Carbamazepin/Epitol

[rhonda23]

Hi everyone! I just started taking this medicine and was wondering if anyone is or has been on this could give me some or any information please. I have to take one tablet twice a day and it's 200 mg. Thanks.

[epileric]

Hi Rhonda,

I"ve been on Carbamazapine literally for decades except I know it as Tegretol. It hasn't stopped my seizures but they are more controlled. My main side-effect is mental fatigue & sometimes trouble staying focused.

Here's a good page of information on Carbamazapine. The side-effects (which I"m sure is what you want) are just below half-way down

Do remember that the list is of possible side-effects so you're not going to feel them all & that everyone reacts differently to all the anti-epileptic drugs out there.

http://www.drugs.com/tegretol.html

[rhonda23]

Thanks. I am really getting dizzy while taking this medicine. my friend and sister said that I might have vertigo or motion sickness. Can this medicine cause all this trouble. I only have to take 1 keppra for a week then I no longer have to take it but I am still taking Carbamazapine. I feel like my stomach is dropping to the floor most of the time. Sometimes my hearing isn't so good. I just need some help or answers please!

[momof3boys]

I was on Carbatrol ER and Keppra for years. I started both around the age of 17/18 years old, and just last year, I was taken off of Carbatrol, before my 30th birthday. My dr said it wasnt best to stay on Carbatrol for a long period of time due to the health side effects that can occur. Ive been off of it for almost a year now. I dont recall having any problems, but I have noticed that I am not so angry or "out of control"... Im more relaxed and happy.

[epileric]

Also, I should mention (in case your pharmacist/chemist didn't) that you should not take it on an empty stomach or take it with milk.

Also, remember that grapefruit or grapefruit juice interact with it & lessen its effect.

[momof3boys]

Oh yes, I forgot about the grapefruit part! My parents were informed about this when I first started taking it. I loved having grapefruit in the morning, or drinking squirt and I couldnt no more. But I havnt had any grapefruit or squirt for years! It would be nice to have one now! Ive taken my medication before without food, but didnt have any problems. I know they say its best to have food in your stomach though. Those times I didnt have anything, was right before going to bed and I was just too tired to eat.

[Hand of Blood]

i get the more serious ones.... like confusion vision stuff etc depression light headed...... but neros just dont listen so i just live with it

[Chris515]

Hi everyone! I just started taking this medicine and was wondering if anyone is or has been on this could give me some or any information please. I have to take one tablet twice a day and it's 200 mg. Thanks.

I was on carbamazepine for about 10 years, it had decent seizure control for me. The side effects got unbearable near the end though, I was so tired and couldn't think straight.

I switched to Lamictal and I've been on that one for 10 years. It was great at first, I felt really sharp. My GPA at University went up a whole grade point. But after this long, I'm starting to feel the same as when I was on the carba.

Maybe it's just being on the same med for so long.