Carbamazepine?

Question

I have recently been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia.
My doctor put me on 1 Carbamazepine Chew 100mg 2x daily. This makes me loopy all day long. And when I go to sleep I sleep for 12 hours ! Is this normal?
I've been on it for 3 1/2 days. Is this something I will adapt to? Or is this something I need to be concerned about?
Thanks.
Nurses and Doctors responses only please.

I know I should expect to be sleepy but sleeping for 12 hours????? Thats nuts. It's so hard to concentrate at work too.

Answer 1

You are on the right dose. #1 side effect is Drowsiness. give it more time and then ask your doc to switch.

Answer 2

Legally, nurses cannot give medical advice. Your best bet would be to call you doc, or the pharmacy. They will give you tons of info. Also, search the drug online, you can read the fine print, as well as all the side effects, dangers, ect.
I am on carbamazepine. The first 4 days were hell. My husband took off work so that my children would be cared for. I could not walk, speak clearly, or stay awake. However, within a week, I felt fine. I have been on it for about a year, no seizures! The only side effect I can think of is a small bit of hair loss. (It was minor and grew back). However, my dosage has just been raised from 100mg 2x daily, to 100mg 2x in the morning, and 1x in the evening. This is only my second day, and the dizziness is back, as are the headaches. So, I have to deal with it again. But, You'll be fine. You will adapt, you do not need to be concerned.
Also, if you want a doctor to answer you, ask your doctor.

Answer 3

This drug does takes some time to work properly, maybe a month of so. However, the dosage you have is low. In any case, ask your doctor about your symptoms and your dosage.

Please note: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.