The Dreaded Lamictal Rash

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So the GIF on the left-hand side pretty much sums up how I am feeling right now. I feel like a pile of crap (💩) and I am still not feeling any better with this nasty cold. Although, now I have a bit more perspective as to why I might be feeling this way. 

Yesterday, before my therapy, session a nurse had walked out and I told him I had few med issues to discuss. Luckily he was free for the moment because he took the time to sit with me. Originally, I had only told him that I needed a few more days worth of Lamictal otherwise I was going to run out before I seen the PA (Physician’s Assistant) on Thursday. I also told him that I still cannot fill my Vraylar and that that I need yet another prior authorization for my insurance. 

The nurse started asking me if I had developed any new rashes since starting Lamictal and I explained that I had gotten quite a few patches of dry skin looking marks all over my stomach. So, naturally, he asked to see them and he asked how long I had them and I told him for about two weeks now. He sent me back out to the waiting area and within minutes my therapist came out to get me.

10 minutes into my session there was a light knock on the door. It was the nurse, apparently, he discussed these marks with a doctor and the doctor wanted to examine me as soon as my therapy session was over. So, I was asked not to go anywhere. 15 minutes before my session was up, my therapist decided to cut it a bit short because she really wanted me to get examined. She mentioned something about not knowing if the Lamictal was attacking my immune system. 

As it turns out, I have developed what is known as the “Lamictal Rash.” But instead of taking me off it like my regular psychiatrist would have done, the doctor that examined me decided to lower the dose back down to just a mere 25mg. Now, 25mg was not even close enough to a therapeutic level for me. So I honestly don’t see the point in taking something that will not benefit me, and that has also caused me to get the dreaded “rare” side effect.

I was unaware of how serious the Lamictal rash could be until my dear friend, Dyane, had been honest and told about how serious my situation really was. Since yesterday, the “marks” have become darker and kind of feel a bit irritated and burn as well. Through research, I have also learned that along with the rash you can develop flu-like symptoms, a cough, and even a fever – which I have had all of the above, but today I have everything minus the fever. My temperature was actually 95° F when I checked it earlier. 

I just tried calling my psychiatrist’s office to inform them that I wanted to stop taking the Lamictal today, my dose was due at 11 am, but they don’t even have an on-call doctor or way to reach anyone apparently. I am just going to stop it myself since I am already on a pretty low dose. It’s not worth how it is making me feel. I honestly don’t know what to do since I cannot reach anyone. I think all practices should have an on-call number, especially general practitioners and mental health practices. It’s like they expect everyone to go to the ER every weekend if something happens regardless of it’s a minor or major issue. 

I know, we should never adjust our medications ourselves. I get that, I really do. But I think at this point, I think I really need to stop taking the Lamictal. I feel so off today. Has anyone else had an experience with Lamictal that you would like to share?

Thanks for reading! Until Next Time…