A patient with bipolar disorder takes lamotrigine (Lamictal). Which statement by the patient would prompt the nurse to hold the drug and notify the prescriber for further assessment?
a. "I get a little dizzy sometimes."
b. "I had a headache last week that lasted for about an hour."
c. "I've broken out in a rash on my chest and back."
d. "Last night I woke up twice with a bad dream."
ANS: C
Evidence of a rash in a patient taking lamotrigine requires further assessment, because this may indicate the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Although dizziness and headaches are side effects of lamotrigine, they are not potentially life threatening. A bad dream is not necessarily related to the lamotrigine.
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