Medical Ques on Tegretol

I have been on tegretol for slightly over a year.  I have suffered from double vision, and last week was in the ER.  I had to have a liter of saline solution IV.  The md in charge says it is probably a rare side effect.  Somehow the medicine is eating up my electrolytes and sodium.  I felt extremely light-headed for 2 days, and was very weak.  I now crave lots of salt.  My weight is going up, and I work out 3 times a week.  This is making me upset.  I drink a lot of gatorade.  Is there something else I can do?  What about salt pills?  I don't like being on psych medicines, and hope to be able to find a good psychoanalyst who will help me get to the root of my problems, and hopefully ween myself off of all the drugs I am taking.  I don't want to switch to lithium.  I was on depakote for 5 years and I got toxic from it.  Do you have any suggestions how I might temporarily take care of this problem?  Do you have any idea who or how I might reach someone who will help me with psychoanalysis.  In Europe, people who have mental problems are treated primarily with analysis, and are not on meds.  I am 50 years old, and I cannot continue to do this for the rest of my life.  Help.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The symptom picture is well known, and caused by secretion of a hormone SIASDH that depletes your salt. I would consider to be very serious, and warrants discontinuation of Tegretol. In the short run you should consult your internal medicine specialist and a psychopharmacologist.  There are other medications to consider.

I can help you find a psychoanalyst in either new york or los angeles. email the web master at www.masteringstress.com, and make that request, and I will get back to you.

In the meantime, you can start your exploration online by going to the same place, taking a session, and asking for a professional review.