Hi Julie,
I just read all the blogs and comments on Lamictal (and the generic) and they really answered a lot of questions for me. First off, and I know you’re not supposed to do this, but my daughter had some left over when she tried it so I used those up before I refilled my prescription. I noticed a couple of different things that happened to me while taking her prescription but I blew them off not even thinking about them until I read the blogs. The first one was a twitch I got in my left hand when using the computer mouse and the second one is the rash that I got on my chest just above the breast. I am very thankful that all of you talked about the Lamictal side effects. The only thing is these symptoms didn’t show up until I used my daughter’s prescription. Could it have been because of the age of the pills? Everything else about them is the same as mine. I just wasn’t sure if there is an expiration date on them or not but this is my only explanation of these 2 symptoms. What do y’all think?
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
It’s always best to talk with your doctor regarding the rash. There is one serious rash, but very few people get it- I know of one who had to stop the drug out of the hundreds of people I know who take Lamictal. The rash is often benign and can be treated with benedryl. Defintely call your doctor though and just give them an update. I have to stress that a mild rash is very normal. A rash that really itches with oozing sores like poison ivy is not ok! I still get a lot of itching from the drug, but I live with it. I always say it’s best to check in with a health care professional. My coauthor Dr. John Preston is my source of info, so I’m lucky I can call him with all of my questions and he mentioned that most are benign.
Remember, I am not a medical doctor!
As for the twitching- you should see me when it really gets going! It’s pretty comical. It’s very uncomfortable- especially in the legs. I know it means my dose is not correct. There is NO question that my side effects increased when I had to start the generic Lamictal, but the meds are working and that is all that matters to me. I’ve found that the side effects calm down over time.
Regarding taking your daughter’s pills, I use my mom’s pills if I forget mine. She is on Lamictal as well. I say it’s a lot better to take what is there than to go without! The age of the Lamictal is a question you can ask you doctor or pharmacist. If you switched between regular and generic that may be the problem. This is beacuse the way they make the pills can be differnt and we absorb the drugs differently. I assume my body will adjust.
I love this drug as you know, but the side effects can definitely be strong. But not as strong as Zyprexa for example. I can live with them.
Thanks for your question and definitely check in with your doctor about the rash if it continues, spreads or oozes! Mine comes and goes so I can live with it!
Julie
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Is that why I’m itchy? I have a lot of allergies and without my allergy medication I get hives. I’ve never had the rash, but I do feel a lot more itchy while on Lamictal than I used to…I hadn’t heard that was a side effect before. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to go to sleep because I keep getting little itchies all over! Oh well, the benefits of the drug outweigh the problems, I think.
Thanks, Julie!
Hi Noelle,
Oh yes, Lamictal can cause all kinds of itchiness! It can be external like the rash, but it can also be internal. It feels like some kind of little squiggly thing is crawling under your skin! I have not had it lately, but it was pretty bad a few months ago. My side effects since starting generic Lamictal are bad twitching and leg pain. I’ve actually had those a lot in the past, but the generic has really exacerbated them! I agree that the Lamictal is totally worth these side effects. I find that they get better over time and only flare up when I forget a dose. Julie
Hey Julie:
I was taking generic lamictol for 4 weeks during December, but around Christmas the side effects-headache,anxiety-became too much on 50mg. I know you’re not a doctor, but in your experience do these subside over time. I’m a street musician in Portland and just getting turned on to your bi-polar crusade. Your work looks pretty amazing.
Regards,
Ted