Epilepsy-Increase in Tegretol, tired & unable to focus
I have just increased my daily dose of tegretol to 1300 mg daily. I was diagnosed in October 2007 with epilepsy after a grand mal seizire. Prior to October I had pettite seixures for ten years, however I thought they were anxiety attacks and ignored them. My periodic increase in tegretol has been a result of more pettite seizures - slight moments of feeling confused, not being able to speak or unable 'catch' what the other person has said. Until my body gets adjusted to the increase in medication I feel SO tired, like I could put my head down on my desk and sleep and I also have a hard time staying focused at work. Any suggestions on how to cope with the tiredness? I know it will go away eventually - but right now eventually feels like forever. Sometimes I think I'm not eating correctly - so I find myself eating, alot and going to bed early, by 9PM, but neither of these help.
Re: Epilepsy-Increase in Tegretol, tired & unable to focus
That dosage seems high, but of course I don't know the details. It may be right for you.
I am on Carbatrol, which is similar to Tegretol, and my dosage is 400 mg 2x per day. My former drug was Dilantin, which has even more severe side effects than Carbatrol, so I feel mostly normal. The slight drowsiness I feel I compensate for with morning caffeine. I time my evening dose for a couple of hours before bedtime, so it helps me sleep.
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Re: Epilepsy-Increase in Tegretol, tired & unable to focus
In my case 1600/1800 was about my bodies limit for Teg. When the neurologist one time tried 2200mg total, administering the medication 3x/day (morning, lunch, night) I discovered I could not handle that amount. MY side effects at that level were "peak" effects (when medication reaches it's highest point) double vision, dancing vision, balance issues for 30-60 minutes. Slight "light headed" symptoms as well.
People have different side effects with medications.
I've been at 1200 (currently on XR) to 1600 (in my juvenile years; on tablet) without problems.
Remember Tegretol can take 3-4 weeks (21-28 days) to become a normal level. Not being an expert in the pharmacy I can't say for sure if this includes increases or just when a person is introduced to a medication.
So I'd say give it a little time and make sure to keep notes that may help the doctor if it persists.
