Am I a freak? I just started Trileptal and I read that a common side effect is drowsiness/sedation, but it is doing the opposite for me: it is giving me insomnia. I slept MAYBE 4 hours last night, and I am utterly exhausted right now.

How long does this effect stay around? Does it ever disappear?

I hope you get better sleep tonight.

I think most meds include "sedation" in their lists, but don't really give it, unless they are certain antipsychotics or select other meds. I don't believe Trileptal or Tegretol are meant to help with sleep. Maybe your body/brain is just a little shocked by the new med. Maybe you had a touch of anxiety or excitement by the fact you took a new med?

Thanks, BirdDancer!

I was hoping Trileptal would be "sleep neutral," but admittedly, I was prepared to sleep A LOT because of the sedation "warning." Though, you might be onto something with regards to my body and brain being "shocked" by a new med.

I admit I was a little anxious about trying it, but anxiety like that usually doesn't keep me awake. I was anxious about it for the first 30 mins after I took it, but then I totally forgot I even took it (i.e., I wasn't even thinking about it at bedtime).

Sounds like you do not feel sedated either, so I am glad to know I am not the only one.

[bpcyclist]

The medication currently that makes me sleepy most reliably is a medication that is marketed and used to keep people awake. So, there you go...

[Blue_Bird]

I’ve never had issues with trileptal. Have been on it for 4 years or longer. Sorry you’re experiencing that