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Help! Rash after 11 years on Lamictal/Lamotrigine?

Sat, 01/17/2015 - 06:15

I've been seizure free for 14 years, last 11years on Lamictal/Lamotrigine 2x200mg (insurance switched me to generic about 2-3 years ago). About 3 weeks ago I started slowly developing some rash. It started just a little on upper arms, then after a week or so I got it on legs too.

I saw the doctor (general and my neurologist), and got alergy meds (prednisone pills, benadryl and pepcid). Today was my 5th day on them. Neurologist told me to call him daily to track the situation, and wants to take me off the Lamotrigine if the rash spreads to trunk, face or mouth.

SInce I've been on the meds, the rash mostly went away in the areas I had it (some leftover dots still slightly visible, but minimal). However, I'm still getting a couple of new dots a day in the area I didn't have it yet (wrists, neck). They appear, eatch a bit, and mostly so go down within a day or so.

I'd really like to stay on the current meds, since I didn't have any issues for 11 years on them, but I fear my neurologist will take me off.Is it possible that after all these years with no change to the dosage, this is the scary Lamictal rash? Is there anything I can try first before resorting to switching to another medicine? I haven't done drug levels for years, so I can't compare it well, but I'm also thinking whether this has something to do with taking a generic drug whose strenght can oscilate 10-20%. around the prescribed value. I need to take action asap, and when I look at my body now, the rash is mostly barelly noticable. I don't want to mess things up and provoke seazures. Any ideas? Please help!

Comments

I understand what you are

Submitted by just_joe on Sat, 2015-01-17 - 10:40
I understand what you are going thru. I also know that this issue may be resloved. Insurance companies are now required to provide generic meds if they are available. The way to get arround this issue is for your neurologist to prescribe the medications with NAME BRAND ONLY if that is done the insureance companies and pharmacies are required to fill it with name brand only. I had an iddue with a generic and Doc write down the generic he knew I had used only. Which means when I need generic keppra the pharmacy has to fill it with that brand of generic only. So check with your neurologist and see if he will write a RX for name brand only. I hope this helps Joe

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