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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Medical Ques on Tegretol
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Medical Ques on Tegretol
by mpushkin, Apr 07, 2002 12:00AM
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.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 08, 2002 12:00AM
, Apr 08, 2002 12:00AM
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.
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.
