Lamictal Side Effects

Lamictal Side Effects comes in tablets and an oral solution. Both are available in doses of 25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. There are also disintegrating tablets, which dissolve in the mouth, and tablets for making a liquid suspension. In addition, there are two-mg, five-mg, and 25-mg capsules.

Serious skin rash

Serious skin rash when taking Lamictal Side Effects and is caused by a reaction to the drug. In most cases, the rash is mild but in some cases Lamictal Side Effects can be life threatening. The FDA has a boxed warning for Lamictal that alerts the patient of the serious risk of developing a rash while taking this drug. A person with a serious rash may experience swollen lymph nodes, peeling skin, or painful blisters. In some cases, the rash can be severe enough to cause flu-like symptoms or to require hospitalization. In such cases, treatment is complicated by the fact that the rash is caused by an overactive immune system.

If a skin rash occurs while taking Lamictal, the patient should stop the medication and consult a doctor right away. In severe cases, the rash could be a sign of a more serious medical condition, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Although this condition is rare, it can be life threatening and necessitate hospitalization.

Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Suicidal thoughts or behavior with Lamatictal is a rare side effect and can result from a variety of factors. One study found that the drug increased the risk of suicidal behavior in patients who had traumatic brain injury. However, this risk was small and did not last long. The study was conducted with a total of 730 patients. The participants received care management and usual care. Those who received care management were also offered Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training and motivational enhancement. Both interventions were provided through an electronic health record messaging system.

Patients who attempt suicide often visit a primary care clinician, and the clinician may not know about their intent to take their own life. Although 19 percent of depressed patients disclosed their intention to a medical or psychiatric setting, many patients are hesitant to share this information. However, patients who are experiencing suicidal ideation will usually disclose these thoughts.

Impairment in ability to drive

While there are no documented cases of impairment in driving caused by Lamictal use, the drug does cause dizziness. This is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of aseptic meningitis may occur after taking Lamictal. The condition is potentially life-threatening. If you notice symptoms, call your doctor or report them to the FDA.

A loved one can accompany the patient to medical appointments to ask questions and to discuss the treatment. This can help the patient stay on track with the treatment. Second opinions can also be helpful. It can be expensive to take Lamictal. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine how much it will cost.

Increased risk of false positives on drug tests

Lamictal may increase the risk of false positive drug tests, particularly if the medication is consumed in high doses. The drug is known to cause multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions (MHRs). These reactions can be fatal or life-threatening and typically include fever, rash, and eosinophilia. In some cases, a patient may also experience decreased level of consciousness and coma.

If you have elevated heart rates, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Lamictal may cause ventricular conduction to slow. If you experience this side effect, your dosage may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Increased risk of meningitis

The FDA recently revised the Lamictal label after it was discovered that 40 patients had contracted aseptic meningitis while taking the drug. While many of the patients were able to reverse their condition after discontinuing the medication, 15 continued to have aseptic meningitis. While the FDA has yet to issue a written patient medication guide, it has advised that Lamictal users avoid the drug if meningitis is suspected.

Among the side effects of Lamictal are an increased risk of meningitis and a risk of multiorgan hypersensitivity. These reactions can be life-threatening and sometimes fatal. A patient who experiences one of these reactions should seek medical attention immediately. It is important to note that the symptoms of an aseptic meningitis may mimic those of a viral infection.