Posted by SalArmy4me on March 2, 2001, at 9:09:52
Here is the truth about Lamictal, based on the evidence and my experience.
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant now being used to combat bipolar disorder and major depression. But the fear of a rash has caused many to avoid the drug, and they now suffer with a drug that has more side-effects.
The fears over Lamictal (lamotrigine) rashes are unfounded. The chance of having a mild to moderate rash are 3%--according to clinical trials. But clinical trials done years ago do not necessarily predict the incidence of side-effects now. Besides, most of these rashes were due to taking a combination of Valproate and Lamictal, and they resolve without hospital stays. I believe that the chance of a seizure from Wellbutrin is much higher, and the chance of a hypertensive crisis with phenelzine is a little higher.
The chance of having a severe rash leading to hospitalization is reported as 0.3%. With those odds, it is easier to get hit by lightning than it is to have a Lamictal rash. Point in case: You never hear in the paper about someone severely harmed
by Lamictal.
I have taken Lamictal for one year with a moderate benefit and no side-effects. I believe that Lamictal will replace Lithium as the drug of choice in bipolar disorder in 10 years, due to its prominent antidepressant effect and benign side-effect profile.Best wishes for your full recovery...
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:55329
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55329.html