Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Wind--tegretol, sodium, and bc on tegretol, HELP

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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