LymeNet Flash: I WOULD Have To Have Rare Allergy To Lamictal!!

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » I WOULD Have To Have Rare Allergy To Lamictal!!

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Topic: I WOULD Have To Have Rare Allergy To Lamictal!!

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.

I have SO many drug allergies. And I'm officially bipolar. Finally, I have a diagnosis after more than a decade of suffering.

I don't know if I'm bipolar because my father was, or if it's solely from the Lyme, but there you go.

So my psychiatrist gave me a starter pack of Lamictal. It's supposed to be well tolerated. Very rarely can there be a serious, possibly deadly skin reaction.

Shortly after taking my first dose, my throat and lungs got "twitchy." Then my face flushed. I began to get itchy in various locations (of my body, not the house. [Razz]

). Then, I really got worried: I developed bumps on my neck and chest. Could be the first signs of the serious rash: respiratory and papules.

I left messages at the psych's office. I don't think I'll be swallowing another of these.

Now I have to try something else, and she doesn't like Depakote. I can't take Neurontin, nor can I take Topamax.

I want to scream!

Itchy, itchy, itchy.

Steph

P.S. I've actually had Stevens-Johnson Syndrome before (from sulfa), but, fortunately, I avoided the hospital. It was caught before it went too far, but even the psych said that what I experienced was enough!

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

ShadowHawk
Member
Member # 6263

posted

Star!!!

You might want to talk to your Dr. about Abilify. Their web site is here at abilify.com. I know a few folks that have had very good luck with using it to treat bipolar disorder. ;-)

Hope that helps.

Posts: 67 | From Kansas City, MO | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged |

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

I'm still itchy and so sedated at 1:00 p.m.

I'll check out that website, ShadowHawk. I never heard of this.

Steph

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

Thanks, ShadowHawk. I did check it out, but I can't use it. It's an antipsychotic drug. Fortunately, I don't have the psychosis.

Steph

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749

posted

That is scary. I'mn sorry you're dealing with that.

Lymesux also ahd SJS once, when I first joined here, and it is such an awful thing, and so rare (MY LLMD said in over 20 years he has not seen one single case).

I think Lymesux's case was also caused by a drug with a very similar name to what you mentioned, maybe even the same drug?? I don't know.

maybe she'll be along here soon.

DLL

Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003 | IP: Logged |

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

Thanks, DLL, for your comforting words.

Now, I'm even MORE manic after the effects of the drug itself (still having allergy symtoms) wore off. My thoughts are racing more than ever. I am speaking very quickly. And I'm very, very tense/agitated.

I left a total of six messages on my psychiatrist's machine (or service). Must not be in today. You'd think messages would be checked more often.

I may look for another doctor. I like her, though, because she's holistic.

Steph

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

ShadowHawk
Member
Member # 6263

posted

Hey Steph,

Sorry it won't work for you. Still, I don't think you have to be suffering psychotic episodes in order to use the abilify for Bi-Polar disorder. At least, that's what the Doc I know here has said. The folks that I know using it I don't think ever suffered anything more than some sever cyclothemic events (mood swings, both up and down).

Posts: 67 | From Kansas City, MO | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged |

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

Thanks, SH. I was just reading tonight about how antipsychotics can help those with Bipolar Disorder, with or without psychotic features.

My doctor is going to "ponder" my options. I will get a call from the office manager tomorrow.

In the meantime, it may not have been a Lamictal allergy. It may have been gluten sensitivity. I have been lax. I am not always sensitive, but I don't know until it's too late. Still, I think I need a better antimanic, and the Lamictal was sedating for many, many hours. I am a slow metabolizer.

Thanks for the info!

Steph

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

hopeful123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3244

posted

Hi Steph,
I think it really stinks that you are allergic. I also wanted to support what others are saying about taking anti-psychotics even if you are not psychotic. You don't have to be psychotic to take them.

sorry this is going on and on..... [Frown]

someday soon it will turn around.

I got really excited because I could remember the name of the actress Tululu (sp?) Bankhead while watching tv last night. So something is better...it will for you, too.

[hi]

hopeful123

--------------------
some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield

Posts: 1160 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2002 | IP: Logged |

Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402

posted

Thanks, Hopeful One! I appreciate your encouragement. And I'm glad you are seeing a glimmer of improvement!

I spoke to the office manager, and she relayed the doctor's message. No Lamictal for me. And here's my official diagnosis, if I can remember it correctly. It's a mouthful:

Organic Mood Disorder, Bipolar Type, Secondary To Lyme Disease and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Phew!

I guess this makes sense. She HAS to say it's secondary to Lyme and PTSD since I had them first. I'll never know if my father's diagnosis had an impact on mine, but, whatever.

She still is pondering what medicine to give me, so I won't hear anything until next week.

Sigh....

Steph

--------------------
Learning to love, and loving to learn.

Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged |

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