Tegretol Vs Tegretol XR

I've had epilepsy for roughly 20 years ( I was in grad school when it started). I had several grand mal seizures. I've been on regular tegretol for about fifteen years of that time then switched to generic tegretol about 5 to 6 years ago. Both seem to control the seizures well. I've only had a small number in the last twenty years. I've been lucky. This year my general physician (I don't have a nuerologist anymore) suggested that I substitute one tegretol XR 200mg tablet once a day for the medication that I was taking. I was taking one generic tegretol (carba..) 200mg tablet three times a day but periodically forget it. Within a week I had a major seizure. My general physician then suggested three Tegretol XR tablets once a day and then when I questioned this (my wife did a little research online) he changed his recommendation to one Tegretol XR twice a day. Which is correct? I've lost faith in my current general physiscian. I've now switched back to the generic tegretol (carbamezapine?) three times a day. For some reason this medication is now leaving me really tired. Prior to period I tried the XR it did not leave me tired. Does anyone have any thoughts on this. Any thoughts help would be appreciated.