It may just be the dosage. When I first bumped up to 400mg from 200mg of Tegretol, I became a zombie. I called my pdoc and he misinterpreted it as me still cycling. He did not understand that I don't feel like that during my depressions. And you know what was so frustrating? Not being able to cry! It's such a natural thing to do! So when I went into see him, I literally made a fist and slammed the desk to get his attention. He was again repeating the cycling thing. Well he paid attention that's for sure!

Of course I wouldn't suggest that but I think pdocs get so stuck into their little world that they forget being friendly and energetic or sad/feel empathy at appropriate times is necessary to thrive at work and in relationships.

Well you know yourself best so ultimately you should only put what you feel comfortable with, in your mouth.