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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Tegretol
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Tegretol
by headproblemz, Jun 13, 2002 12:00AM
I just went to a Neurologist and he put me on Tegretol. Is that a good choice for seizure medications? Are there any harmful side effects? What are the chances I will have another seizure while on Tegretol? I am starting off with 200mg before bed time, then 200mg before bed time and in the morning, then i'll finally be built up to 400mg twice a day. Will I ever be able to stop the medications? Will the seizure disorder ever go away?
Thank you for your help :0)
Thank you for your help :0)
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jun 13, 2002 12:00AM
For certain types of seizures, yes it is a very effective medication and relatively inexpensive. However, there are side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness (which are common and not usually a major problem) as well as less common but more significant ones. Tegretol can cause decreases in your blood counts and these should be monitored in the first few weeks when you start the medication. It is metabolized through the liver and you can't take certain medications with it as they can affect each other. Some liver abnormalities can occur such as increased enzymes (abnormal labs) and in rare cases, hepatitis. Sodium levels can also drop. Overall it's a relatively safe medication that is used for both kids and adults. However, there are newer safer drugs out there such as Keppra which covers the same kind of seizures that tegretol does. But it's more expensive and can cause behavioral changes and sleepiness.
I'm not sure that anyone can predict if you'll have another seizure on the medication or if the seizures will go away. You'll just have to make sure your levels are therapeutic. It all depends on what your EEG, MRI show as well as your clinical history, exam and type of seizure. Talk to your neurologist about this and let him/her know your concerns. Good luck.
I'm not sure that anyone can predict if you'll have another seizure on the medication or if the seizures will go away. You'll just have to make sure your levels are therapeutic. It all depends on what your EEG, MRI show as well as your clinical history, exam and type of seizure. Talk to your neurologist about this and let him/her know your concerns. Good luck.
I have a wide variety of nuerological ailments; Bells Palsy (with permanent damage to the right side of the face), weakness on the right hand side, altered sensations in my limbs and body, which includes pin and needles, a severe burning pain and the feeling of water running down me. Muscle spasms, and my arms and legs give way easily. Arms and legs that won't do what I want them to and intermittent word blindness. And more!
I am on, Tylex, Amitriptyline, Tegratol, Ibuprofen and Verapamil.
Tegratol is my life safer! I am slowly going insane with all my symptons, but HEY who wants to be normal!