Bipolar Disorder Forum - long term side effects from Lamictal

Hi

I have Bipolar (so they say...) and ADHD, and I'm currently taking 125mg Lamictal and 18mg Concerta. I've been taking Lamictal for 4 years (I'm 22), and I think it has done more damage than good in the long run.

I think it has affected my body in a negative way, but I'm not sure it is the Lamictal, even if it all started when I got on this medication.

Higher levels of creatinine in the blood
more prone to the flu
generally more prone to feeling sick
increased ADHD symptoms
a rash in the face
rash on my upper body (the doc said it looks like fungus)
muscle pains
joint pains
anxiety
alcohol intolerance (almost like an allergic reaction)
headaches
can't remember the last time I slept without having to take meds like Zopiclone and Melatonin.
It's almost like my body struggles to fight infections.

I have no diseases or anything. I'm a healthy guy otherwise. These side effects TOTALLY reinforce my anxiety towards diseases and such, and that is a major downside.

The "fungus" goes away when I apply anti fungal cream for a week or two, but then it returns. It's mostly on my shoulders, but has worked it's way to my neck and chest. This process has been very slow, but it's increasing. It gets itchy as well. It looks like brown spots in different sizes.

The rash in my face is red, and the skin gets dry and itchy. I treat my skin with respect, and I never had skin problems before starting on this med. It's not acne either. I spoke to my doc about this, but they don't see any connection between my symptoms and Lamictal. All these things started to occur after I started on this medication. Before this I was in mint condition.

If I increase the dose with 12,5mg (split 25mg) I end up with neusea, headache, swollen throat and a "fever-ish" feeling. Seriously, the last time I tried to increase the dose I felt really really sick for 36 hours. The rash got worse too. It's almost like I have developed an allergy over time, because I was on 200mgs for 2 years, but my body absolutely cannot handle any more than 125mgs without shutting down now.

I've decided that I want to stop taking this med, but I'm going to reduce the dosage very slowly to avoid withdrawals. I know Lamictal is a great help for many people, but not for me. Does anybody have any idea if my symptoms comes from the Lamictal, and have you guys ever heard of something similar? I haven't found any useful info in the web yet. I don't think I have the dangerous rash, because then I would probably be dead by now. But judging by the pics I saw, my rash isn't very different. Am I hyper sensitive? I've tried loads of other meds, but I always get too much side effects. The Concerta works great though. I'm starting to think I was misdiagnosed with Bipolar.

I'm gonna see a new doc on June 10th because I just moved to another place. I hope she has some answers for me.

I'm sorry for the long post, but I'm a bit desperate and very afraid of whats happening.

-muddie

Replies(12)

MandMs

replied on May 27th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Hi, muddie!

I guess you are right about getting almost all side effects of Lamictal.
Flu-like syndrome, fever, feeling sick (malaise feeling) are side effects of Lamictal.
Very rare side effect is alcohol intolerance, as a metabolic disorder.
Muscle pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, leg cramps and twiching are side effects of this drug.
It can cause insomnia or increased sleepiness. Sleep disorders are frequent side effects.
Headaches, rash and pruritus (skin itchiness) are more common when Lamictal is used alone with other medications.

What does the rash on your face look like?
Is it all over the whole face or around nose, eyebrows?

Users who thank MandMs for this post: muddie

muddie

replied on May 27th, 2008

New User

Thanks for replying Smile

The rash in my face is mostly around my nose, from under my nostrils and it has spread itself up to my eyebrows. So it has basically made a "frame" around my nose, and sometimes it looks pretty bad. It's red and looks a bit like patches. I can feel it when I'm touching it with my fingers. It looks a bit like the rash I have on my body, only the color is more red and it stings more. I remember a few times when there was small amounts of fluid coming from the rash when scratched on.

It I've reduced my dose a little, and I actually see a slight difference. The withdrawals are very noticable though.

So Lamictal may be the cause of my malaise feeling the last years? I've been sick/ill way to much. Can it affect the kidneys as well? And can it affect the immune system and make the body more prone to infections and such? Seems logical to me, especially if my body is using a lot of energy to fight off Lamictal, which it obviously doesn't like.

I always thought my side effects would go away with time, but they haven't. Most of my side effects are not listed in my information sheet, but I guess they don't put everything there.

Thanks again for the reply!

CarolDiane

replied on May 27th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

The answer to all your question is YES! Please, have this look into emmediatly.
Make sure you are not allergic to Lithium. This rash could be a factor of something you do not want to let go. I would go the the hospital or call your PCP. This will look somewhat like sunburn with blister that ooz alot.
I don't mean to get you upset or frantic. This is something that is treatable. Please look up, Lamical and it's side effects. I can not go any farther with this.

Thank's
Carrie

muddie

replied on May 27th, 2008

New User

Thank you very much for the advice!!
I'm going to call the local medical center and ask them tomorrow for an appointment. I reduced my dosage with 25mg yesterday, and I'm considering just going off the meds cold turkey, but I'm a bit worried about withdrawals.

I don't really know why I have put up with this for 4 years... but it's getting worse, so I need to take action asap.

Thanks again for the very helpful advices you guys have given me. I appreciate it!

muddie

MandMs

replied on May 28th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

muddie!

Are the skin lesions on face like scales of greasy skin or yellow crusted patches that are itchy and located on red base?
Do you find them next to the hair line and at ears, too?

muddie

replied on May 28th, 2008

New User

The rash in the face is red, and yes, there is yellow/white crust on top. Looks like a sunburn with scales of both crusty and sometimes greasy skin. If i just rub my fingers gently on the rash, skin crusts sticks to my fingers. If i scratch it, a very small amout of fluid can sometimes appear from the rash. The severity of the rash varies greatly. Right now it's not very visible, but it stings abit. I'm always sore though. It can come out of nowhere, so I might look rashy again tomorrow for all I know.

I can't see any rash on my ears, fortunately. But my scalp is often itchy. Sometimes I get a visible rash on my scalp which appears like dandruff, not far from the hairline. It is not very different from the one I have in my face. I use a good conditioner and I take good care of myself, so I really should't have a problem with dandruff.

I stopped taking my Lamictal now. The doc didn't have time to see me today unfortunately. The mood is good, but I'm a bit concerned with possible withdrawals.

MandMs

replied on May 30th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

The skin lesions and dandruff you have on your face and scalp are due to condition known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, because affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
It is common medical problem and you can be treated for this.
There are studies for lamictal who find relation between this drug and increased susceptibility to this condition (probably due to some effects of Lamictal to the body immune system)

About your body rash....does it look like patches of variable appearance (hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, dark brown or reddish) surrounded by normal skin?
Do the lesions tend to change their size and place of appearance (like moving lesions)?

muddie

replied on May 31st, 2008

New User

The body rash is usually brown (darker than my own skin) and sometimes a bit reddish. They change in size and appearance. And yes, they are surrounded by normal skin.

I have stopped taking Lamictal now. Except for a few withdrawal symptoms, I feel fine. I hope my skin problems will go away, and that I can live a life without an impaired immune system.

How does it affect the immune system really? And will the negative effects go away after I stop taking Lamictal? I hope I haven't made permanent damage to my system by using this medication. I have a little problem with hypochondria sometimes, and being sick very often doesn't really help.

My mood is quite unaffected, and it seems that Concerta has a better effect now compared to when it is combined with Lamictal. It's also easier for me to relax, and my sleep has improved slightly.

MandMs

replied on June 5th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Lamictal is known to cause changes of the immune system when decreasing the number of blood immune cells (white blood cells-body defensive role) that are fighting against microbes.
You can ask for a regular blood test to check the number of leukocytes.

Have you noticed that you are getting more and more susceptible to infections and getting sick as you are longer using Lamictal?

The skin lesions you have on your body (you have the tipical localizations of these lesions-the back is most affected, predisposing factor for this condition is increase in sebum secretion) are due to fungal dermatitis (some patient using Lamictal have shown increased susceptibility to this condition)
It's called Pityriasis versicolor, and I, guess, your doctor have already gave you the right topical treatment.
But, you have mentioned that it came again.
In cases, when the lotions and creams aren't helping and there are frequent relapses or severe disease, you should take antifungal drugs as a systemic therapy.
Talk with your dermatologist about that option.
Lamictal causes sleep disorders as a side effect.
How do you feel?

Waiting for your post!
Marija

muddie

replied on June 5th, 2008

New User

Yes, I got more susceptible to infections and getting sick. My body became weaker and weaker with time. It started to get really bad last autumn though. I actually ended up with sepsis because of a little wound on my finger. What are the odds?!

Now I feel stronger and more healthy. I don't have pains in my body, and the rash in my face is almost gone. Physically I feel like a new person! Smile

Mentally the difference is minimal, at least for now. Life without Lamictal looks promising!

MandMs

replied on June 12th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

I'm happy that you are doing much better!
Well wishes!
Have a good, healthy day!
Marija

There are chances to get the facial rash again, but, it isn't anything serious.

CarolDiane

replied on June 12th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

That is what I have been using, Antifugal topical ointments. Not sure it is helping since I debreed it ever few days due to the horrific itch. Me bad.
I see my PCP this month and I had to show it to her since I can't afford a dermatologist.

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