OK -- med question... NDR

[Louisa]

dont know if anyone has any experience with anything similar... my cousin (age 28) who is close to me, went to see a doctor, complaining of anxiety, some depression and some feelings of mood swings.  She thought it had maybe something to do with SAD with the low lighting over the winter.  The doctor prescribed her Lamictal.  Upon further investigation, we found out its to treat Bipolar I disorder and epileptic seizures, neither of which she was diagnosed with or feels she has.  So, this is some serious stuff apparently.  The side effects (about 1% if taking no other meds relating) are a potentially life threatening rash they call on WebMD Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.  She called the pharmacist because she couldnt reach the doctor this weekend(apparently just got prescribed this on thurs.)  and  he said if this happens it will look "like your skin is falling off."

Now I am really not sure about this medicine and I am worried about her taking it.  She says she would really like to try something to stabilize her moods more, but I am wary of this drug.  I am just not feeling sure about taking such a strong medicine (something for a true mental disorder or epileptic brain activity) when you were not diagnosed with either of these, complaining of anxiety and mood swings. 

Would anyone else get a second opinion or am i being paranoid and just try it out?  She said the doctor seemed absolutely fine with it, said let her know if she gets a rash but never mentioned the severity of the rash.  Also she called back after reading this on the website and left a note with the nurse/receptionist girl/whoever who said she has never heard of any life threatening conditions with the drug and quote "they prescribe it all the time."

the pharmacist confirmed that there is not much reported as actually getting this freaky rash.  My concern is what if she is one of those few, as it warns right on the website:  "DISCONTINUATION OF TREATMENT MAY NOT PREVENT A RASH FROM BECOMING LIFE THREATENING OR PERMANENTLY DISABLING OR DISFIGURING."

Eeeek.  Maybe you nurses have seen something like this?

[BEAU]

Well, I know she is your cousin so you are close to her and worry about her, but you have to step back and look at what you wrote here. Her symptoms are anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Though they may not have diagnosed her with bipolar disorder, it makes sense that they are treating her with a drug used for that problem.
What you also have to understand is that psych meds are some pretty powerful things and most, if not all of them may have some serious side effects. They are dealing with the brain and how the brain works. There are also times that they are prescribed for things that you wouldn't think they would be.. For example, I take a seizure medication... in some pretty hefty doses... for migraines. It has worked wonders for me! I didn't think I would make it through the first month or so on the medication due to the odd side effects, but I did.
I can pretty much guarantee that if you looked up any prescription drug online, you will find side effects. You have to weigh the benefits versus the risk. If both the doc and the pharmacist don't seem concerned, I would think it's a pretty safe bet it is a very rare side effect.

[Louisa]

I feel so much better just hearing this said to me from someone else's mouth.  I dont know why, but I always second guess prescriptions...from what myself and family may get down to what my dogs get.  I hate unnecessary meds.  its a bit comforting to hear that though, Beau.  Apparently she did talk to someone that called her back (just talked to her this evening) wasnt the doctor, but had to be one of the partners...and they assured her that some drugs are prescribed for many different symptoms people may have.  Myself and my mother got a bit alarmed when she showed us literature saying it was for other serious conditions.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer.  Its so appreciated.

[saucyaussies]

It's a mood stabilizer, which is why it works well for bipolar...remember, bipolar is a combination of mania and depression/anxiety, which it sounds like she is suffering from teh depression/anxiety part.  So, it should help stabilize those moods, even though its not full blown bipolar.  It will say that is a common use, because that is probably the biggest diagnosis its used for, but I'm sure its used with many many ppl in your cousin's situation.

As for teh side effects.  Find out the COMMON side effects.  Its sorta like when I give immunizations, I have to say that anaphylaxis is a side effect, however, it is extremely rare and totally unlikely to happen.  Heck, death is a side effect of immunizations.  That is why it's not always good to be looking online at all the side effects for meds...it will list every single thing that has ever happened, even though it is extremely unlikely they will ever happen to you.  There are side effects like this for probably every single med out there.  Death is listed for numerous meds, yet they are used everyday without many ppl in teh population dying.  Find out the pertinant ones and take it from there.  Dry mouth, disturbed dreams are common for mood stabilizers, I can't remember the others, its been a eyar since I've worked on psych.