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Dosage of Tegretol

Posted , 5 users are following.

Sime
Sime

Any thoughts on ideal dosage for TN sufferers?

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • army183
    army183 Sime

    Posted

    Varies a lot from person to person. Some get bad adverse reactions even at quite a low dose. My "maintenance" dose is 600-800mg spread out a 3-4 doses per day. When I'm having a breakthrough period which can last some weeks, I can take about 1400 - 1600mg per day (and I need it). Main side reactions are scabby facial skin and being spaced out. So you shouldn't drive if on high doses, which makes work a bit difficult.

    I can cope with high doses maybe cos I'm a big bloke. But I know others find these doses difficult. However, I can't cope with even very low doses of amitriptalene (spelled wrong!) but others find it very useful to help with sleeping.

    Whatever doses or drugs you use should be discussed and approved by your medic practitioner anyway.

    Cheers

    Big D

  • holly35803
    holly35803 Sime

    Posted

    Army183 gave a good reply--dosage varies by person. I also understand that the dosage may need to be adjusted over time. When I was diagnosed a year ago I was started on the lowest dose possible. My neurologist wanted me to STAY on the lowest dose I could tolerate in order to avoid immediate or long-term side effects. 
  • army183
    army183 Sime

    Posted

    Forgot to say, don't suddenly stop Tegretol if you're feeling better or pain is much reduced, because there is a risk of you having a seizure - reduce the dose gradually over several days.

    Keep safe

    Big D

  • wavedancer
    wavedancer Sime

    Posted

    Hi, as others have already said it does vary from person to person

    and also to some extent how you cope with the side effects. I am on

    400mg 4 times a day of tegretol with awful side effects. I am on

    75-100mg of amitriptyline too which I take in one dose at night to help me

    get through the night. It's now 4am so it's not doing that job! The Tegratol

    used to help at first but as the time has gone on and the periods of

    remission got shorter with the attacks lasting longer it doesn't seem to be

    as effective. I tried Lyrica and pregbalin(cant remains how to spell it!)

    but within 48 hours I was suicidal and felt dreadful. Hope that helps to

    answer your question.

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