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Taking Lamictal For Depression. Noticed Rashes On Inner Thigh. Side Effect Of Medicine?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Apr 2013
Question: Hi Doctor, my name is XXXXXXX I'm a 28 year old male from Chicago. I've recently (5 weeks ago) been put on Lamictal (Lamotrigine) by my psychiatrist for treatment of moderate depression. I started at 25mg for 15 days, then upped the dose to 50mg for 15 days, and have now been on 100mg for 4 days (the plan is to go 15 days at 100mg) before my dose increases yet again. I know (and have been told by my prescribing doctor) that there is a rare but serious skin rash that can present itself as a side effect of the drug (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). I've also been told that not ALL rashes that result as a side effect of the Lamictal are of the serious variety. Even at my starting dose (25mg) i began to experience small marks on my butt and inner thighs. Some were reddish in color, some a bit darker (purple-ish)...probably about 15-20 in total and only on my inner thighs and butt. They are somewhat hard to describe however they essentially present as pimples but not so much raised. I've attached a link to a photo (not of myself) but one that most closely represents how the rash basically looks.

WWW.WWWW.WW

I am quite sure this is attributed to the medication b/c as I just recently increased my dose to 100mg it appears as though the rash has somewhat worsened although not by much. The medication is just beginning to really help with my depression and I do not want to go off of it if it can be prevented. Especially if this is not the rare severe (sometimes fatal) version of the rash. Obviously without the ability to examine me, what would your recommendation be? Obviously, I plan on speaking with my psychiatrist tomorrow about the symptoms but I'm looking for another opinion. Thank you for your time and assistance, I greatly appreciate it.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (39 minutes later)
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for the detailed history and photograph. I was able to view the pictures attached and my opinion is as follows:

Lamotrigine is known to cause skin eruption. These eruptions can have a varied spectrum - from mild rash to severe form like stevens XXXXXXX or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Based on the picture, you probably started from a milder rash and now have developed a condition called as erythema multiforme. This is some what in between the spectrum.

In my opinion you don't need to worry much now, just apply a mild steroid cream. Steroid applicants are over the counter at most locations. You may contact your oral cavity. If you develop any ulcer, it means you are going towards severe form.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other doubt.

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 6634 Questions

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Taking Lamictal For Depression. Noticed Rashes On Inner Thigh. Side Effect Of Medicine?

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for the detailed history and photograph. I was able to view the pictures attached and my opinion is as follows:

Lamotrigine is known to cause skin eruption. These eruptions can have a varied spectrum - from mild rash to severe form like stevens XXXXXXX or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Based on the picture, you probably started from a milder rash and now have developed a condition called as erythema multiforme. This is some what in between the spectrum.

In my opinion you don't need to worry much now, just apply a mild steroid cream. Steroid applicants are over the counter at most locations. You may contact your oral cavity. If you develop any ulcer, it means you are going towards severe form.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other doubt.

Regards