I started taking Tegretol 100 mg BID 3 days ago.
Already I am so drowsy, sick to my stomach and have been breaking out in cold sweats during the day and night. I’m afraid of what will happen when the dose is increased. Do these side effects go away? How long? Will I go through this again every time the dose is increased?
Hello. I’m so sorry that you feel so bad. I don’t take tegretol but trust me…it seems that all these meds have similiar side effects. Hopefully your doctor will find the right mix for you. Hang in there!
Hi Karen, I had similar side effects when on Tegretol eventually my GP changed my medication but as Kim said these medications all seem to have similar side effects, it is a case of trial and error unfortunately until they find a medication which suits you best. Ask to be referred to a Neurologist as they seem to be the best people to oversee medication as they understand this illness far better than Gps!
Hope things improve for you soon!
Hi Karen,
I had similar side effects too and as my body adjusted, the side effects went away…each time I had to increase I always knew it would make me feel extra drowsy and kind of “off” for at least 24-48 hrs. Give it time …as it takes time to find your therapeutic dose.
( that can range anywhere from 400mg-800mg)
I found the slow release version of Tegretol worked better for me than regular Tegretol .
We’re all different however but my best advice is to give any med you try a “good try” barring an allergic reaction or severe side effect.
ALL of the anti-convulsant medications have pretty similar side effects and most of just need a few days to adjust.
The very first time I started Tegretol it took a good week to 10 days before I felt myself again ( I was increasing in little increments at that time though)
Hope you start feeling better soon (( hugs )) Mimi