[delphinen]

Well, the topic says almost everything. I would like to try for a week or two (no more than that) if I feel more stabilized with this medication (because I think I do), but I also know I should go to a hospital to count my platelets, white and red blood cells. Should it harm just trying it a week or 2? no more than that without monitoring.

[Travelinglady]

Well, let me put it this way--I have been taking Tegretol for about two and a half years and my platelets have rarely been monitored. Maybe once or twice?

[delphinen]

Well, I just had a bad experience from my addiction and Tegretol.
I usually take meds with too much APAP, Paracetamol, I know the edge per day on adults it's supposed to be 4g, but sometimes I exceeded this and I felt nauseous but fine after some hours.
Today I began feeling incredibly nauseous, I knew immediately it was from the so much APAP I take, it's the only med that gives me this problem. However, I expected to be nothing important.
One hour, two hours passed, I tried making exercise, taking Sodium Bicarbonate, the usual things to make me feel better. It was no good. I couldn't swallow, I had to spit continuously. My liver was beginning to fail? how come? well, after googling, I discovered that Tegretol prevents the further absorption of Acetaminophen because of it's wonderful self induction.
I decided to go to the bathroom and auto induce vomit. It was very easy, after 5-10 seconds of keeping my hand well inside my mouth I began vomiting. I think I vomited half I had in my stomach, including the APAP, because I felt relief immediately.
After some hours I slowly began to drink some Coke with an Alka-Setzer. After another hours I took my Tramadol and my Klonopin as well. I still feel "pressure" or some nausea, but it's super mild. As for my stomach, I feel it like pretty empty.
I never vomit, but this time it was super easily auto inducing it, though it probably put a lot of stress in my abdomen and heart. I can swallow my own spit normally now. And can drink to some extent.
I won't take Tegretol again. The interaction with meds is incredible high, I never thought APAP would be affected by it too. I think tonight I just saved myself from liver failure.

[Travelinglady]

Yes, Tegretol does have some potentially bad side effects. It sounds like you are someone who should avoid it.....

[liveforfish]

I've been on Tegretol for 16 years. I get blood tests done every 3 months. I have been having issues with red blood cells and anemia. My doc wants me to consider changing medication due to the negative long term effects of tegretol. Tegretol affects bone marrow cells over many years of use. I use it for Bi Polar.

For short term use, the blood levels help the doc find a theraputic level so you have enough in your system.

[delphinen]

Other than this side effects, I was doing well on Tegretol. It also increased my libido, something very strange (I usually have very very low sex drive). But the drug interacts practically with all other drugs... I really can't take it. It even makes my Klonopin less effective I just found.
I don't know how I'll treat my bipolarity, but it does not worth my liver or getting seizures.

[liveforfish]

Bi Polar can be treated with Depakote, Topamax, lithium, etc. Talk to your md.