Has anybody out there ever had the Lamotrigine itch?

I came across this board while searching for what could possibly cause this same problem. I’ve been titrating up to an effective dose for the past few weeks while slowing coming off keppra. Currently I’m at 75mg twice a day Lamictal and 500mgs Keppra. I’ve been awake for the past 2 hours scratching. From my scalp down to my ankles. No rash, mild redness where I’m scratching but that’s all.

Orry to hear of your discomfort. I'm not familiar w/ Keppra but I see that "itch" is one of its potential side effects. You don't say how long you've been on Keppra or what your steady state dosage was (1000mg/day ?). I'm assuming that its been a while and that the itch is a new development. My doc put me on 10mg/day Cetirizine, which is an antihistamine, that has helped me tremendously. I'm currently at 200mg/day Lamotrigine with no other meds except the occasional lorazipam for nerves. Maybe your itch is a result of a drug combination reaction? How much longer will you be taking Keppra?

Wow I haven't had that experience, I thoroughly enjoyed your description! And yes I think my shrink sometimes thinks I'm nuts but we like each other a lot and the relationship is very positive. But your comment made me laugh. I remember a similar website where people talked about their meds And there was a lot of really good discussion. I think it was called crazyboards.com I also recall trying to find it again. I'm not sure but it's possible that whoever ran that website decided to stop doing it and there was some kind of note saying as much. Give it a try. I should also. I alsothought it was crazymeds.com so maybe try that one too. Good luck with that itch! What a pain! Hope it resolves. Oh, thanks for your service.🇺🇸

No comment.. not relevant

I got severe mouth ulcers from

I’ve taken Lamotrigine for several years and fortunately haven’t had any issues. What you’re experiencing sounds awful. Hope you get a resolve soon. Maybe your doc will try a new med or something. Best of luck to you!

@itchyd
Are you taking Lamictal because of seizures or some other condition? Are you still taking it?
Is the itch still present?
Take care,
Jake

Hi Jake,

I've been off of Lamictal since this past May. Coincidently, my GP diagnosed my itch as dermatographia and prescribed Fexofenadine, which has helped quite a bit, although the itch is still there occasionally.
Thanks for your interest!

Interesting that this pops up. I've been on Lamictal since last March for depression. It's been a miracle drug in that regard. I went from suicidally depressed with daily thoughts of taking my life to flat out no such thoughts for nearly ten months now. Not one. I would be hesitant to quit taking it.

I was tapered onto it because of the small but existent risk of a rash, and had no problems. In recent weeks I have had a persistent itch on my back, however. I'm not seeing a major rash, and I do live in a dry climate, so those are possible factors. And lotion has mostly kept it relieved. But it hasn't gone away. I have an appointment with the prescribing doctor in two weeks. I'll be sure to discuss it with her and let her take a look.

Given how successful the treatment has been for depression, I do not want to change horses.

Yes. Sounds like staying the course is prudent for you. My itch turned out to not be L-related and the risk of getting Stevens-Johnson syndrome is very low. Glad to hear that you're feeling so much better and embracing life. We're only dancing on Tierra Madre for a short while.😀