HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In Head Post Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

default
Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Question: I recently started on lamictal to treat bi-polar disorder. I titrated up to 100mg BID and now have swollen lymph nodes all over my head, occipital, cervical and post-auricular. I went to an urgent care clinic who prescribed Keflex 500mg TID for what they thought was a scalp infection. I have been taking the antibiotic for 5 days with no relief. The nodes are extremely swollen, hard and painful. I believe the lamictal is the cause of the problem (it is a rare side effect often linked with hypersensitivity to sulfa drugs) and my psych doc told me to stop the med yesterday. My question is how long will it take for the swelling and pain to go away, how long should I wait to seek further advice and is there anything I can take to help with the swelling and pain?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Drug induced hypersensitivity probably.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns..

Swollen lymph nodes can be due to lamictal if other causes are ruled out in your case.

It is difficult to predict when will these swellings disappear. But I would advise you to take an anti-allergic drug like hydroxyzine and a steroid medication like prednisone after discussing with your doctor.

Assuming it to be hypersensitivity to drug, it should be managed appropriately as it is not necessary that all other symptoms of hypersensitivity should appear.

Talk to your doctor about this.

Hope you get well soon.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2145 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In Head Post Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Brief Answer: Drug induced hypersensitivity probably. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns.. Swollen lymph nodes can be due to lamictal if other causes are ruled out in your case. It is difficult to predict when will these swellings disappear. But I would advise you to take an anti-allergic drug like hydroxyzine and a steroid medication like prednisone after discussing with your doctor. Assuming it to be hypersensitivity to drug, it should be managed appropriately as it is not necessary that all other symptoms of hypersensitivity should appear. Talk to your doctor about this. Hope you get well soon. Thanks.