My doctor would like me to try Lamictal (lamotrogine) as a mood stabilizer. I have read the list of side effects which include the life threatening Stevens-Johnson rash and
I am flat out frightened. Big Pharma says it's safe (but with a huge disclaimer).
The choice is mine. Anybody had any experience with this medication?:confused:

Sorry it took me this long to see your post!:(

I did have a negative response to Lamictal, I would not endorse the use to anyone, unless they are ready for a trauma they might not be able to deal with.

This is just one patients opinion, but it was like being on heroin, then withdraws were so intense it was absolutely life threatening.not suicidal, real heart stopping cold sweats,loose body functions,all that.

In my firsthand opinion, this is one of the most dangerous drugs put out by the pharmaceutical company's in many years.

If you can keep from taking it, I would, Look for another mad to take,there are safer and just as effective meds available.

Ken

What are you taking now? Why are you considering switching?

The side-effects of Lamictal are different for everyone. While Ken, above, had a bad experience, others find that it works wonderfully.

While Stevens-Johnson syndrome is definitely a side-effect, it is a rather rare side-effect.

Odly enough I developed a rash completely all over my body and did not know the side effect or what Stephen Johnson's sydrom was. One should always read and be aware of the side effects, and in my case, "look up what a syndrom was" so that I could have gotten care sooner. I went to my doctor after having so many reactions to various meds and said simply "this one gave me an overall rash, look". I was sent to emergency and treated for Stephen Johnson's syndrom and told that I "escaped death" by informing someone in time. Who knew that medication was so dangerous. I think any doctor that puts a patient on this should not ask to see them back in a month, or week, but within days to make sure they don't "near escape death" as I had. No fun. And always remember if you did have side effects to list it as an allergy when you are questioned in the future by new doctors. Hopefully it will end up in enough "computer med systems" that you never get it again. I am trying my best to go back to all natural. Wish me luck, it has been a lot of years of suffering, and few can understand the pain of true severe and ongoing depression! Best to all who read this. You ARE NOT ALONE!