{"id":632128,"date":"2025-05-01T10:37:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T14:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632128"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:12:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:12:14","slug":"lamotrigine-rash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lamotrigine-rash\/","title":{"rendered":"Lamotrigine rash: Signs, risks, and when to seek help"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lamotrigine<\/span><\/a> is the generic version of Lamictal, a medication that\u2019s<\/span> FDA-approved<\/span><\/a> to treat seizures as well as bipolar I disorder. Lamotrigine is sometimes prescribed<\/span> off-label<\/span><\/a> to treat schizophrenia, fibromyalgia, and trigeminal neuralgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, lamotrigine can cause a rash (Lamictal rash), which can be either mild or more severe. Some severe lamotrigine rashes can be life-threatening. According to a 2015 meta-analysis, about 10% of people get a lamotrigine rash. If you notice any type of rash while taking lamotrigine, you should contact your healthcare provider right away for medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a lamotrigine rash look like?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lamotrigine rashes can vary in appearance and how they feel, according to Dr. Soma Mandal, MD, internist at Summit Health. \u201cTypically, these rashes may present as red, itchy patches on the skin,\u201d she explains. \u201cSome patients describe them as uncomfortable, with varying degrees of itchiness. In more severe cases, the rash can lead to blistering or peeling of the skin, which can feel painful,\u201d Dr. Mandal shares.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mild lamotrigine rashes may also produce small bumps on the skin, which can look like red blotches, according to Dr. Sean Ormond, MD, dual board-certified physician in anesthesiology and interventional pain management at Atlas Pain Specialists. \u201cMild rashes are more annoying than anything, but if the rash gets worse\u2014becoming painful, blistered, or peeling\u2014it could be a sign of a serious reaction,\u201d he says. Severe symptoms should be taken seriously and reported right away to your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take to get a rash?<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to MedlinePlus, it can take anywhere from<\/span> two to eight weeks<\/span><\/a> to develop a lamotrigine rash. It\u2019s also possible to develop a rash from the medication before or after this timeframe. That\u2019s why it\u2019s vital to share any new rashes with your healthcare provider if you are taking lamotrigine.<\/span><\/p>\n

While anyone can get a lamotrigine rash, certain risk factors may make you more likely to experience one. Dr. Ormond explains that you are more likely to get a lamotrigine rash if you start at a dose that\u2019s too high or if the dose is increased too quickly after you start taking it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, if you\u2019re taking <\/span>valproic acid<\/span><\/a> (Depakote), another medication<\/span> used to treat seizures<\/span><\/a>, your risk of a lamotrigine rash increases. This is because valproic acid slows down how your body metabolizes lamotrigine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other factors that may increase your chances of developing a lamotrigine rash are genetics, allergies, and certain health conditions, like liver disease, according to Dr. Erika Gray, PharmD, founder and chief medical officer at<\/span> MyToolBox Genomics<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn individual\u2019s sensitivity or allergic reaction to the medication may also play a role,\u201d adds Dr. Mandal.<\/span><\/p>\n

How serious is a lamotrigine rash?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to Dr. Gray, there are two main types of rashes that can develop after taking lamotrigine: a regular rash and a much more serious rash. The more serious version of the rash is called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is very rare,<\/span> impacting less than 1% of people<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can you tell the difference between the two? Here\u2019s what to know:<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular (mild) lamotrigine rash symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cA regular rash will present as small, flat or slightly raised, red or pinkish spots,\u201d says Dr. Gray. \u201cIt can either be patchy or consistent across the body and is most commonly found on the torso, arms, or face.\u201d While this rash may feel itchy or uncomfortable, it isn\u2019t typically painful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is the more severe version of a lamotrigine rash, and usually first starts with rash symptoms around the mouth, throat, or genitals, Dr. Gray describes. \u201cAt first, people typically feel flu-like symptoms, and it will rapidly progress to a painful, blistering rash,\u201d she says.<\/span> Stevens-Johnson syndrome<\/span><\/a> is extremely serious and can be life-threatening for some people, Dr. Gray emphasizes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you treat a lamotrigine rash?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have any type of lamotrigine rash, you should take action right away. This includes calling your healthcare provider for medical advice and to discuss the best course of action. Your provider can also help you distinguish between a mild lamotrigine rash vs. a more serious one.<\/span><\/p>\n

How you treat a lamotrigine rash depends on which type of rash you have. If you have severe symptoms\u2014flu-like symptoms, pain around your mouth and genitals\u2014you should contact your healthcare provider right away. Although it may not be Stevens-Johnson syndrome, you should have your provider rule this out, as Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be fatal if not treated right away.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you start noticing any unexplained peeling or blistering in or around your mouth, or if the rash on your body is starting to peel or cause pain, immediately stop taking lamotrigine and go to the emergency room,\u201d Dr Gray advises. \u201cMake sure you tell the people working in the emergency room that you have been taking lamotrigine so they can efficiently diagnose you, start you on a different medication for your condition, and start treatment if necessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular, milder lamotrigine rash may be treated in a number of ways, says Dr. Ormond, including:<\/span><\/p>\n