What are common side effects with Tegratol?

Question

Does anyone feel like they are drunk when they first start taking Tegratol? I feel dizzy and giddy, is this normal?

Why am I soo itchy? Gosh, I`ve been scratching all day...

Answer 1

The only thing to bear in mind is that most of these common side effects do reduce in time if you can stick with it. The dizzyness etc should ease over a few weeks treatment . If it doesnt see about changing to an alternative.

Answer 2

Carbamazepine renders birth control pills ineffective because it is an enzyme inducer of the cytochrome P450 system which metabolises the oral contraceptive, leaving less active contraceptive in the plasma.

Common side effects include drowsiness, motor-coordination impairment and/or upset stomach. Taken every twelve hours, the Tegretol XR or Carbatrol preparations can greatly decrease alcohol tolerance.

Less common side effects include, cardiac arrythmias, blurry or double vision and/or the temporary or mild loss of blood cells or platelets. In rare cases the latter can be life-threatening if unnoticed, so frequent blood tests are required during the first few months' use, followed by three or four tests per year. In the UK testing would be less frequent in long-term use, typically once every year or two. Underactivity of the thyroid gland may be provoked, so thyroid function tests are advisable every year or two.

Small reductions in white cell count and serum sodium are common.

There are also reports of a bizarre auditory side effect, whereby patients perceive musical notes about a semitone lower than their actual pitch (so middle C would be heard as the note B3 just below it, etc).

Oxcarbazepine, a derivative of carbamazepine, has fewer and less serious side effects.

Carbamazepine can cause SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone), since it both increases the release and potentiates the action of ADH (vasopressin).

Carbamazepine greatly reduces serum concentrations of simvastatin and simvastatin acid [ 1 ].

Carbamazepine may aggravate juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, so it is important to mention any history of jerking, especially in the morning, before starting to take this drug.

Answer 3

* Side effects especially at the start of treatment may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, unsteadiness, vomiting

* Other side effects may include:
Allergic reactions, blood pressure changes, bone marrow suppression, hives, rash, sensitivity to light, swelling

Answer 4

yes, I found when I was on it I was tired a lot during the day.