The rash - without the rash?

[Persephone]

I just started Lamictal 5 days ago. Today I have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat - but no rash. I could be just sick - I been under a lot stress in the past few days and was on a plane for a long time yesterday. Should I call my pdoc?

[Silver]

Yes.

And/or your GP.

You're right, it's likely just "sick," but please call the GP/psych anyway. The fever/nodes/sore throat are actually of more concern, in some ways, than a plain rash, even if it's a bit early for the nasty reactions.

Best to call them so you know what to keep an eye out for and they know when to follow up.

[Persephone]

Ah shit. I called my pdoc yesterday and for the first time ever, he sounded kind of nervous (on the other hand, I've told him sometimes I think about suicide dozens of times a day and he barely blinks). I'm off Lamictal until tomorrow, and then I'm supposed to call him to follow up.

I feel sort of better - fever is down and I'm less fatigued, but I still have a sore throat and swollen glands. I don't know if this is anything, but I look and feel like I have a slight sunburn on my chest and back, with a few little red spots (and there is no way I could have got an actual sunburn). I really, really hope I am being a hypochondriac, because Lamictal is a last ditch effort before MAOIs.

[AirMarshall]

spots and redness, yikes. Keep a close eye on things, considering how rapidly this has developed. If you start to have any swelling of the face, throat or difficulty breathing go to the ER or call 911 for an ambulance immediately.

hope you feel better soon, a.m.

[Persephone]

Well, my pdoc said since my symptoms are so ambigious and not getting worse, I should try 12.5 mg starting Friday and check in on Monday. Wish me luck!

[AirMarshall]

Ambigious. uh huh. right. only symptoms missing are sores on hands feet and mouth; that and being in the ICU. *shrug*

At least you are feeling better. How is the rash and redness today?

Your doc has confidence in Lamictal, which many are very shy, and sounds like he is taking a slow approach to letting these symptoms clear up and before starting on a very low dose.

Good luck! a.m.

[Persephone]

Well, my rash doesn't look any worse (and it was hardly noticable to begin with). I downed a lot of Benadryl last night and when I woke up, the burning sensation was gone. I guess it could have been prickly heat.

I am glad pdoc is willing to give Lamictal one more chance. Lamictal is my fifth drug trial I've had in 4 months - everything has been either been ineffective or had very bad side effects. This is sort of my last shot before MAOIs and ECT - although I would prefer either to the ICU!

[San]

Well, my rash doesn't look any worse (and it was hardly noticable to begin with). I downed a lot of Benadryl last night and when I woke up, the burning sensation was gone. I guess it could have been prickly heat.

I am glad pdoc is willing to give Lamictal one more chance. Lamictal is my fifth drug trial I've had in 4 months - everything has been either been ineffective or had very bad side effects. This is sort of my last shot before MAOIs and ECT - although I would prefer either to the ICU!

I got the Lamictal rash. I was bright purple, and I freaked out, I was on about 200mg and they took me off it, it went away, I can't go near it again.. sucks coz it worked!

But DEFINITELY talk to a doctor if you think it could be the rash, the term for it is Steven-Johnson's Syndrome and it can be fatal. I don't want to scare you, you obviously are watching out for yourself, and it would take a looong time for it to get that bad, but see a doctor please!

I've tried MAOI's- worst idea ever.

ECT - helped immensely.