Posted by SalArmy4me on June 2, 2001, at 11:24:30
In reply to Re: Lamictal -- PLEASE PLEASE advise » SalArmy4me, posted by SLS on June 2, 2001, at 11:07:56
The danger of a SEVERE rash leading to hospitalization is 0.03%--three hundredths of a percentage point. Rash is a common problem with many medications, but since Lamictal is newer, patients can't get over the idea that something harmful_could_ occur no-- matter how many hundreths of a percent this "danger" represents.
Did you know that, "At doses of up to 300 mg/day, Wellbutrin's incidence of seizures is approximately 0.1% (1/1000) but increases to approximately 0.4% (4/1000) at the recommended dose (for treatment of depression) of 400 mg/day of the sustained-release formulation or 450 mg/day of the immediate-release formulation."
Why is there more concern about Lamictal rashes than there is about Wellbutrin? People are taking Wellbutrin like it was candy around the world. One day, Lamictal will become candy in the world and we're going to kick ourselves because we thought it was going to kill us.
> Dear Sal,
>
> > The fears over Lamictal (lamotrigine) rashes are unfounded.
>
> I think using the word "unfounded" is deceptive and perhaps dangerous. I have known several people who have had the rash evolve early using a titration schedule more rapid than that suggested by the drug manufacturer. They were forced to discontinue Lamictal and restart it. Using the more gradual titration schedule, they were successful in establishing a therapeutic dosage. I don't know if this is related to the rash phenomenon, but I would experience an itch in the inner corner of both eyes upon dosage increases. This includes a dosage increase from 200mg to 300mg. This itch would last from a few hours to a day or so. It just so happens that this itch is similar to what I experience as a result of an allergy to oak tree pollen.
>
> > The chance of having a mild to moderate rash are 3%--according to clinical trials.
>
> In my opinion, 3% is large enough a number to warrant adherence to the prescribed titration schedule. Line up 33 people. 1 of them might die. Unacceptable.
>
> Better to be safe...
>
>
> - Scott
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:64875
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/65160.html