Tegretol - After effects

Hi Tim, hang in there. This must have been scary. :( I'm glad, however, that the docs are finally on their way to figuring things out. What you are experiencing could be the effects of the seizure, your body adjusting to the meds or both. It also could be that your dose is too high or too low. I have been on Tegretol and found that I tolerated it pretty well but everyone is different. I know that I'm totally exhausted after a seizure or an aura. But even between seizures, I can have three or four days where I can barely get out of bed. I know in my gut that this is neurological, although I can't explain it. I think you will find that the docs don't know much about the brain at all. I have experienced all kinds of wacky sensations that I can't explain. Sometimes it can take a while to get acclimated to the med but it could be that this is just not the right medication for you. Unfor, this process often is about trial and error. I know this isn't much help but the bottom line is you're not alone. You also might wanna try epilepsyfoundation.org. It seems to get more traffic. Good luck, Lisa :)

Hi Tim, I am new to all of this as of May. Like you, I lost my license -- not fun, huh? Little Ms. Independent is having to learn to rely on others, but I must say it is a blessing to have people to rely on! Okay, on to the question --- A week after having a gran mal I was still wore out and I hadn't yet taken medication. My doc told me it is normal for the body to be physically depressed afterwards. The smallest things would wear me out and I would have to go take a nap. I think that this can vary from seizure to seizure as to the severity and the recovery time. Now as to the Tegretol, that hit me hard! I was started out at 400 mg. (after first having an allergic reaction to Lamictal and having to switch medications) and by the 3rd day I was a wreck! I was extremely nauseated and the world would not stop spinning. So along with being dizzy and lightheaded, I wanted to toss my cookies. I didn't know how I was going to handle it. I was also back to taking my naps because I was so tired!! I talked to my doc who I really like. She cut me back to 200 mg. and although I still had a few symptoms they were tolerable. Gradually I have built myself up to 500 mg. I still have 100 mg. to go. I can tell you things are much better now. I still get the occasional nausea, but my head is much clearer. My memory isn't that hot though. I've always had a not-so-good memory, but now I find I really need to write things down. At least my judgment doesn't seem to be a problem and I can work. I guess the bottom line is that I did have a rough start, but I am doing much better now. I've been on Tegretol for a month now. I think that it really helped that my doctor allowed me to upgrade the dosage at 100 mg. a week. Yeah, its a slow process, but it has allowed my body to get acclimated at a slower pace and ward off some of the side effects. Good luck to you! I wish you all the best!