Posted by Cam W. on October 5, 2001, at 17:44:05
In reply to TEGRETOL, posted by Bob on October 5, 2001, at 16:15:28
Bob - Tegretol™ (carbamazepine) does cause a lot of drowsiness at the beginning of treatment. This is one reason that the dose is slowly increased over the first month. The drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, unsteadiness while standing, and occasionally double vision, are "start-up" side effects of Tegretol. The do go away as the body adjusts to the drug. You may want to increase your liquid intake when starting Tegretol, as it can give you dry mouth.
Your dose may be increase in a few months as Tegretol induces certain cytochrome-P450 enzymes (2D6, 3A4, & 2C9/10) to be over-produced, cause the Tegretol to increase it's own metabolism.
This brings up another point. Since Tegretol increases the amount of the cytochrome enzymes that metabolizes many of the drugs we use in psychiatry, cardiology, high cholesterol therapy, AIDs treatment, etc., any other drug that you are taking "may" have to have it's dose adjusted, when starting Tegretol. Also, the dosage of any new drugs that you will start, will have to take into account the Tegretol you are taking. Be sure to tell any doctor that is prescribing a drug for you that you are taking Tegretol.
Again, the side effects mentioned above, including drowsiness, are start-up side effects, and will lessen and disappear within the first month of taking the drug. The dose needs to be raised slowly to minimize these effects. Ask you doctor about a dose titration schedule.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:80376
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/80384.html