Carbamazepine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)
Brand names: Tegretol, Carbatrol, Tegretol XR, Epitol, Equetro
Carbamazepine has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 335 reviews on Drugs.com. 58% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Carbamazepine
- Anonymous
- March 8, 2009
Tegretol XR (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "Although the side effects can be very difficult to deal with but the pain of Trigeminal neuralgia is far far worse. This last attack that I had with the disorder put me to my knees begging to die so I started my Tegretol once again and now 6 days into it no pain at all. I am very nauseated and extremely dizzy but I will take the side effects over the pain any day of the week."
- Mel
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 4, 2018
For Bipolar Disorder "The best thing since sliced bread. I was on lithium, depakote, seroquel and other drugs I can't remember. However, none of the other meds worked for me like tegretol. I take is along with celexa for my bipolar 1 diagnosis. I feel great. "
- Latny
- March 20, 2015
Epitol (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "I've had Trigeminal Neuralgia for over 16 years and the only relief I've ever had was Carbamezapine. Until recently Walmart was trying to save me money giving me the equivalent, Epitol, which I was told I'd of the dance formulary. This can't be correct, because I can barely function due to being extremely sleepy with this drug. I had taken Carbamezapine for so long and it worked 11 on a scale of 1-10. Changing my medicine without my consent was not a cool thing to do and I earn others to make sure that they look into these things before taking different medicines. I'm not pleased with Epitol at all."
- Funwi...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- October 2, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have been using tegretol (carbamzepine) since 2008. I have been DX with Multiple Sclerosis and Trigeminal neuralgia. I was put on Carbarzepine because of the MS. My first dose started working at 400mg. And worked after a half an hour. Now in 2016. Because of my building a intolerance to the medicine . I am at 1200 mg. I can not live without this medicine. I have TN on both sides of my face. As soon as the shocks calm down I will slowly try to back off the medicine back to 900 mg where I was a month ago. Moving back and forth between doses makes my balance off and me feeling sick. I take the 1200 mg by splitting it into 4 times 8am , 2pm , 7pm and 12am. Not all at once."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Facep...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- October 13, 2019
Epitol (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "When I was first diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia I was in lots of pain. Pain medications did NOTHING. But Epitol worked but I was continually upped on the dose to keep it working. At the highest dose my Dr would give, 1200mg a day the pain still came back AGAIN. Finally a neurologist added 25mg of Amitriptyline and lowered the Epitol to 600mg a day. I've even lowered that over the past few years to just 400mg of Epitol a day and still only 25mg of Amitriptyline at night. I've also used Carbazamepine (the name brand) and Epitol (the generic) both work the same for me."
- Seatt...
- March 27, 2012
Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Epilepsy "Have had complex partial seizure disorder for over 40 years. My main medicine that held me for years was Phenobarbital. When I started having breakthrough seizures, Tegretol was the secondary medicine that has held me okay for the past 4 years. I tried Tegretol XR first but for me, I felt very tired, some dizziness, poor memory, and very bland. When the Dr switched me to regular Tegretol, it was totally opposite! I felt alive again, memory sharp, out riding horses, happy as a lark and felt like my good old self. People should know there are many different medicines for epilepsy these days and also that there is a Tegretol XR (long-acting)."
- VWano
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- July 14, 2017
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I've had TN for about 6 or so years was put on 900mg a day and that worked for a few years n duh me slowly stared taking myself off n pain got worse so Dr upped the dose 1800mg a day that worked for quite awhile then later it started coming back so did a lot of research and come across people that did the cyberknife treatment and no referral and they got me in right away for first appt and did MRI and CT and they made a mask and two weeks later I had it done I'm just a few days out since treatment and they pain will get less n less after a month or so, so I'm hopeful, the other comments said they have been pain free after the nerve started to die with a slight numbness n I can deal with that verses pain I'm hoping they find a cure"
- Cross...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 3, 2018
Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "Been taking 3x day for several years. Suffered on and off for decades from head/facial pain with no diagnosis. Finally went to good neurologist. Tried gabapentin. Didn't work at all. (Neither does Dilaudid) This does make me groggy still and I have nausea, brain-drain and more. I would take any side effect for relief from that horrific pain. I've had it so bad, I literally couldn't breathe in. The break through pain I now gets is mainly an ache in my ear and sometimes teeth. The side effects also may be from the 15 other meds I take for various problems."
- Tpmss
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 26, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I've been taking Tegretol for over a month now, right after my TN diagnosis. It took a couple of days to fully work. Every since then the pain went completely away. Side effects for me are feeling sleepy and dizzy all the time."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 12, 2012
Tegretol XR (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "It took me 2 years to be diagnosed and as soon as I began taking Tegretol I began feeling less pain. I take 600 mg daily. I was taking 800mg but the nausea was too much. If I ever miss a pill I will begin to have pain but while taking it I am almost 100%."
- Momof...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 25, 2013
Tegretol XR (carbamazepine) for Epilepsy "I am 33 yrs. old and have been taking Tegretol XR since I was 18 yrs old for grand mal seizures. It has been great.....I have had two healthy children and maintained my medication during my pregnancies and had no problems. Have been seizure free for 10 years!"
- Cairo...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 1, 2013
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Been taking for 10 years. Just had a bad 3 months and it took 1600mg for 3 weeks to control it. Now back to 1200mg and am reducing 100mg every 2 weeks. I was down to 600mg prior to this. A very heavy cold set it off this time. For some strange reason, 1 x400mg tablet is far more effective than 4x100mg tablets. I am in UK so no insurance and little cost."
- Rffhu...
- November 19, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "TN came on gradual over a period of time, initially short attacks lasting only a few seconds prompted by face movement such as eating or talking. Went down the dentist route first and had 2 teeth removed until he told me I should see a doctor. I didn't go for some time and attacks got worse, lasting longer and incapacitating in intensity. Diagnosed with TN and prescribed tegrotol. Taking 800mg a day and only odd "breakthrough" pain on certain days depending where the TN settles (sometimes in the muscle and jaw and sometimes on the skin surface). No side effects from tegrotol but pain returns almost instantly should I miss my medication."
- Jan4a...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 9, 2013
Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Trigeminal Neuralgia "My problem started with severe uvetis/iritis (inflammation of the iris) for which I was under a eye specialist care. This went on for almost 3 yrs before the Dr was able to get it under control. I lost a lot of vision the the left eye (it was in both eyes). Eventually I became aware that I had tested positive for Lyme disease in 2005 but was never treated for it. I continued to have severe pain around the left eye that was incapacitating. I finally found a Lyme Dr. after much pain, agony, & suffering. I was told I had trigemial neuropathy in my left eye. I was given carbamazepine 100mg x2 per day. I have only been taking it prn but after reading other peoples experience I believe I need to take it every day to get the full effect . Thank Yo"
- butte...
- November 21, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have TN2 it took 10 months 5 doctors ,dentist visit and lastly in hospital with severe neck ,face ,ear pain to get correct diagnosis.Like most first visit to the dentist,he said nerve issue,but I went to regular dr. first was diagnosed with migraine ,went to ENT,he said no problem go back to dentist meanwhile I am having pain 24 /7 can only open mouth about an inch ,eating ice cream & gaining weight.Started on a very low dose Carbamazepine because I am very allergic,first few days numbness improved ,then on 200mg a day ,it is working but jaw pain has not totally subsided.I don't have any side effects so far,thankfully.If all pain does not go away I will have to up the dosage after I see dr.Prayers to you all"
- haapb...
- July 19, 2014
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "My experience with Trigeminal Neuralgia is that it seems hugely influenced by emotional stress. Managing this, and bringing presence of mind remain for me the most effective ways to deal with this crippling pain. Nevertheless, the carbamazepine seems helpful so far, though the side effects only seem to add to the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis I've been diagnosed with for a dozen years."
- debbi...
- April 7, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Dear God never experienced such pain like it (not even childbirth) - started with twitching to lower face 5 days ago and then bouts of explosive pain to left cheek, jaw, upper and lower teeth. Pain coming every half hour and lasting between 7-10mins each - cant do anything other than wait for it to pass (and cry at times)! Started carbamazepine yesterday am twice daily and pain lessened already but feel very sleepy and bit nauseous / "loose" - still feel the underlying pain there but so much better. Emergency dental appointment today with xrays - no dental cause. Have had tinnitus in left ear for past 8-9 months after heavy cold plus some cervical disc bulging and nerve root impingement at C7. Anyone else been given a cause for this??"
- Anonymous
- December 2, 2011
Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Peripheral Neuropathy "It took approximately 3 months for the Tegretol to have any effect. When it did it was almost overnight. Also found that taking Xanax with it helps tremendously (with Doctor approval of course). I take up to 3 mg Xanax with 3 times daily and 200 mg Tegratol 2 times daily. It really works. The burning has almost ceased."
- No th...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 3, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Was prescribed the drug for trigeminal pain. Knowing people with trigeminal neuralgia and feeling my pain was no where as severe as some, I felt that it may be a bit overkill for my symptoms maybe we were trying to castrate a mosquito with a machete? In the end I couldn't stand how it made me feel. Put on 8 pounds in just 5 days. Blood pressure went up and I was EXHAUSTED. I felt very edgy lost confidence in my stride and though the pain I was experiencing did dull it began to expand to both temples, tingling on lips and hands, worst, I just didn't feel myself. I felt both drunk and somehow so fully aware of my strange symptoms It was as though I was observing myself from a foot away. 200 mg twice daily for five days."
- Noname
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 9, 2019
For Epilepsy "This stuff was horrible for me, did not stop sleeping siezures and side effects gave me such a bad attitude, I was very grouchy but was numb to most feelings for other issues. I didn't want to do anything, ruined my appetite and my relationship. 200 mg twice a day"
- Chigirl
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 26, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have only had two doses so far 100mg/2x a day. Pharmacist said it could take 5-7 days to feel the full effects as it has to build up and that I could still take Motrin or Vicodin (neither of which really put a dent in the pain) until it starts to work. So far I've had probably 9 or 10 "episodes" of pain and instead of what I can only compare to contractions (I've had 3 natural childbirths), the pain is now about a 6/10 vice 10/10. I am so happy about this, I developed TN 6 months ago and thought like others it was in my teeth or gums; I now know it was due to a sinus surgery...the pain has gone from mild, one episode a day to intense, excruciating, balled up on the couch crying every hour bad. I hope this medicine works."
- Lulul...
- August 21, 2020
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I thought it was a toothache happening in my right upper jaw. My partner recommended me to see my doctor we who referred me to a neursurgeon. He recommended surgery. I had the surgery and the pain was gone for 5 years. Then out of the blue the pain hit me. My home Doctor issued carbamizepine but it took awhile to to take effect. They started to work and I was pain free for about a year. Suddenly pain returned. I increased the dosage but it still hasn't helped. The pain happened when I went to wipe my nasal part of my nose on right side. The shock went from there to my cheek and eye area. I was taking 2 pills in the morning and 1 pill at lunch hour and 2 in the evening. Shocks happen in the morning and now they are unpredictable. I seen the doc and said to add one more at lunch time. I thought it may be from drinking coffee as it has caffeine in it. So I'm cutting out any caffeinated drinks and see if its part of the problem.. Praying for everyone who is suffering from this horrible pain."
- secre...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- January 24, 2023
Equetro (carbamazepine) for Bipolar Disorder "This drug saved my life and my marriage. I started with 100mg and over time increased to 800mg/day. I had some rough side effects for the first year or so (gastrointestinal, painful joints, and insomnia mainly). Now I still have some difficulty with recalling words which is embarrassing but does not interfere with my job. However, it’s all been worth it because Equetro quickly stopped the bipolar 2 misery that plagued me for decades before I was diagnosed. It has brought me peace and stopped out-of-control spending and eating. My savings grew and my weight fell (100 pounds lost in 5 years). Equetro keeps mania under control but it does not fix depression (just makes it less bad) so I also take 450mg/day of Wellbutrin for that. Regardless of the side effects (which mostly go away over time), it is totally worth it and gave me my life back."
- Reddy...
- September 29, 2016
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I got the TN problem 3 years ago. Initially, thought the problem is with my teeth and did a root canal. It was not necessary and diagnosed with TN. Tegritol helped to reduce the pain to a manageble condition. I took 400 mg 3 times a day. But that much of medicine everyday made me feel so drowsy. So, I read about the chiropractice and started doing the adjustments and started doing brisk walking everyday for 4 miles. With this for an year, The medication is reduced to half. Now I am taking only 200 mg for 3 times! This is a good improvement in my case and want to continue the same, until I stop taking any medication to reduce my pain completely. Hope this helps many who is going thru this mega pain to reduce the medication."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Carnexiv
Tegretol (carbamazepine) for Bipolar Disorder "I found teratoll very helpful I take I conjunction with mertazapine and it has really changed my life I have many lifetime issues that will never go away but with this combination of drugs I feel my condition is under control now I take 400 milligrams per day of slow release with my dose of mertazapine and I only get angry now like a normal person get irrational only in extreme circumstances but generally I can function fine"