Lamotrigine

New Zealand Woman's Rare Reaction to Medication Causes Near-Fatal Experience

A young woman in Palmerston North faced a life-threatening ordeal after a rare reaction to medication.

A young woman from Palmerston North had a terrifying near-fatal experience after reacting to the medicine she was taking. The woman, unidentified, was hospitalized for a month due to a rare and severe reaction to Lamotrigine, a medication prescribed for conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. She described the reaction as feeling like being 'burned from the inside,' with the disorder affecting her skin, mouth, and oesophagus. The incident highlights the risks and complexities associated with medications, even in treating common conditions.

The woman's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that medications can pose, despite being essential for managing various health conditions. The severity of her reaction underscores the importance of closely monitoring patients for adverse effects, especially when dealing with medications known to cause rare reactions. For the young woman, this harrowing experience led to a month-long hospitalization and a long road to recovery, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution when prescribing medications with known risks.