Posted by TSA West on February 12, 2002, at 0:37:05
In reply to Questions about Lamictal/Lamotrigine, posted by Bekka H. on February 11, 2002, at 23:12:45
Dear Bekka,
The fears over Lamictal 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 Depakote 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 Nardil is a little higher.
The chance of having a severe rash leading to hospitalization is reported as 0.03%. With those odds, it is easier to get hit by
lightening 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 absolutely 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.Wishing you all benefits of psychiatry,
TSA West---------------------- ++
poster:TSA West
thread:93840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93843.html