Lamictal Side Effects
Lamictal can affect your overall health. If you are taking other medications or have a medical condition, you should consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. In addition, it may interact with some vitamins and herbal supplements, which may affect how this medication works. Therefore, it is important to discuss any medications and herbal supplements with your doctor before taking Lamictal.
Signs of an allergic reaction to Lamictal
There are several signs of an allergic reaction to Lamictal, and you should stop taking the medication immediately if you experience one. First, a skin rash may appear. This is caused by an overreaction of your immune system. In most cases, the rash is mild, but it can be severe in rare cases. If you notice a rash, call 911 or the nearest emergency room immediately. Serious rashes may include peeling skin, painful blisters, eye inflammation, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. Those with a serious rash should stop using Lamictal immediately and visit a medical professional.
In one study, researchers found that about 40 patients had adverse reactions to LAMICTAL. Most symptoms occurred a day or two after starting the drug. Of these, only one patient died from a cause unrelated to the medication. Overall, thirty-five patients needed hospitalization, and the majority recovered after stopping Lamictal. However, in 15 cases, the symptoms returned shortly after restarting the medication, and in some cases, were significantly worse.
Aseptic meningitis
In a drug safety communication, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted physicians and the public to the possibility of aseptic meningitis, a serious side effect of the lamotrigine medication. From 1994 to 2009, the FDA received reports of at least 40 cases of aseptic meningitis associated with Lamictal. The FDA has asked Lamictal manufacturers to update the warnings and precautions section of the US package insert and patient medication guide.
Aseptic meningitis may be caused by a bacterial infection, or by a generalized hypersensitivity to Lamictal. While there is no definitive cure for aseptic meningitis, treatment is usually limited to fluids and bed rest. The patient may also need to take medication for fever and headaches. Identifying the cause of the reaction is essential for proper treatment.
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Suicidal thoughts or actions are a serious side effect of Lamictal. In the United States, the risk of suicide is three to four times higher than that of females. However, in a study conducted by the World Health Organization, the risk of suicide in males is similar to that of females. In addition, the risk of suicide is not associated with the number of attempts, but with the intention to commit suicide.
The FDA is concerned about this side effect of Lamictal, a popular antiepileptic drug. According to the FDA, people who take Lamictal had twice as many suicidal thoughts as non-users. In addition, one in 500 patients reported suicidal thoughts while taking the drug. However, it’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts can happen for a variety of reasons and that you should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you are suffering from suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Skin rash
If you’re taking Lamictal and experience skin rash, you should seek medical attention immediately. The rash is usually harmless but can be serious in rare cases. The warning label on Lamictal contains a boxed warning about severe skin rashes. This warning is the most serious one that the FDA can give a drug. Skin rashes caused by Lamictal can range in severity from a mild rash to a life-threatening allergic reaction.
In clinical trials, skin rash has been reported in up to one in four patients. Depending on the severity of the rash, patients are treated differently. A mild rash can be treated by waiting it out, while severe rashes may require hospitalization and corticosteroid treatments. In some cases, drug therapy targeting the immune system can help, although it is not clear which is the best course of treatment.
Impairing ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially dangerous tasks
Lamictal can affect the central nervous system and interfere with a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery. If these effects occur, patients should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Patients who are taking LAMICTAL should not breastfeed an infant.
