Lamictal is a medication in a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. According to Drugs.com, Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old and to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. It is available in both pill and chewable form. There are side effects associated with Lamictal that may be deadly.
Skin Rash
Lamictal may cause a skin rash that can result in disability or death. According to Drugs.com, a serious skin rash may also be more likely to occur if patients are taking Lamictal together with valproic acid or divalproex. This type of rash can occur within the first several months of treatment with Lamictal, but may manifest itself at any time. Patients taking Lamictal who develop a red, blistering skin rash that may be accompanied by fever, sore throat or swollen glands should seek emergency medical attention. Patients who develop this side effect while taking Lamictal may be switched to another type of medication.
Suicidal Thoughts
Patients taking Lamictal may develop thoughts and ideas about suicide. About one in 500 adults and children 5 years of age and older who took anticonvulsants such as Lamictal to treat various conditions during clinical studies became suicidal during their treatment, reports PubMed Health. Patients should be monitored closely by their doctors for the first several months of treatment for changes in behavior. According to Drugs.com, users should consult their doctors at once if they experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity, or thoughts about suicide or hurting themselves.
Seizures
Patients taking Lamictal who stop taking their medication suddenly may develop an increase in seizure activity that can be dangerous. Patients should contact their doctors if their seizures get worse or they have them more often while taking this medication, reports Drugs.com.
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