I never see anyone talking about "Carbatrol" ?? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

luvmybabies2 · 01-23-2008, 09:50 AM

I have bipolar and my doctor just put me on Carbatrol for my bipolar type II. I have tried a million types of medicines for depression and bipolar for years, some worked for a short while, but mostly none of them worked very well without major side effects.

As far as the Carbatrol, so far so good, although it's only been one day, but I have some energy today and feel pretty good so far.

Has anyone else been given this for Bipolar type II? I am also temporarily on Xanax, because I was sent to the ER for a severe Panic attack due to my crazy Borderline mother, she also has Histrionic Personality Disorder and is just one very evil woman and she causes me much unecessary stress. So I have decided after my ER visit to cut off all contact with my mother for my own health.

As far as Carbatrol, how did you do on it? Is anyone here taking it?

Thanks,

Maria

ridersam · 01-23-2008, 11:34 PM

Hi there, "Carbatrol" is Carbamazepine. It has many trade names, mine is called "Tegretol" - same medicine. It is an older epilepsy drug, and can work really well in some people as a mood stabiliser. It is not used as often now since the use of newer drugs. It does not cause weight gain as far as I know. I use it in combination with Lithium. The biggest drawback are side effects, so not all people with Bipolar can handle it. Blood tests need to be done regularly to check levels.You may have been started on a low dose first and then gradually increased over a period of time. I'm on 600mg which seems fine for me especially combined with Lithium. I do believe it makes me tired(drowsy), but you can get used to it over time, in which I have.
Can you ask the pharmacy for an information leaflet?
Take care.

fineanddandy · 01-24-2008, 01:07 AM

Carbatrol is a long-acting form of Tegretol. I took it for a while with good results but had to stop it because of intense itching (I would draw blood at night from scratching so much).

luvmybabies2 · 01-24-2008, 06:46 AM

Can I ask what you are taking now for your bipolar? And is it working?

fineanddandy · 01-24-2008, 09:12 AM

If you're asking me, I am currently taking Seroquel, a very small dose of Zoloft, Lunesta for sleep, and I am beginning Lamictal. The Lunesta and Lamictal have just been added in the last month because I haven't been stable at all since I got the bright idea to wean the Seroquel on my own. I hope that I never do anything that stupid again!