I started tegretol about 3 weeks ago. This is the first psychiatric medication I've been on for this long (was on lamictal, but had a bad reaction after 2 weeks).

When you find a medication that is effective, is it obvious? Do you suddenly feel more stable, or do the benefits creep up subtly, until one day you realize you feel much better?

According to the pharmacist, tegretol will start having an effect between 4-6 weeks after the first dose is taken. I've been in a depression for the past month, though I've had a few good, or even hypomanic, days or hours due to my ridiculous cyclothymic temperament. Today, I feel better. I don't feel depressed, just very bored and apathetic. I'm not "cured", and I definitely would not want to stay like this forever; I have virtually no motivation. But I don't feel depressed. Even the physical symptoms are letting up; I still feel fatigued, but it's not as bad.

So, I'm wondering if this could be the beginning of my response to the tegretol? Or perhaps it's just another temporary visit to see the sun before my cycling brings me right back down again... I suppose only time will tell, but I'd appreciate your responses about what it feels like to have a medication take effect. Thanks.