Tegretol monitoring

    
      Re: Tegretol monitoring
    


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Posted by CCF MD on September 21, 1997 at 19:43:21:

In Reply to: Tegretol monitoring posted by Regina Barnum on September 21, 1997 at 12:17:07:
  All that I've read instructs that Tegretol be monitored weekly the first month, then twice a month, and monthly during its use. A baseline must also be taken, and the monitoring continued if the dosage is changed. I've started on Tegretol for trigeminal neuralgia and have done some research on the drug since I know it can have side effects. After 15 days on Tegretol I asked for a blood test. It turned out to be for Tegretol levels (4.2). Eight days later I had a CBC and platlet level which came back normal. Should I be more closely monitored and should I be concerned?
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You need to speak with the doctor who has written for any medication you are
taking and ask then about medication monitoring. Physicians may vary in terms
of how they follow drug levels or other blood work. It is most important that
you and you doctor "talk" to each other about heath care questions. The tegretol
level of 4.2 is in the low range but we usually do not follow levels when the
medication is given  for trigeminal neuralgia unless the patient is having side effects
or compliance is an issue. The normal CBC and platlets are good but you will
need to speak with your doctor regarding future monitoring. So far everything sounds okay.
Please consult your doctor regarding these questions.