Ran out of tegretol

[blb4785]

I have been prescribed tegretol for my mood swings. I have been on it for years. I ran out about 2 weeks ago and when I went to pick up my medication they would not give it to me because I did not have the money. I have been having explosive episodes on the people I love. Is this normal and what are other side effects I should expect?

[azalea82]

Carbamazepine (generic for Tegretol) is available at Wal-mart for $4/month.  

[ILADVOCATE]

You need to get coverage and get back on Tegretol. If you are not working you would be eligible for Medicaid. You can get emergency Medicaid by going to the local emergency room. If you are working there is a program called the "Medicaid Buy in for Working People with Disabilities" in most states where you can work and still be eligible for Medicaid as long as you have a disability and of course bipolar qualifies as a disability. You can inquire about benefits issues and all other disability advocacy at your local independent living center. There's one in every county of every state. This has all of them listed. Find the one nearest to you:
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
And when you get back on Tegretol you should note that there's an updated version of Tegretol called Trileptal that's safer because it doesn't have the same risk of blood dyscreias so there is no need for regular blood tests. Trileptal is gradually replacing Tegretol which is less in use now as Trileptal is much safer but has the same effect on mood stabilization. You should ask your psychiatrist about that. If you have any more questions about benefits issues ask me as I volunteer and do advocacy in that area. I'm sure there's a way you can find coverage. And if you are unable to work because of your disability apply for SSI/SSDI now not later so you can be eligible.