Suggest Treatment For Blistering And Loosening Of Skin After Lamotrigine Intake?

Posted on Fri, 7 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Feb 2014 Answered on

Sat, 8 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been prescribed lamotrigine for bipolar disorder. I see some of these side effects… blistering or loosening of the skin!>??? How common is this and how reversible? I did not say this was related to sexual problems…. which seems to be reflected as my user selected category. THis is wrong. My Category is Psychiatric. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer: It occur rarely but this is serius issue. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Important aspects of your query are: • 56 year old female • Known case of Bipolar disorder • Complaints of: Blistering and loosening of skin after lamotrigine loose. Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric illness characterized by manic and depressive episodes at different point of times. Medicines like mood stabilizers (valproate/lithium/lamotrigine) are used for long term to prevent episodes of mood swings. Mild skin rash occur in 10% patients who use lamotrigine. But serious skin reaction (Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) occur rarely. The rate of serious rash is between 2 and 4 cases per 10,000 new users of lamotrigine. Signs of great risk: -Anything above the neck. -Around or in the mouth -Soft tissues (like mucous membranes of mouth, nose, eyes and anus) -Blistering and loosening Strategies for rash: -Meet your psychiatrist on urgent basis as you may require stoppage of lamotrigine. -Dermatologist see the patient within 24-48 hours: hold the doses until seen. I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards, http://bit.ly/Dr-Ashish-Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Mittal (13 hours later)

Thank you. I do have another question: how long after starting this medication can I stop being vigilant about side effects?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Serious reaction should be watched for long term Detailed Answer: Hello again, Thanks for follow up. Usually side effects occur at the starting of treatment or during dose increment. There is need to be vigilant for atleast for 1-2 month after the starting the medication, any dose change, change in medical condition or starting of concurrent other medicine (medicine like valprate increase lamotrigine level in body). For serious side effect like exfoliative skin reaction, patient need to watchful, and report it to psychiatrist as soon as it happen even after long term use. Please accept my answer in case there are no further queries and recommend our services to your friends too if you have found it helpful. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Mittal (18 hours later)

Thank you, Dr. Mittal. Your answers have been very clear and helpful. Best regards. Ilene

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (15 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: You are most welcome.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar