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Carbamazepine/Tegretol

Posted , 6 users are following.

RachRoux
RachRoux

Hi All,

I started taking Tegretol a few months back and have been increasing my dose gradually under my drs care. This med does have the usual side effects dizziness, tiredness etc which can be pretty intense but what I'm concerned about is as soon as I started taking this med I got a really sore throat and started to have trouble swallowing. My dr seemed to brush this off as some sort of acid reflux even I don't suffer from acid reflux and gave me a giant bottle of gaviscon. As I am increasing the meds my throat is getting more painful, harder to swallow and I am getting earache as my glands are very painful also. I have read the side effects sheet and it says this is a bad reaction but surely my dr wouldn't be keeping me on it if that was the case? Any advice would be great as I feel horrendous. Xx

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • paula76255
    paula76255 RachRoux

    Posted

    Hi Rach

    Have you had these symptoms being on a higher dose of tegretol or could it be a coincidence and maybe you've caught a virus? I'd personally try and see another GP asap or at the very least see your GP and show him the leaflet re side effects. Tell him you're feeling worse.

    I had problems with this tablet and ideally you should be having 3 monthly blood tests to check your liver etc. I came off of it due to very low sodium. I'm still on Duloxetine and have been for the past year and this tablet is an antidepressant and not the usual epilepsy tablets. I don't have the side effects but my pain isn't as well managed. I chose this over feeling hideous.

    I hope you get sorted out soon and start feeling better.

    Paula xx

    • RachRoux
      RachRoux paula76255

      Posted

      Hi Paula,

      I started getting the sore throat and trouble swallowing initially when first started taking the medication but as I have increased the symptoms have got worse. Potentially I could have picked up a virus but I just seemed very odd that it started at the same time. I have had my blood checked an all came back okay. I am absolutely wiped out and about 10 minutes after taking the pill itself I start getting hot and cold sweats. It's just awful =(

      Maybe this is just a virus I don't know.

      My drs don't listen at all they are more bothered about getting you out the door because they are so busy.

    • paula76255
      paula76255 RachRoux

      Posted

      Hi Rach

      I've sent you a private message. Hopefully it sent ok!

      Paula xx

  • marlene36342
    marlene36342 RachRoux

    Posted

    H Rr - It's been some time since we connected.  Sorry to hear your update re:  tegretol but your sore throat issues are trying to tell you something is wrong.  I would go back to do your dr and have your throat checked for swelling, redness, etc.  A sore throat just does not happen for no reason and now the issues you are having with swallowing, this should not happen.  I was on an anti-seizure med and my side effect was tongue swelling and immediately stopped the med.  You must see your dr again and if necessary, get a second opinion.  With these side effects, I know I would have stopped and tried another med.  Rr this is only my opinion but your body is trying to tell you something.  Would like to know how your days have been going?  I was away again and just back home yesterday.  Take good care and don't leave this.  Mars Xx 

    • RachRoux
      RachRoux marlene36342

      Posted

      Sorry we haven't spoken in a while marlene, I've just sent you a pm Xx

  • esther48415
    esther48415 RachRoux

    Posted

    I would double check with your pharmacist ASAP.  They are familiar with side effect profiles and can be a valuable resource.  Many Dr's would have possibly tried oxycarbamazapine if the fatigue is intense as for many it has a lower side effect profile, but as it is closely related to the carbamazipine if the sore throat and swallowing are related to the medication exercise extreme caution!!!!

    When my daughter switched the fatigue subsided!

     

    • RachRoux
      RachRoux esther48415

      Posted

      Thank you for your message my pharmacy is terrible when it comes to asking questions hey never want to give advice as they don't want to be responsible! So annoying! I am feeling a little better now which is positive in terms if my TN but the sore throat and earache is worse. I have been referred to an ENT as my DR is worried about my eardrum as it looks like something is pushing it. she said it doesn't look good and even talked about the dreaded C word. =|

      We will see...

      Xx

  • maryam20950
    maryam20950 RachRoux

    Posted

    hi RachRoux, I have TN for 21 years, when started I was seeing Neurologist, that put me on Tegretol and Ultram, I had a lot of problems from these Medications, finally somebody told me you should have to go to the pain clinic and see a pain specialist because those Doctors who work in the pain Clinic they know all the medications regarding the nerve problems that the Neurologists do not have complete knowledge and he was right. when I went there, they tried a different medication and I am good right now, go there. Good luck.  
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