Quote:
Originally Posted by spikes
I just started it last week at 400mg (still on that dose). I called my doctor, but since they just moved up my appointment I'm not sure if I'm supposed to still take it until then or what. I'm worried if I stop it I'll get manic since I'm also on prozac and they just lowered my Risperdal dose, but I'm worried if I don't stop it this rash will get worse. I suppose I'll keep taking it until my appointment, I mean the rash is very small and could've easily been caused by too much itching yesterday/boob sweat. I took some benadryl for the itching and already took my morning dose of Tegretol.
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I see. That seems like a good plan, to me. I hope the rash quickly fades. I will say that you may be on to something that the heat could be a factor. I get all kinds of skin irritation from heat. I always joke that I'm meant to live in north Sweden or Finland. In any case, please do be careful about the rash.
When I started Tegretol XR, I was on a number of other bipolar medications, which did not include an antidepressant. I guess I now understand how my psychiatrist was able to start me on a lower dose than yours has. I remember my doc started me on only 100 or 200 mg. The pill was actually a chewable at 100 mg. I guess for children's use. Then I was slowly weaned upwards. I'll admit that I did experience some "new medication adjustment" side effects along the way, but they were not permanent. Now I take 1,200 mg and have for years. I even took up to 1,400 mg for a while. I appreciate my Tegretol XR very much, though I won't go into the long story why.
Like with some other bipolar medications, I read the following at the
Mayo Clinic site about Tegretol :
"Some people who take carbamazepine may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
- Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, if possible.
- Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
- Apply a sun block product that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
- Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
- Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth."
[/LIST]I don't think it's necessarily THAT bad for most, as this warning may seem, but still. I believe Seroquel has the same kind of warning. I have very fair skin (my husband calls me the "Vice President of a cement factory") so I do take precautions.