Posted by SalArmy4me on May 13, 2001, at 17:07:22
In reply to Lamictal, posted by hattree on May 13, 2001, at 12:21:44
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
lightening than it is to have a serious 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.
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:62743
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62782.html