Lamictal and Rash: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2020

For Seizure Prevention "My sister died today due to side effects from this drug. It is ruthless. She lost 2 layers of skin over 90% of her body as it caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. She was bandaged from head to toe and blood seeping through the bandages. Though claimed this outcome is rare. I encourage you to consider other options. My sister was healthy and today lost her life due to the side effects of this drug that should not be on the market. Think twice."

• Oty...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I went my whole life undiagnosed with symptoms that started at 4 years old. I’ve suffered every day. Within 3 days of taking Lamictal, my mind was quiet and rational, and my body felt as if a soothing balm had spread over my nerves. I’m able to focus and concentrate. My anxiety is gone. I could go on and on. Everything is better. I could not be more grateful. I’ve been on it now for 3 weeks at 50mg, and life is good. I don’t ever want to be without it. If I get a rash, I’ll rock a rash because I’m not going back!"

• Nic...
• March 9, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Depression ever since I can remember. Had 15 good years on Prozac, but it stopped working. Have been trying all kinds of antidepressants & in December I was put on Lamictal. Worked up to 100 mg, stayed on for a while, not much happening - thought it was just another med that wasn't going to work. My doc said the 'therapeutic' dose so am slowly titrating up to 200 mg - currently at 175/day. Just yesterday I think I started feeling the miracle of Lamictal kicking in! Yesterday and today I have felt better than I have felt in soooooo long - don't stop before the miracle happens (unless you have bad side effects, like the rash, which thankfully I do not have). I want to shout my gratefulness from the rooftops!"

• Ken...
• May 19, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on medication for 9 years now. I have tried over 30 medications for my bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, and have found Lamictal as the only medication that helped me. I am very medication sensitive, so I did get the rash with Lamictal and still took it for 4 years until the rash ended up being too much. I have now tried 6 more medications and have not found any that help without huge side effects. I would say it was a miracle medication for me, and I truly miss it."

• The...
• August 7, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has been the most all-round effective medication I have taken, and that is saying a lot for a patient of 40 years. What I mean by that is my system rejected all antidepressants and antipsychotics because of a side effect called Akathesia. I sustained on lithium and Klonopin alone for a long time. Back then, doctors were scared to death of Lamictal because of the rash that few to none got when properly prescribed. I couldn't find one to prescribe so I got it from my family doctor. That was the best day of my life. I titrated the lithium while slowly adding the Lamictal with no problems. I have been taking 450mg a day ever since. I also noticed how badly 30 years of lithium had hurt me. I no longer knew myself."

• eri...
• August 6, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Lamictal at 25 mg and was instructed to titrate up to 100 mg. As soon as I got to 50 mg, I got the rash. I was told to go back down to 25 instead of stopping completely. Two weeks later, I had a stiff neck, sore throat, burning eyes, mouth sores, and a red-purple rash that came back worse than before. I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The most painful thing I've ever been through! I am still recovering after being discharged from the hospital a week ago."

• ozo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 14, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "I found Lamictal while in jail from a manic episode. since starting treatment 20 years ago. I can't recall one manic episode in the last 20 years sure, I have moments where my mania tries to come out, but it gives me a second think before I fly off the handle. it hasn't done much for my depression, but it has managed my mood swings very well. follow doctor's orders. know the signs of O.D., like rash or red and blue splotches of skin. too much of this is a bad thing."

• Edu...
• September 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I have just started back on Lamictal. It made a huge difference steadying my mood, calming my anxiety, and allowing me to focus. However, it really dried me out. My skin became quite itchy and dry, and my mouth felt like a desert (bad breath followed). I felt itchy all over and ended up getting a rash on my face, which turned into a lump that had to be removed. My doctor said that I was taking too much (200 mg twice a day). I took time off Lamictal, and my moods started to fluctuate after a while (not straight away), and my partner took me aside and told me that it was time to get back on it. I have modified my dose to 2 x 50 mg, which sees me through the day and the evening, and the side effects had basically gone."

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I started on Lamictal after having manic episodes on Zoloft as well as Wellbutrin. I was a heavy cigarette and marijuana smoker. In the first couple of weeks of starting Lamictal, I was able to quit smoking weed and cigarettes! I didn't have insomnia as I previously did when trying to quit marijuana. My mood was much improved. I had been suicidal before, and I started exercising again on Lamictal. I developed an unknown rash about 2 years into Lamictal and stopped immediately. The rash disappeared. It looked like 8 mosquito bites all over my legs. I was forced to try Abilify, which made me gain over 40 pounds and take naps during the day. Today, I have started back on Lamictal and am back on track with exercising and enjoying life."

• Per...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2023

"I have suffered from clinical depression my whole life, so I had trouble communicating with doctors because I didn't know what 'not depressed' feels like. The day after I started 25 mg Lamictal, I woke up feeling cheerful and positive - for the first time in my life, and I'm 71! I wanted to do chores and was bored just sitting around, and that's a first. Unfortunately, a few days after I titrated up to 50 mg, I got a mild rash, very itchy, and had to stop taking it. Now my psychiatrist and I are hoping to find something else that will bring back that cheerful feeling again. One thing I've learned in 30 years of psych meds, I had to persevere. There is always a solution. I have also been sober for 39 years, and nicotine-free for 30 years."

• bre...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 8, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on and off this medication for nearly 10 years, and it has been generally helpful most of the time. It takes a long time to titrate up, and there is a very specific dose that is different for everybody, but once you get it right, the medication is remarkably helpful. In my experience, it all but eradicates bipolar depression and reduces the severity of bipolar mania. Don't worry so much about the rash if you're a hypochondriac like me. 'The Rash' most likely would only be limited to mucous membranes around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. One thing I should add: over time, the medication seems to lose effectiveness, and if you frequently discontinue, this effect is exacerbated. Eventually, I had to add lithium."

• Dav...
• October 24, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was only on this drug for a month, ramping up to 50 mg, before I developed a rash that spread all over my body, including swelling, 104° fevers, chills, and night sweats. I was hospitalized for two weeks and put on 80 mg of prednisone to try to control it until my body wouldn't metabolize that amount, and then I was put on methylprednisone. The rash took two months to go away, only after bouts of severe itching, bumps, burning, and sloughing of skin from everywhere on my body for weeks. I had to take colloidal oatmeal baths with oil several times a day just to remotely tolerate it. Unfortunately, I am one of the rare cases that has a severe, life-threatening reaction to it called D. R. E. S. S. syndrome. Careful!"

• Rui...
• February 1, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm bipolar, and I guess for a year or two I was trying to stabilize my mood with painkillers (I've had cervical spine surgery and lung surgery, so I have access). When I started taking Lamictal, it seemed like my pain subsided, and I was able to easily quit using my medication. Also, I haven't felt a need to drink alcohol. I feel very stable, and it seems like my interests are coming back. I've taken Lamictal before for a couple of years and don't remember why I got off. The first time I took it, I got a rash, but it went away. This time, I have not experienced a rash. Taking 200 mg in the morning, 200 mg at night. Seems to be a perfect dose for me. So much easier with my business, wife, and kids. They didn't deserve my mood swings."

• PDD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Post concussion, leading to: explosive outbursts, withdrawal from activities I used to enjoy, addictive behaviors. I wasn't worried about the skin rash; the evidence is clear when slowly titrated up, the risk is low. I have experienced some cognitive sluggishness and muscle cramping at 150 mg, but they are only annoyances. The drug saved my marriage and job, allowed me to become self-reflective (rather than self-hating) again. Also, I have experienced another (very welcome!) side effect: um, er, astonishing sexual pleasure. When I told my doc about this, he smiled, said a small percentage of patients will have this 'side effect.' I'm glad I have! So, the drug has worked well for me in many regards."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "I don’t write this review to scare you, Lamictal is an incredibly well-tolerated medication for most people. For me, unfortunately, after only 4 days of taking it at 25mg, my lymph nodes started to swell and I started to develop a small rash as well as small erosions on my eyelid. This could have led to some dangerous conditions that your doctor should talk to you about. I’m disappointed that I had to discontinue it because I really had high hopes. Otherwise it was very easy to start compared to other meds, just some mild tiredness and headache. I only post this so you can be aware of side effects like this that you shouldn’t ignore. Please give the med a try, it might make a huge difference for you. Just proceed with caution and monitor your side effects with your doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2018

For Epilepsy "I’m 46 y/o female and started Lamictal after sudden onset of seizures. Unknown cause. I have Crohn’s disease and have had my entire large intestine removed along with most of my small intestines. I’ve noticed my mood has improved, which is a welcome effect! Rather than being a human slug, I’m able to complete some housework and...wait for it.....DO LAUNDRY!!! The only issue I’ve had is cystic acne that got pretty bad when I was taking over 100 mg a day. I now take just 100 mg and no more acne or rash. No seizures except a few when coming out of anesthesia after some procedures or surgery. This has been remedied by getting premeds and IV seizure meds when having surgery. I’m happy again and look forward to the future!!"

• Chi...
• September 2, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 58 years old and diagnosed last year with mild bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety. I felt very happy most of my life, although having behavioral problems, and didn't start having real problems until I was 50. I tried Wellbutrin, and it gave me hives. Celexa made me so wired that I couldn't sleep and felt like I was going crazy. Effexor worked, but I was tired all day. Lamictal was miraculous. I have taken it for a year. It gives me energy, I feel happy and motivated. I don't feel angry anymore. I LOVE it. I gave it a 9 because it gives me memory problems, which I do not like. But I feel that it is really a lack of concentration. So I try harder to concentrate, and it helps when I do more mental things, like read."

• Bri...
• August 15, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Did everything right: titrated up gradually as per manufacturer's instructions. Only side effect was a slight front forehead ache in the mornings. Then... WHAM! About 6 weeks into taking lamotrigine, woke up with a migraine killer headache and aching joints like getting the 'flu. Then the next morning, had a rash all over my body, which became raised bumps. Then bloodshot eyes. I was in bed the best part of 2 weeks. Instantly, I stopped the lamotrigine. Even though my psychiatrist just told me to reduce the dose! Duh! If not for the SJS reaction, I would definitely still be on this drug."

• Eri...
• October 26, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Lamictal has been a lifesaving mood stabilizer for me. The only serious downside is that it causes what I call 'old lady skin' - thin, fragile, and poor healing, as well as mucous membrane fragility. I initially did very well on 200 mg and suddenly developed a severe rash eight months in (rare for it to take that long). I successfully (and slowly) rechallenged, and 200 mg is where the skin issues kick in. I'm back down to 150 mg and my slow-healing bug bites from the summer are finally fading away! HOWEVER, even if I had skin like the Crypt Keeper for the rest of my days, I can't praise Lamictal enough. It gave me my life back. What's a little skin in exchange?"

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with OCD 20 years ago, went on Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa, none of them worked in the long run. So I stopped taking meds, but at times, I would get depressed for no reason for weeks. I have constant thoughts running in my mind, mostly, I am sad, and small things can make me angry, sensitive to sound (phone ringing, doorbell, people talking). Now I was diagnosed as bipolar and was put on Lamictal 25 mg, and after 2 weeks, I increased to 50 mg and then 75 mg. The thought process was gone, and I was feeling happy. Anger and sensitivity to sound were still there. But 6 weeks on Lamictal, I had a sore throat and then a runny nose, sneezing, flu-type symptoms, and then I noticed a rash on my chest, so I stopped Lamictal. Anyone with similar experiences?"

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

"I started this drug on 25 mg 2x a day, then increased to 50 mg 2x a day after the first week. After about 4 days, I woke up with a severe rash covering my entire body from head to toe. I was rushed to the ER, and they told me it could be SJS, but they didn't know, and all they could do is monitor me. I went to a dermo who took a biopsy, and the condition was an adverse reaction to the Lamictal called erythema multiforme. I am still covered in rashes, and it's the second day. I am on prednisone 60 mg for 3 days and will taper off. This drug should be illegal. I have never been more uncomfortable and in pain my entire life. I couldn't even look at myself, it was so scary. Please do not take this drug, even if you think it is going to help you. I thought it was, and I made one of the worst decisions of my life. There are other ones out there."

• hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Started this medicine slowly, 25 mg a day for two weeks, then went up to 50 mg for 2 weeks. Still did not feel much better, went up to 100 mg a day for 4 days, feeling lethargic. The fifth day on it, started feeling a little better. But, I started getting itchy all over and developed a very small rash on my side near my butt. My doc told me to stop it, cut the dose in half last night, and then stop. He put me on Tegretol today, taking my first dose at dinner."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I started at 25 mg of Lamictal. After 2 weeks, my doctor increased it to 50 mg. Two weeks after increasing my med, I noticed a minor skin rash on my chest one night. I overlooked it and continued taking the Lamictal. When my doctor increased it to 100 mg, that is when I started having a bad reaction. That night, I broke out in a bad rash on my chest, stomach, and left arm (not my right arm). I also started having bad chest pains. I called my doctor's office the next day, and the nurse told me to stop taking the Lamictal and go to the hospital. I'm stubborn, so I refused to go. My chest pains had gone away, and the rash was clearing up, so I wasn't as worried about it as I was the night before. I decided to go to the EmergiCare instead, and I turned out to be okay."

• Dai...
• September 12, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Tried it for over 4 weeks. I didn't feel any different and seemed to get sicker the longer I was on it. Never got the rash but had pain all over my body (bones, arms, legs, stomach, etc.). It was so bad I couldn't get out of bed without crying and being in severe pain. Wound up in the hospital, and after being off of it for just over 2 days, I was back to normal!"

• Roo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "A psychiatrist prescribed Lamictal off-label for my depression. I felt the effects within 30 minutes of taking the first pill. I'm now one week into the 50 mg titration. Depression has already GONE. I sleep better, longer. I'm calm. I can relax easily. I can almost nap on command. I take pleasure in things I had almost forgotten about. My emotions are coming back, I'm not 'numb' anymore. Let's hope it lasts. Only side effect: a rash on days 1 and 2, which went away on its own. I also feel just a little bit lazy, which is a welcome change in my case. No weird side effects like those of antidepressants. I had prayed God to guide the doctor towards the right molecule, and He did."