Wind--tegretol, sodium, and bc on tegretol, HELP
#205446 - 08/14/05 05:40 PM
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Why do you need extra sodium, electrolytes, etc. on tegretol. My psych said I don't. (I trust you MORE!!!!) I have such dry mouth! Will it help with dizzyness? Why did your doc recommend it?
I cannot have sugar under any circumstances as it makes me hypoglycemic among other things. Other suggestions? I DO eat tons of fresh fruits and veggies already. Any other ideas? Thanks for your help *hugs*
I'm also REALLY MAD regarding the decrease in BC effectiveness the tegretol has. Will I ever have sex with hubby again?!?! Any thoughts here? What do you recommend naturopath Kate? I lost 20 lbs I don't want to gain it back from yet another med messing with my bod! Thanks for your help/lending ear *hugs* Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I'm not Wind, but I just wanted to say that Tegratol is the same drug my son was placed on back in March, and the diziness in his case was because the blood levels of the drug were too high. Once this was discovered, the dose was lowered and the diziness went away.
Make sure your prescribing physician keeps a close check on the level of the blood in your system as well as electrolyte, sodium and white blood cell counts...all known problems with long term use of the drug. My son will be on it a minimum of 2 years and seems to be doing ok so far, but his pediatrician keeps a really close check on things for us!
Hope your body adjusts!
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God is Faithful!
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bamagirl
#205644 - 08/15/05 02:45 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I thought your son was on Trileptal? Am I confusing him with someone else?
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Ruchie:
I'm not a naturopath.
How much fluid are you drinking? Drinking too much fluid while on this drug can be dangerous. It's hard not to drink lots because this drug makes you REALLY DRY and REALLY THIRSTY. You need to make sure your have LOTS OF SODIUM/CHLORIDE to keep your blood electrolytes in balance.
Are you getting your blood levels monitored? Stuff like Gatorade is THIRST quenching and helps with the dryness. What kind of drinks take the dryness out of your mouth? Hard candies? Maybe some "spritzers" with juice? Something on the tart side tends to take the edge off dryness, i.e. cranberry, tropical, lemon-lime, kool-aid, lemon-aid...Maybe cut with some club soda for the sodium citrate? Pedialyte is less sweet/sugary.
If you're really dizzy, report this to your doctor. Honestly, GATORADE helps me tremendously with any dizziness and nausea, as well as eating lots of veggies/fruits WITH SALT!!! You're white blood cell counts get warped, and you experience it as flu-like symptoms. Can you try Gatorade? I know you're worried about hypoglycemia. When you're blood sugar is low, you need sugar! How about salty snacks? Juices? If you're really nauseated/dizzy--think NO CHICKEN SOUP and easy going fruits like bananas, applesauce, crackers with salt... THINK B VITAMINS!!! This drug makes you need more B Vitamins, especially folate/B6/B12.
I'm infertile, Ruchie and skinny--a bonerack. This drug has not made me fat in the least. There are many birth control options beyond the pill. Honestly, I know squat about birth
control as I haven't had a menstrual cycle in too many years to remember, i.e. late teens/early twenties.
You're also on Clonazepam, correct? This will make you dry and dizzy. It's hypnotic, isn't it? I think it can cause weight gain/munchies.
Have your MD monitor your blood levels, and TRY SOME THIRST QUENCHING types of beverages, stuff that keeps your saliva flowing...what makes you salivate? (Confession, I chew gum.
I know that's anti-IBS, but otherwise I am so disgustingly dry that I nearly hurl. Sour types of candies help too. Popsicles/freezies? Gingerale spiked with cranberry juice?
I'm wracking my brain. Perrier? Some fruit snacks?)
Honestly, my doctor gives me hell if I drink too much clear fluid and don't use salt and GET ENOUGH B-vitamins for the blood cell count thing.
Kate.
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Hugs for Ruchie
#205656 - 08/15/05 03:37 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Sweetie, I haven't been following any posts for so long, I know I've missed a lot of yours, no doubt.
I don't now what to say to you except that I'm very glad you came back to the Boards a year ago, when I contacted you by e-mail -- remember? -- and you were so hesitant to return. It's really good that you did, because you're obviously getting help from all the great gals here.
I wish I had an answer for all the pain and suffering you've endured ever since I've known you. All I can offer are three words of advice that I hope you'll heed:
NEVER GIVE UP.
{{{{Hugs}}}}
Bevvy
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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As far as I know, the only birth control method really affected by Tegretol is the Pill. There are other options: IUD, patch, condoms, and probably others I can't think of off the top of my head. As I am infertile, it's not something I really think about. I suggest just using an alternative method of birth control.
Hugs,
Katie.
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Hey bamagirl! How's your son adjusting to Tegretol? Is he over the dizziness? How are you managing with lifestyle? Just curious. I'm rarely dizzy, although I do have nausea.
My biggest problem is with the electrolytes and consuming excessive amounts of fluid.
Kate.
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Actually, my son is on Trileptal, which is Tegratal's "newest" version...same drug with an extra oxygen molecule according to the pharmacology description.
Anyway, he started it in March and had a heck of a time for about the first two months. VERY dizzy, kind of out of it. His dose was too high once he reached the target dose, so they lowered it 25% and he got better immediately. So far, the bloodwork is coming back normal. We are waiting results of a blood draw right now in fact.
It scares me to have him taking a drug with so many side effects, but the seizures scare me more! Thanks for asking!
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God is Faithful!
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Trileptal is right. Same drug as Tegratol... carbazepine with an extra oxygen molecule hence oxcarbazepine. Supposed to lessen the side effects. You have a terrific memory!
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