Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 10/13/2007

Question
Hi- Thanks for your time. Have you observed the occurrence of folliculitis or vesiculitis in people taking lamictal? If so, were they able to continue use of the medication? It has been very helpful to me since I recently started taking it, but I developed a rash diagnosed by a dermatologist as vesiculitis, with one small one in my mouth. He and psychiatrist advised I could continue, but I am wondering if this is common practice. I would like to continue taking the lamictal, but not if it is very risky and likely to develop a worsening rash.

Answer
Hi, Camilla . . .

I am always made anxious by patients taking Lamictal who develop lesions of any sort on their mouth, nose, eyes, vagina or rectum as such lesions can be an early symptom of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, see:
http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic268.htm

I thnk the first thing I'd suggest to a patient with your story is that they get a second opinion from another dermatologist.

I have found Lamictal VERY useful as a treatment for people with disorders in the Bipolar Spectrum.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%