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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
My psychiatric nurse practitioner started me on Lamictil about 5 weeks ago for general anxiety disorder (GAD). We started with a starter sampler kit which had me taking 50 mg in the morning for two weeks, and for the last three weeks I've been taking 50 mg morning and evening.
For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a light burning sensation in my wrists, forearms, shins and ankles.
Also, the skin on my palms gets tight and red. I have asthma, and my need for an atomizer has increased from once every few months to once or twice a day.
I'm also experiencing tight jaw, tense facial muscles, overall muscle tension, stomach tension, and feelings of anxiety (which is what I'm taking the drug to get rid of).
Has anyone else experienced these symptoms, and if so, what happened?
Thanks!
Jim T.
Posted by mr.scott on January 18, 2002, at 13:11:08
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
Lamictal for GAD? That seems odd.
I had the burning skin sensation which I confused with dry skin for awhile much like you described. Eventually I got 5 red bumps across my wrist and stopped since it was indicative of a rash. I only lasted 3-4 weeks. I never noticed the other side effects you mentioned however.
Scott
Posted by Mags on January 18, 2002, at 14:37:15
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
Hi there,
You should be very careful, as Mr. Scott said it sounds like you are developing a rash..I too would ask experts here about GAD. I haven't heard of Lamictal being a solution for GAD. There are lots of post on this if you search. You also seem to have titrated up very fast and started at a high dose.Personally I have not had a rash or the redness you speak of but I have definately had the muscle tension. It does seem to go away a few weeks after each dose increase. Please touch base with your doc about the rash and good Luck!
Mags> My psychiatric nurse practitioner started me on Lamictil about 5 weeks ago for general anxiety disorder (GAD). We started with a starter sampler kit which had me taking 50 mg in the morning for two weeks, and for the last three weeks I've been taking 50 mg morning and evening.
>
> For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a light burning sensation in my wrists, forearms, shins and ankles.
>
> Also, the skin on my palms gets tight and red. I have asthma, and my need for an atomizer has increased from once every few months to once or twice a day.
>
> I'm also experiencing tight jaw, tense facial muscles, overall muscle tension, stomach tension, and feelings of anxiety (which is what I'm taking the drug to get rid of).
>
> Has anyone else experienced these symptoms, and if so, what happened?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jim T.
Posted by bob on January 18, 2002, at 16:31:18
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
Jim:
I too tried Lamicatal a little over 1 year ago. I too followed the titration schedule provided in the packet. I too developed the burning sensations as well as redness/rash developing in those areas, as well as the tight palms, etc. I didn't last but maybe two weeks on it. In my opinion, the titration schedule in that packet is far too fast for some individuals.
Bob
Posted by Emme on January 19, 2002, at 7:59:42
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
Hi there,
I too am surprised at using Lamictal just for GAD. Have you tried SSRI's? Also, as someone noted above, she did start you on a high dose with a fast tiration. My advice? Back off the dosage, slow down the titration, and consult a dermatologist straight away about your skin symptoms. They can tell you if it's dangerous, and maybe advise you on a treatment for the discomfort. As for the feelings of anxiety, I find Lamictal activating and use Neurontin and Klonopin to offset it. My current titration schedule (7.5 mg/week) is unusually slow, but is what my body needs. Others may increase 12.5 mg/week. Good luck.
Emme
> My psychiatric nurse practitioner started me on Lamictil about 5 weeks ago for general anxiety disorder (GAD). We started with a starter sampler kit which had me taking 50 mg in the morning for two weeks, and for the last three weeks I've been taking 50 mg morning and evening.
>
> For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a light burning sensation in my wrists, forearms, shins and ankles.
>
> Also, the skin on my palms gets tight and red. I have asthma, and my need for an atomizer has increased from once every few months to once or twice a day.
>
> I'm also experiencing tight jaw, tense facial muscles, overall muscle tension, stomach tension, and feelings of anxiety (which is what I'm taking the drug to get rid of).
>
> Has anyone else experienced these symptoms, and if so, what happened?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jim T.
Posted by cindylou on January 19, 2002, at 20:40:40
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
I have to agree with the concensus here that your nurse practitioner had you titrate up much too fast. I started at 12.5 and increased up by 12.5 increments every week to two weeks.
In the beginning (up to about 50 mg) I would experience skin itching and redness for a few days after titrating up. I also developed red bumps on my wrist, which turned into a quarter-sized rash. I went to a dermatologist who said it was only dermatitis, and that I did not have symtpoms of the "Lamictal rash."
My theory (and I read a few things to support this) is that Lamictal does cause skin sensitivity, at least in the inital stages.
I also experienced marked increased anxiety for a few days to a week every time I increased the dose. It was a huge pain and I almost quit several times, but now I am amazed at the huge reduction in my anxiety. I increased to 100 mg about a month ago, and went back down to 75 mg about 2 weeks ago, since I was feeling very tired on the 100.
I have no more problems with my skin.
I'd say, hang in there with the Lamictal, but like the rest have said, back off the dose and start out again much more slowly.
good luck,
cindy> My psychiatric nurse practitioner started me on Lamictil about 5 weeks ago for general anxiety disorder (GAD). We started with a starter sampler kit which had me taking 50 mg in the morning for two weeks, and for the last three weeks I've been taking 50 mg morning and evening.
>
> For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a light burning sensation in my wrists, forearms, shins and ankles.
>
> Also, the skin on my palms gets tight and red. I have asthma, and my need for an atomizer has increased from once every few months to once or twice a day.
>
> I'm also experiencing tight jaw, tense facial muscles, overall muscle tension, stomach tension, and feelings of anxiety (which is what I'm taking the drug to get rid of).
>
> Has anyone else experienced these symptoms, and if so, what happened?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jim T.
Posted by anniebananie on January 20, 2002, at 0:04:17
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects » jimtee99, posted by bob on January 18, 2002, at 16:31:18
The titration schedule was changed so that now you start on 2X (50 mg) as much as before. Tried it according to the new schedule & got an awful sorethroat that felt like my ears were about to go & bad bodyaches and my eyes felt swollen. Quit for a few weeks and tried again starting at 12.5 mg & increasing by that amount with minimal, if any discomfort. I'm so glad that I tried again with it that I urge others to do so.
Annie
> I too tried Lamicatal a little over 1 year ago. I too followed the titration schedule provided in the packet. I too developed the burning sensations as well as redness/rash developing in those areas, as well as the tight palms, etc. I didn't last but maybe two weeks on it. In my opinion, the titration schedule in that packet is far too fast for some individuals.
Posted by cindylou on January 20, 2002, at 7:35:26
In reply to Re: Lamictil titration schedule, posted by anniebananie on January 20, 2002, at 0:04:17
> my eyes felt swollen.
wow, -- this is the first time I've heard someone else mention swollen eyes! When I went up to 100 mg, after a couple weeks my stomach was so bloated I had to buy new pants, and my eyes felt really swollen, too -- my eyelids were all puffy.
I backed down to 75 mg and those side effects subsided.
>
> > I too tried Lamicatal a little over 1 year ago. I too followed the titration schedule provided in the packet. I too developed the burning sensations as well as redness/rash developing in those areas, as well as the tight palms, etc. I didn't last but maybe two weeks on it. In my opinion, the titration schedule in that packet is far too fast for some individuals.
Posted by Sulpicia on January 20, 2002, at 20:43:19
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
> My psychiatric nurse practitioner started me on Lamictil about 5 weeks ago for general anxiety disorder (GAD). We started with a starter sampler kit which had me taking 50 mg in the morning for two weeks, and for the last three weeks I've been taking 50 mg morning and evening.
>
> For the past two weeks, I've been experiencing a light burning sensation in my wrists, forearms, shins and ankles.
>
> Also, the skin on my palms gets tight and red. I have asthma, and my need for an atomizer has increased from once every few months to once or twice a day.
>
> I'm also experiencing tight jaw, tense facial muscles, overall muscle tension, stomach tension, and feelings of anxiety (which is what I'm taking the drug to get rid of).
>
> Has anyone else experienced these symptoms, and if so, what happened?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jim T.just my non-professional 2 cents here: something is wrong with this picture IMHO.
Lamictal is not a first-line treatment for GAD, and unless you have comorbid disorders
and/or are resistant to the drugs demonstrated to be safe and effective for GAD, methinks
somebody goofed. if you have comorbid disorders or have a refractory type of GAD, you are
not a good candidate for a psychiatric nurse practitioner.were i in your shoes, i would do the following:
*demand* a board certified psychiatrist do a proper diagnostic consultation and have him/her
present you with all the viable therapeutic options.if this is an HMO-induced mess, get your personnel manager involved, and start complaining. loudly.
enlist the help of your primary care physician if possible -- sometimes they know the HMO well.call the pharmacist and have him/her check and make sure the scrip was filled correctly. you never know.
but first and foremost, get that nurse practioner on the phone and ask *WHY* she prescribed lamictal --
and i mean citations to major clinical trials, cuz i don't think there are any.lamictal is a life-saver given the appropriate risk/benefit calculation, not to mention efficacy, but from what
you write, i cannot see how a person with GAD could fit into the calculus.sorry to be brusque, but get moving and find some answers.
S.
Posted by anniebananie on January 21, 2002, at 2:03:27
In reply to Re: Lamictil titration schedule-swollen eyes! » anniebananie, posted by cindylou on January 20, 2002, at 7:35:26
> > my eyes felt swollen.
>
> wow, -- this is the first time I've heard someone else mention swollen eyes! When I went up to 100 mg, after a couple weeks my stomach was so bloated I had to buy new pants, and my eyes felt really swollen, too -- my eyelids were all puffy.
>
> I backed down to 75 mg and those side effects subsided.
>
>
>
>
> >
> > > I too tried Lamicatal a little over 1 year ago. I too followed the titration schedule provided in the packet. I too developed the burning sensations as well as redness/rash developing in those areas, as well as the tight palms, etc. I didn't last but maybe two weeks on it. In my opinion, the titration schedule in that packet is far too fast for some individuals.
Posted by jimtee99 on January 22, 2002, at 9:41:02
In reply to Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 18, 2002, at 13:00:55
Thank you all for your marvelous input, it has helped allay my fears considerably to know that others have encountered the same symptoms.
I forgot to mention that I had serious reactions to both PAXIL and Celexa (severe depression and anxiety, loss of appetite, dizziness).
My PNP is doing groundbreaking work with Lamictil for GAD, and has had several successes. Unfortunately, she claimed that there were no side effects, which got me worried.
I'm pleased to report that the side effects have subsided quite a bit in the past few days, and perhaps because I heard from all of you. I have noticed that my anxiety itself can aggravate physical symptoms in a psychosomatic way, especially if I obsess about them.
Your encouragement has definitely helped, and I greatly appreciate you all taking the time and trouble to help a stranger.
Thanks!
jimtee99
Posted by calypso76 on July 1, 2007, at 23:56:06
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects, posted by Mags on January 18, 2002, at 14:37:15
Hi there guys. I'm glad I found this. I've titrated up slowly to 300 of the lamictal. For about 3 or 4 weeks now, I am breaking out in this rash. It's prickly and hot, on my hands, forearms, (the most), and back of arms. I've also felt my eye start iching today and I can feel it and see it prickling on my hands now. Sometimes it's on my neck, too. I've also had the jaw and muscle tension!!! I am so creeped out! What does this mean and why do the side effects say "a fatal rash"?? Someone tell me..
Posted by calypso76 on July 2, 2007, at 0:02:38
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects, posted by jimtee99 on January 22, 2002, at 9:41:02
How do they treat a bad rash?
Posted by BadBrain on July 3, 2007, at 23:34:32
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects » Mags, posted by calypso76 on July 1, 2007, at 23:56:06
> Hi there guys. I'm glad I found this. I've titrated up slowly to 300 of the lamictal. For about 3 or 4 weeks now, I am breaking out in this rash. It's prickly and hot, on my hands, forearms, (the most), and back of arms. I've also felt my eye start iching today and I can feel it and see it prickling on my hands now. Sometimes it's on my neck, too. I've also had the jaw and muscle tension!!! I am so creeped out! What does this mean and why do the side effects say "a fatal rash"?? Someone tell me..
Its called Stevens Johnson syndrome. Its a severe bodywide allergic reaction of the skin and mucous memebranes. You need to be in the emergency room, yesterday!
Posted by calypso76 on July 5, 2007, at 23:03:20
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects, posted by BadBrain on July 3, 2007, at 23:34:32
Everyone keeps telling me to just wait until I see my doctor. The rash just comes and goes. I don't know. If it's bad does it just stay on your body and not go away? Mine does come everyday, but goes away after like an hour and a half.
Posted by BadBrain on July 6, 2007, at 1:44:05
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects, posted by calypso76 on July 5, 2007, at 23:03:20
> Everyone keeps telling me to just wait until I see my doctor. The rash just comes and goes. I don't know. If it's bad does it just stay on your body and not go away? Mine does come everyday, but goes away after like an hour and a half.
Does it come when you take a pill? That could be trouble...
My doctor told me, if I get any sort of rash, no matter how insignificant to go to the emergency room. Apparently SJ syndrome is painful, life threatening, and disfiguring. I dunno, if I were you I'd go, but I'm not so... :)
Be Well
BB
Posted by Philip Burke on July 7, 2007, at 17:59:32
In reply to Re: Lamictil side effects » calypso76, posted by BadBrain on July 6, 2007, at 1:44:05
>I was prescribed Lamictal for neuropathic pain. I was taking 300 mgs. daily. From the time I started the drug, I broke out in a rash, but I did not realize the rash was being caused by the Lamictal until I noticed the larger the dose, the worse the rash was. I was concerned about SJ syndome, so I decided it was best to get off the drug. I called my doctor, was prescribed a strong anti-inflammatory drug, and was weaned off the Lamictal. I feel much, much better now. I am sure that there is a better medication that can work for your medical condition than Lamictal. I found much better medications, with less side effects, for my neuropathic pain.
-PB
>
>> > Everyone keeps telling me to just wait until I see my doctor. The rash just comes and goes. I don't know. If it's bad does it just stay on your body and not go away? Mine does come everyday, but goes away after like an hour and a half.
>
>
>
> Does it come when you take a pill? That could be trouble...
>
> My doctor told me, if I get any sort of rash, no matter how insignificant to go to the emergency room. Apparently SJ syndrome is painful, life threatening, and disfiguring. I dunno, if I were you I'd go, but I'm not so... :)
>
> Be Well
>
> BB
Posted by calypso76 on July 8, 2007, at 16:56:31
In reply to Lamictal rash » BadBrain, posted by Philip Burke on July 7, 2007, at 17:59:32
Thanks alot. I'm just slowly weaning myself down, exactly the way they slowly put me up. I can't get in to my doc for awhile. No rash for several days!! Whooo Hooo!!!!
Posted by philb on July 9, 2007, at 9:44:47
In reply to Re: Lamictal rash, posted by calypso76 on July 8, 2007, at 16:56:31
>I hope I help you out a bit. I know I was very worried when I got the rash. I forgot to tell you that my doctor told me to take Benadryl (diphenhydramine), two 25 mg. tablets three times a day to help the allergic reaction. You can buy it over the counter. Why were you prescribed Lamictal?
> Thanks alot. I'm just slowly weaning myself down, exactly the way they slowly put me up. I can't get in to my doc for awhile. No rash for several days!! Whooo Hooo!!!!
Posted by calypso76 on July 11, 2007, at 19:59:56
In reply to Lamictal rash » calypso76, posted by philb on July 9, 2007, at 9:44:47
It was prescribed for my mood swings. I'm also on effexor. I'm lowering that down, too. I'm just going to get off of all my meds. I still cry half the time! What's the point? I may as well not be on it. It'll definately help me to lose weight. My metabolism has gone to sh*t.
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