Has anyone tried Carbatrol?

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Hi everyone,

My doctor wants me to try a different AED and I always get a little nervous starting a new med. I have had a few bad experiences with AED meds in the past and just wanted to get a few opinions on Carbatrol (Carbamazepine)?

I do like the fact that it is only once per day because I tend to forget a lot and the drug I am on now doesn't help and I have to take it three times per day and yes, sometimes I forget and that is not good so maybe I'll do better on something once per day.

Any opinions are welcome. Thanks.

tam bam
 
Hi, hello

and how do you do? It's very nice to meet you!

Welcome to CWE!

I DO take Carbatrol--I actually take it twice a day, but that's because I have 4 types of E. :-/ Between it, and the other drugs I take, I have GREAT control. The other meds are just "helpers", Carbatrol does most of the work. I am QUITE pleased with it, and have no plans to change anytime soon. It took me a little bit of time to get used to it, but that's normal for any med.

I'm on 600 mg twice a day (in 300 mg pills). I've been on it for.........oh, about 2 1/2 years now, I think.

Take care,

Meetz
:rock:
 
Carbamazapine is the one AED that has any effect on my seizures. I still have them frequently but they'd be so much worse without it.

I understand the fear of trying a new med but you have to remember that it's the only way to find a medication that is better than what you're on.
 
I took Carbatrol for 5 years and found it has excellent control on seizures. Just make sure you get your liver enzymes checked and bone density scores checked. Otherwise it's a good drug. Importantly take a good Calcium/Vitamin D supplemt because the Carbatrol robs your body of some of your calcium levels and you need the Vit D 3 to help optimize the Calcium utilization.:e:
 
Hi Everyone,

Is the brand name Carbatrol? I have never heard of it. I am glad it gives such good results.
 
Thanks so much for all the great responses. It is so good to hear positive results. My doctor wanted me to have the least side effects and is starting me off on 200mgs per day and I will increase to 300 mgs in a few weeks. I get a little concerned due to a neurologist put me on a high dose of Depakote a few years back and I ended up in the ER with some horrendous side effects. I now have a new neuro and he is great and listens (that was what was wrong with the other neuro he didn't listen even when the ER doctor called him he still told me to continue the drug at the same dosage, Argh). I am glad I have found someone a little more caring and my neuro told me if there are any concerns to phone him immediately. Boy, I am liking this guy more and more. I will try it and see how it goes. Thanks again.:clap:
 
Okay, I started to take this drug on Saturday just as my doctor instructed and all day Saturday I had a headache and now it is Monday and I still have it. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if it will go away after a few days.

I have headaches with my seizures anyway so dealing with them doesn't set with me right. Oh yeah, it doesn't help with the absence seizures but as far as the others it is doing it's job.

tam bam
 
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