Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Tegretol - your experience/checking blood levels?
Tue, 10/11/2005 - 18:01Topic: Medication Issues
I'm only taking 400 mg a day. It has eradicated the simple partial seizures I was having (a really light case of it). I recently began getting low grade headaches off and on, so am wondering if it is because of Tegretol. Does it impact short term memory? At what dosage do they start checking your blood levels, that's what I would really like to know. Thanks!
Elsea
Comments
RE: Tegretol - your experience/checking blood levels?
Submitted by grez-monkey on Tue, 2005-10-11 - 20:54
Elsea,
"At what dosage do they start checking your blood levels..?" Just after you have completed the 'increasing the dosage' (ACQUISITION) period, and are in the period of taking the exact same amount week after week (STEADY STATE). That should give you just a GENERAL idea.
Next is, at what time of the day will the patient's blood be taken? Most likely, JUST before you take your next medication/pill(s). Why is this? Because that is going to be the very time when you have the least amount of the medication in your blood system. That amount is going to shoot right back up roughly 30 minutes AFTER you just took your pills.
Please Elsea, let me know if you understand clearly enough what I have just explained. I need feedback in order to know if I should make any changes with what I say and how I say it.
Bruce (link guy)
Disabled American Veteran
Re: RE: Tegretol - your experience/checking blood levels?
Submitted by angelran on Wed, 2005-12-07 - 22:15
They started taking my levels when I first started taking my meds. I started at 200mg a day and am now up to 800. I get my levels done every 6 months with my liver tested also.
This is what, and why you
Submitted by happycat2 on Tue, 2005-10-11 - 19:11
This is what, and why you have blood tests for Elsea. If you read through the link, you will see the dosage varies from person to person. Mine has been reduced by 200 mg per day, and I had a blood test done just over Three months ago. If you are really worried, then the best thing to do is ask your prescribing physician about it. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Your doctor may want to have certain tests done to see if you are receiving the right amount of medicine or if certain side effects may be occurring without your knowing it. Also, the amount of medicine you are taking may have to be changed often. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202111.html