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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Lithium Usage Cause Face And Back Rashes?

My daughter is 17 years old, weighs 165. Has been diagnosed bipolar, adhd, panic disorder, and has migranes. She takes 900 mg of lithium a day plus topomax 100 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening, as well as xanax and an adhd medicine. She has developed a rash on her back that is spreading to her face and front trunk. It itches and kind of looks like an allergic reaction to something. Is it possible that it is a lithium rash? Her levels keep coming back fine. She also has a dry cough at times.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 9 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 11 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there,

Lithium is known to be notorious for causing skin lesions. It usually occurs in the first few weeks or months of starting the medication but in some it can occur any time during the treatment course. It may not have any relation with the serum lithium levels either. The drug will have to be stopped under supervision after examination by her psychiatrist (provided the doctor is/becomes aware of another cause for the same after examining her). The rash, if caused by lithium, will go away on stoppage of drug.

Hope this helps,
Dr A Rao
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Can Lithium Usage Cause Face And Back Rashes?

Hi there, Lithium is known to be notorious for causing skin lesions. It usually occurs in the first few weeks or months of starting the medication but in some it can occur any time during the treatment course. It may not have any relation with the serum lithium levels either. The drug will have to be stopped under supervision after examination by her psychiatrist (provided the doctor is/becomes aware of another cause for the same after examining her). The rash, if caused by lithium, will go away on stoppage of drug. Hope this helps, Dr A Rao