Experiencing a Rash from Lamictal?
I’m a 28-year-old female currently prescribed Wellbutrin (450mg), Lamictal (300mg), Seroquel (100mg), Esomeprazole (20mg), and Yaz, and I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Recently, my Lamictal dosage was increased about a month ago. Today, I discovered a rash on my upper arm that resembles an allergic reaction and has a sensation similar to that of a sunburn. I visited urgent care for an evaluation, where they indicated that it could potentially be an allergic reaction, but they were unable to determine this for sure. They prescribed Medrol and advised me to contact my primary doctor if the condition worsens. Interestingly, they did not instruct me to discontinue the Lamictal. Is this a typical scenario? I understand that urgent care physicians may not specialize in this area, yet I was hoping for more definitive guidance.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 11:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a rash after increasing your Lamictal dosage, especially since Lamictal can sometimes lead to a rash that may indicate a serious reaction. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and recommended steps for you.
Key Points:
- Possible Rash Causes: Increasing Lamictal can lead to skin reactions, and while some rashes are mild, others could be indicative of a more serious condition.
- Management Steps: You were prescribed Medrol to help manage the rash, and follow-up is important.
Explanation:
Lamictal (lamotrigine) can cause various skin reactions, and while many are benign, a severe rash could signal a serious condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The urgency of managing a rash from Lamictal depends on its character: if it spreads, becomes severe, or is accompanied by flu-like symptoms, it necessitates immediate medical evaluation.
Urgent care's approach to prescribe Medrol suggests they believe the rash is manageable, but monitoring is crucial. Discontinuing Lamictal may or may not be warranted based on further evaluation by your primary doctor.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Rash: Keep an eye on the rash for any changes in size, color, or symptoms (e.g., fever, blistering). Take note if it spreads or worsens.
- Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of any additional symptoms you might experience (e.g., fever, joint pain) and any changes in the rash’s appearance.
- Follow Up Promptly: Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor as soon as possible to discuss the rash, the next actions regarding your medication, and to evaluate any concerns about the Lamictal regimen.
- Avoid Irritants: For now, avoid using harsh soaps, perfumes, or lotions on the rash area, and be careful with sun exposure to prevent further irritation.
Your health and safety are paramount, so keeping your doctor informed about any changes is vital. Stay vigilant and take care! Let me know if you have any other questions or need further details.
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