TITLE:
Hypersensitivity Reaction to Lamotrigine with Rash and Cervical Adenopathies: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Flávia Fundora Ramos, Catarina Pinto Silva, Flávia Freitas, Laura Caine
KEYWORDS:
Lamotrigine, Adverse Drug Reaction, Hypersensitivity, Drug-Induced Rash, Cervical Adenopathy
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
6,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant widely used in the treatment of epilepsy and affective disorders. Despite its favorable safety profile, potentially serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur. Case Report: A female patient in her early thirties developed a lupus-like maculopapular rash and painful cervical adenopathy after three weeks of treatment with lamotrigine. Laboratory tests revealed initial lymphopenia and slightly increased IgG. Serology for hepatotropic viruses, HIV, CMV, and EBV (IgM) was negative. Computed tomography revealed bilateral level II cervical adenopathy and a thin layer of pericardial effusion. The condition was interpreted as a hypersensitivity reaction to lamotrigine, which resolved after discontinuation of the drug and oral corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion: Rash associated with adenopathy in the first weeks of lamotrigine use should raise suspicion of a serious adverse reaction and justify immediate discontinuation of the drug.