Posted by Bekka H. on February 12, 2002, at 22:39:49
In reply to Steven's Johnson Syndrome 101, posted by spike4848 on February 12, 2002, at 17:56:16
> Hey There,
>
> SJS is severe form of allergic dermatitis .... that is your body forms antibodies against your own skin. It is very rare and there is no way to predict who will get the syndrome. Generally you see exfoliation/desquamation of the skin ... that is, your skin literally peels off like after a severe sun burn. Blisters and ulcers form over the entire body, some times extending into the mouth, lung and gut. A patient of mine just had a case .... basically you get treated like a burn victim. Lots of moisturizers, occassionally IV steriods and vigorous hydration. We also watch the kidney function.
>
> Like TSA said, SJS is very rare .... even with lamictal. I don't think it will replace lithium though.
>
> Spike
************************************************Hi Spike,
Thank you so much for the information. I still have to think about this Lamictal for a while before I take the big step -- or not. You have all been so helpful, but I guess I'm a scaredy cat because I tend to get dermatologic reactions to nearly everything, even Advil!
I have unipolar depression, but I've tried nearly every antidepressant known to man -- or beast, so now, as a last ditch effort, my doctor suggested either Lamictal, Topamax or Ketoconazole. The Ketoconazole was suggested for its anti-glucocorticoid activity. Lamictal is supposedly the best of the anticonvulsants for depression. I read that Topamax is particularly bad for cognition, memory, learning, etc, so that wouldn't work for me at this time in my life since I have to study a lot.
Well, I'll have to think this over.
Thanks again.
poster:Bekka H.
thread:93840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93943.html