Sandy Springs Lamictal Lawsuit Attorney

Lamictal usage can cause a painful skin rash, which can escalate into serious inflammation and potentially lead to certain life-threatening conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Benign rashes typically appear within the first few weeks, presenting as red or purple spots or as widespread reddening of the skin. Severe rashes and secondary infections may be accompanied by fever, blistering, or skin peeling. 

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare but severe immune system reaction that can occur as a side effect of Lamictal. It typically begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by the development of severe rashes that eventually lead to skin detachment.

According to medical literature, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a medical emergency due to its potential to cause serious complications such as organ damage and death. Early diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is crucial, and immediate medical treatments are necessary to mitigate the risks.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a severe and potentially life-threatening skin condition that can occur as a rare side effect of Lamictal.

Like with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis often begins with a persistent fever, followed by extremely painful blisters and skin peeling. However, unlike Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, TEN often results in a greater loss of skin, causing individuals to lose skin on about 30% of their body’s surface area. Prompt medical treatments for this drug reaction are essential to prevent sepsis or death.

Lamictal can elicit an adverse immune system reaction in specific individuals when the immune system excessively activates to save the body’s tissues from harm. This can lead to severe rashes and the development of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, among other conditions. These reactions are triggered by a hypersensitivity response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies Lamictal as a threat and launches an attack on the skin, mucous membranes, liver, and other organs. 

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but serious condition that may occur as a side effect of Lamictal usage. HLH typically presents as an overactivation of the immune system, leading to uncontrolled inflammation throughout the body, causing severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. 

Those taking Lamictal should look out for the primary HLH symptoms, which are:

• Persistent fever

• Enlarged liver (which often causes pain or tenderness in the liver area)

• Swollen lymph nodes

Other symptoms include yellowed skin or eyes, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal issues, headache, visual disturbances, trouble walking, weakness, and abnormal counts of red blood cells. HLH is often diagnosed through blood tests or bone marrow biopsies. Still, it can be hard to diagnose in the early stages since HLH symptoms are similar to other conditions, including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

Lamictal withdrawal refers to the symptoms that may occur when discontinuing or reducing the dosage of Lamictal, especially if done abruptly. These symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, mood changes, and flu-like symptoms.