tegretol side effects

[wesco55]

i've had epilepsy since the age of four. i am now fifty four and take 1600mgs tegretol,160mgs phenobarbitol 300mgs effexorxr for depression and 3mgs xanex-xr. i've recently swithched to generic tegretol and feel a bit funny. my memory and reflexes are much poorer and i feel more fatigued. what do you recommend

[Kristen70]

Do you know if trileptal has the same side effects? I take that and was on tegratol for years. I have really bad headaches.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Common side effects of tegretol or carbamazapine include drowsiness, headaches and migraines, motor coordination impairment or upset stomach. Less common side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, blurry or double vision and/or the temporary loss of blood cells or platelets and in rare cases can cause aplastic anemia. The symptoms you are experiencing may be due to the effects of your medication.

However, before starting or shifting to new medication, I suggest that you discuss this with your doctor first to avoid any adverse effects or seizure  brought about by changes in medication. Take care and regards.