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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Nickengland on March 30, 2005, at 11:34:55
Hello there,
I'm looking for people who have taken Tegretol and then switched to Trileptal - and to see whether they found the Trileptal to be better or worse than the Tegretol.
Any experiences would be greatly appriciated : )
Many thanksNick
Ps I currently take Tegretol / Carbamazepine.
Posted by zero on March 30, 2005, at 18:49:10
In reply to Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on March 30, 2005, at 11:34:55
Long term Tegretol user here at low to moderate dose (Dx'd Bipolar II w. mixed states & lots of anxiety).
Twice I switched to Trileptal equivalent dose. Found it to be very unlike Tegretol. Trileptal was "activating", lifted my mood a bit, but exacerbated my mixed states and didn't help at all with anxiety like Tegretol did.
I am *very* meds. sensitive, so don't consider this "typical". From what I read, Trileptal is great for many people, and less side-effects than Tegretol.
Hope this is helpful.
z.
Posted by ed_uk on March 30, 2005, at 19:10:34
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » Nickengland, posted by zero on March 30, 2005, at 18:49:10
Hi!
>Trileptal was "activating", lifted my mood a bit, but exacerbated my mixed states and didn't help at all with anxiety like Tegretol did.
It would be fair to say that the effectiveness of Trileptal in bipolar disorder hasn't been particularly well studied yet- Tegretol is a better established anti-manic.
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by Maxime on March 30, 2005, at 20:57:10
In reply to Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on March 30, 2005, at 11:34:55
Hi. I did. I couldn't tolerate the Tegretol. I was very dizzy on it and nauseous. The dizziness was dangerous. I tried some other mood stabilisers then found out about Trileptal. I had no problems with it. Plus you don't have to have your levels tested and it's not contraindicated with as many meds as Tegretol.
I am glad I tried it. Staying on Tegretol was not an option.
MAxime
> Hello there,
>
> I'm looking for people who have taken Tegretol and then switched to Trileptal - and to see whether they found the Trileptal to be better or worse than the Tegretol.
>
> Any experiences would be greatly appriciated : )
>
>
> Many thanks
>
> Nick
>
> Ps I currently take Tegretol / Carbamazepine.
Posted by Nickengland on April 1, 2005, at 17:35:58
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » Nickengland, posted by zero on March 30, 2005, at 18:49:10
Hi Zero,
Very interesting what you say about Trileptal being activating. I have pretty bad anxiety too and am quite med sensitive so if I try it I wouldn't be surprised if it has the same effect on me. - I found 25mg of lamotrigine too activating!
Well I have an appointment that ive managed to get on the 18th, and I guess the only way to find out is try it...thats if the psychiatrist wil prescribe it.
Thank you very much for that zero : )
Kind Regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on April 1, 2005, at 17:38:37
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » zero, posted by ed_uk on March 30, 2005, at 19:10:34
Hi Ed,
Am I right in thinking 200mg of carbamazepine is the same as 300mg oxcarbazepine?
I'll get to find out on the 18th if the psychiatirst will prescribe this.
Kind RegardsNick
Posted by Nickengland on April 1, 2005, at 17:46:31
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Maxime on March 30, 2005, at 20:57:10
Hi Maxime,
I like the fact that Trileptal seems less harsh on your body long-term than tegretol as with the blood tests and drug interactions.
I was having bad side effects with the Tegretol to start with, but they have eased up a little.
Still, I would like to try the trileptal to see if would have a more positive effect...
Seems it will either work well or won't, just have to wait and see.
Thanks for your experience and I'm glad it has worked out well for you : )
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by ed_uk on April 1, 2005, at 18:00:39
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on April 1, 2005, at 17:38:37
Hi,
>Am I right in thinking 200mg of carbamazepine is the same as 300mg oxcarbazepine?
It's difficult to say because they may differ somewhat in their mechanism of action.
Regards,
Ed.PS. Good luck getting the prescription.
Posted by zero on April 2, 2005, at 22:42:29
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on April 1, 2005, at 17:35:58
Hey Nick,
Trileptal was activating, but didn't push me "over the edge" too far, and it was easy to switch back to Tegretol.
Probably worth giving it a try, as it's supposed to be "cleaner", plus lots of people have good results with it.
I switched at the dose equivalency that you mentioned in your other post (200mg. Teg. = 300mg. Tri.).
Funny you should mention your Lamotrigine experience - I had a VERY activating experience with Lamotrigine at 25mg. (much more activating than Trileptal). I even backed down to 12.5mg., and still couldn't handle it.
Good luck with your appointment on the 18th.
Zero
> Hi Zero,
>
> Very interesting what you say about Trileptal being activating. I have pretty bad anxiety too and am quite med sensitive so if I try it I wouldn't be surprised if it has the same effect on me. - I found 25mg of lamotrigine too activating!
>
> Well I have an appointment that ive managed to get on the 18th, and I guess the only way to find out is try it...thats if the psychiatrist wil prescribe it.
>
> Thank you very much for that zero : )
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Nick
>
>
Posted by zero on April 2, 2005, at 22:55:44
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » zero, posted by ed_uk on March 30, 2005, at 19:10:34
Hi Ed,Thanks for your post. I think you're right, that it hasn't been very well studied (at least not in USA where I am, or most other places). Though, I've read that it has been pretty well studied in Germany and is widely used there (as is St. John's Wort - funny, different countries seem to have very different meds. preferences).
Trileptal seems to be like a "Tegretol lite" in some ways.
But the fact that it doesn't have Tegretol's heavy CYP450 effect, makes it worth checking out at least.
Regards to you,
Don
> Hi!
>
> >Trileptal was "activating", lifted my mood a bit, but exacerbated my mixed states and didn't help at all with anxiety like Tegretol did.
>
> It would be fair to say that the effectiveness of Trileptal in bipolar disorder hasn't been particularly well studied yet- Tegretol is a better established anti-manic.
>
> Regards,
> Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2005, at 11:34:23
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » ed_uk, posted by zero on April 2, 2005, at 22:55:44
Hi Don!
>Trileptal seems to be like a "Tegretol lite" in some ways.
Yes, it does! It does seem to cause hyponatremia more frequently than Tegretol though. I think NickEngland will prefer it to Tegretol because it may be less sedating.
Best regards,
Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2005, at 11:38:59
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » ed_uk, posted by zero on April 2, 2005, at 22:55:44
Hi!
>I've read that it has been pretty well studied in Germany.....
The Germans were interested in oxcarbazepine back in the 1980s. It's only recently been made available in the UK.
Ed.
Posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 7:26:33
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » Nickengland, posted by zero on April 2, 2005, at 22:42:29
Hi Zero,
Thanks for all that info. I'll be sure to let you know if I get it and how it goes.
Seems we must have a similar body chemistry. I too on the lamotrigine cut the pills in half and then tired a 25mg for about 4 weeks but it just causedd too much anxiety and made me a shaking mess in social situations and sweat loads too.
What dose are you taking the tegretol at and have you found it helpul long term?
Are you on any other medications?Kind Regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 7:29:12
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » zero, posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2005, at 11:34:23
>
> Yes, it does! It does seem to cause hyponatremia more frequently than Tegretol though. I think NickEngland will prefer it to Tegretol because it may be less sedating.
>
> Best regards,
> Ed.
>
Hi Ed,Whats hyponatremia? Yes your right about the sedation : )
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 7:31:52
In reply to Re: The Germans » zero, posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2005, at 11:38:59
> Hi!
>
> >I've read that it has been pretty well studied in Germany.....
>
> The Germans were interested in oxcarbazepine back in the 1980s. It's only recently been made available in the UK.
>
> Ed.
From what I understand the Germans invest alot of research into alternative medicine/herbal. St Johns Wort is prescribed more than prozac for depression over there, if what I read is true.
Posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 8:13:55
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 7:29:12
Hi Nick!
Hyponatremia is a abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. It will show up on a standard blood test called U&Es (urea and electrolytes). Mild hyponatremia is common with Trileptal, it doesn't usually cause any symptoms. Severe hyponatremia is uncommon with Trileptal but can cause lethargy, confusion and seizures. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to do a blood test and to correct the hyponatremia if it is present.
Kind regards,
Ed.
Posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 8:37:40
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 8:13:55
> Hi Nick!
>
> Hyponatremia is a abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. It will show up on a standard blood test called U&Es (urea and electrolytes). Mild hyponatremia is common with Trileptal, it doesn't usually cause any symptoms. Severe hyponatremia is uncommon with Trileptal but can cause lethargy, confusion and seizures. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to do a blood test and to correct the hyponatremia if it is present.
>
> Kind regards,
> Ed.Thanks Ed!
Is there ways to try and prevent this whilst taking the medication eg. in diet habits?
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 9:19:37
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 8:37:40
Hi Nick!
>Is there ways to try and prevent this whilst taking the medication.........
I don't think so, you just have to be aware of the symptoms and get a blood test if you are worried. Hopefully you won't have any problems :-)
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by zero on April 4, 2005, at 15:05:39
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by Nickengland on April 4, 2005, at 7:26:33
Nick,
There are others too, on this board, who are very meds. sensitive in this way.My diagnosis is Bipolar II, w. lots of anxiety (esp. Social Phobia + Panic).
My meds. for this are currently:
1.) Tegretol (300-400mgs./day - continuously helpful for 8 yrs. )
2.) Klonopin (2mgs./day)
3.) Neurontin (400mgs./day)
4.) Paxil (1.25mgs./every 4th day or so - a "normal dose" of 20mgs./day makes me screamingly anxious and manic for several days)I've been helped somewhat by these, but far from "well". Have tried lots of meds. and combinations. Hopefully somewhere along the line, my doc' and I will find something better.
I try to learn as much as I can, plus I find this board VERY helpful (esp. for seeing what helps other people w. similar symptoms and medication responses).
Best regards,
Zero
> Hi Zero,
>
> Thanks for all that info. I'll be sure to let you know if I get it and how it goes.
>
> Seems we must have a similar body chemistry. I too on the lamotrigine cut the pills in half and then tired a 25mg for about 4 weeks but it just causedd too much anxiety and made me a shaking mess in social situations and sweat loads too.
>
> What dose are you taking the tegretol at and have you found it helpul long term?
>
> Are you on any other medications?
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Nick
>
Posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 17:09:10
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by zero on April 4, 2005, at 15:05:39
Hi Don! (that is your name isn't it?!)
>Paxil (1.25mgs./every 4th day or so - a "normal dose" of 20mgs./day makes me screamingly anxious and manic for several days).........
I always needed 40-60mg Paxil/day for my anxiety and OCD! 60mg was very sedating though!
IMHO, pdocs should forget about 'standard' doses and titrate each patient's dose individually :-)Ed.
Posted by zero on April 4, 2005, at 18:43:57
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » zero, posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 17:09:10
Well Ed, you've unmasked me! (my name is Don).
It'd surely be a good thing if pdoc's paid more attention to a person's dose/response.
I spent years fighting with pdoc's who insisted I take a full "standard" AD dose ("crazy on 20mgs. of Prozac? What you need is 40mgs." - my 1st psychopharmacologist). They just refused to believe how out of control w. racing thoughts and panic, a "standard" AD dose made me feel.
I'm posting here a bit more often, which is hopefully a good thing.
Best regards,
zero/Don
Posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 18:59:26
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences, posted by zero on April 4, 2005, at 18:43:57
Hi Don!
>It'd surely be a good thing if pdoc's paid more attention to a person's dose/response.
It certainly would, some people need a lot more or a lot less than the 'standard' dose.
>They just refused to believe.......
Pdocs who listen to their patients are always best!
>I'm posting here a bit more often, which is hopefully a good thing.
Of course :-)
Kind regards,
Ed.
Posted by CK1 on April 5, 2005, at 14:33:38
In reply to Re: Trileptal Vs Tegretol Experiences » zero, posted by ed_uk on April 4, 2005, at 18:59:26
I relate to Zero! I seem to not be able to tolerate any ssri's anymore, even Paxil which worked SO WELL for so long gives me panic.
I'm currently on Paxil 5mg and Lamictal 50mg and they aren't cutting it. I'm interested in getting the heck off lamictal and trying a less "activating" mood stabilizer! For those of you with anxiety, think twice about Lamictal! I think I'm having mixed states right now (angry, agitated, anxiety through the roof) but I'm not sleeping too much or severely depressed like I was. I dont know which is worse, depression or extreme anxiety!!!!!Anyone have great "calming" results with a mood stabilizer besides Lamictal????
This is the end of the thread.
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