about this... you must discontinue immediately if you see any signs of a rash. Read about it.
>Thank you, thank you for your concern :)
I knew about the rash, which is why I was being so paranoid about any symptoms that might indicate its arrival.> The rash is bad.
That is why I am going to watch myself like a hawk.
Once again thank you, this info can Never be posted to much!! :)
Beth
Posted by HenryO on October 11, 2003, at 4:40:00
In reply to Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice!, posted by poop'd-out on October 10, 2003, at 14:11:25
I don't know if it has any bearing on your skin sensitivity with Lamictal, but you have a great deal of medication in your system. Do you get your liver enzymes tested? It could be you are at some sort of metabolism threshold. I am loving Lamictal but I had to drop my cocktail in order to start it. It was just too many medications for me to feel comfortable. I was hurting until it started working. That is just my experience though. We all have unique experiences on these meds. Maybe Lamictal and you just don't get along.
Posted by HenryO on October 11, 2003, at 4:40:06
In reply to Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice!, posted by poop'd-out on October 10, 2003, at 14:11:25
I don't know if it has any bearing on your skin sensitivity with Lamictal, but you have a great deal of medication in your system. Do you get your liver enzymes tested? It could be you are at some sort of metabolism threshold. I am loving Lamictal but I had to drop my cocktail in order to start it. It was just too many medications for me to feel comfortable. I was hurting until it started working. That is just my experience though. We all have unique experiences on these meds. Maybe Lamictal and you just don't get along.
Posted by poop'd-out on October 13, 2003, at 0:48:12
In reply to Re: Lamictal - Day 1 Need some Advice!, posted by HenryO on October 11, 2003, at 4:40:00
> I don't know if it has any bearing on your skin sensitivity with Lamictal, but you have a great deal of medication in your system.
I wondered about that too, but my Dr. didn't seem that concerned about it. I did have my own suspicions, though, since I already have some skin sensitivity due to the tegretol.
>Do you get your liver enzymes tested? It could be you are at some sort of metabolism threshold.
What do you mean by metabolism threshold? Like how many toxins my poor lil' body can take?
>I am loving Lamictal but I had to drop my cocktail in order to start it. It was just too many medications for me to feel comfortable. I was hurting until it started working. That is just my experience though. We all have unique experiences on these meds. Maybe Lamictal and you just don't get along.
When you said 'comfortable' did you mean physically or mentally?You might be right about me and Lamictal not getting along. I chose to not take any today because so far all it has done is increase my irritability. I went down to 6mg though, the physical stuff pretty much went away at that dose yet there was still some skin stuff going on and today I woke up with a sore throat kinda swollen feeling, so that kinda freaked me out. I am calling my Dr. tomorrow to see what he has to say.
Oh well, I guess I will probably have to wait for the next miracle drug. I am betting on substance 'p', but who knows when or if we will ever see that be approved!
Thanks for your response!
This is the end of the thread.
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