Trileptal User Reviews & Ratings

• bsh
• September 24, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on Topamax and my Dr. added 300 mg Trileptal twice a day to deal with anxiety issues caused by Topamax. I have experienced no weight gain and few side effects. There was an initial feeling of "contentment" whenever I took it, but this wore off after a couple weeks. Since adding Trileptal to the repertoire I've experience no manic symptoms but blessed, normal emotions. It's like the anxiety was cut away and a real human being was exposed underneath. The emotions are loud and clear but they aren't overpowering. No cycling. I'd say this was a real plus."

• final...
• October 9, 2019

"I've been on many different mood stabilizer and anti-psychotics since being diagnosed with bipolar 2 a decade ago. Seroquel and risperdol made me a fat zombie, lamictal gave me SJS, depakote made me a raging cow, geodon gave me bad TD, tegretol made me sleep all day... The list can go on and on. It got to the point that I was so fed up with all the terrible side effects from all these medications that I decided to try to go med free for almost 2 years. I finally realized that I needed something and my pdoc recommended trileptal. It has been an absolute game changer. The past few months I've had several traumatic events happen that would usually push me over the edge, but I have been able to keep it together. I seriously feel like trileptal is to thank for that. I take 450mg a day and I have absolutely no side effects. I've even been able to lose weight since starting. I've been more stable then I've been in years on this drug. I highly recommend this to anyone with bipolar disorder."

• Ncderw
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I am diagnosed with Bipolar, still unsure if my type is 1 or 2 because I experienced good several bout of signification impairment of function depressions and frequent severe hypomanics or mild manics. Mixed episodes are my main presentation of bipolar disorder. I tried Lamotrigine and many antidepressants, all they did was fueled my mild delusional manics and another times was mixed. I was on carbamazepine and lithium, it was good but I developed allergic reaction to carbamazepine and fueled a month and half long of constant hypomania mood and doctor put me on Trileptal. For the first time I am able to feel content without any explanation. It is a great medicine, you don't feel side effect and being content, that's a dream to me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Trileptal changed my life. After anti-psychotics not being a good add on to my Lithium and Lamitcal because of heavy non-functional side effects/not tolerated. I searched so long and hard for something that might be able to help stabilize my mood (mostly mania). I have been taking Tripetal at a low dose of 600mg per day for 3 weeks, in addition to my current medication, and just in the first week my mood evened out, I felt normal or whatever normal probably feels like. I am now able to go into therapy and tackle some of my addiction/impulsive behavior that I did not have the capacity to do before when I was not in my right mind. I am so grateful for this medicine for my Bipolar disorder."

• Ewokb...
• June 5, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have just begun Trileptal as a treatment for Bipolar I. I was previously on Seroquel 150 and was unable to function at all within 45 minutes of taking it. I experience rapid cycling and more manic episodes than depressive ones and so the Seroquel helped me sleep. However, I noticed weight gain almost immediately and immense hunger-almost ravenous. When it would wear off I was extremely hostile and agitated. The side effects seemed to outweigh the benefits. So far Trileptal has left me with no side effects except for a slight headache and I have smoothly transitioned out of my manic episode. I feel like I may need a sleep aid however- still experiencing a bit of insomnia. I can only hope the success continues!"

• Santa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2012

For Anxiety "I'm sixty-eight years old and have dealt with anxiety/depression my whole life. There were some medicines over the years that helped, but for one reason or another, I had to stop taking them. But five years ago (July 17,2007) I had an acute neurological episode that awoke me from sleep straight into a Carnival Midway atmosphere. Very disturbing, and my sleep was never restful from that day forward. Four different polysomnograms verified I was getting less than a third of normal REM sleep. Six months ago I discovered Ambien and was quite pleased, but I was recently to see a pain management doctor who understands the value of good sleep in dealing with chronic pain; his preference is Trileptal so I went on it. Never felt this relaxed and normal."

• JessM...
• August 6, 2013

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have MS and experienced a severe relapse and spent a week in the hospital with chronic face pain. After determining it was Trigeminal neuralgia, my neurologist and I spent several weeks trying numerous treatments. Trileptal was the only one that gave me not only immediate relief, but I haven't had any face pain for months now!"

• finally...
• August 28, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "After years of trying to treat depression I have finally found the perfect combination 600mg of Trileptal and 200mg of Wellbutrin, twice a day. My Doctor told me when you're on the right thing you will feel like you aren't on anything. That's the perfect way to describe how I feel. I have NORMAL mood swings, instead of wanting to rip someone's head off at the drop of a dime, or being completely numb. I am diagnosed as Bipolar II. This medicine has changed my life and I hope if Trileptal isn't the answer for your treatment you will keep trying until you find the right thing. It is possible, and there is light on the other side."

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote, Lithium and now Trileptal. Trileptal has given me absolutely no side effects, no weight gain and it controls my mood. I was bumping into walls, throwing up, feeling like I was high and eating everything in sight on Depakote. I gained so much weight. On Lithium, I did well, but couldn't deal with the gastrointestinal issues, as well as urinating every other hour, and being thirsty all the time. Nothing quenched my thirst. This medicine is like taking a vitamin and it has stabilized my moods for almost 5 years now."

• gotgo...
• August 20, 2019

"Have tried and failed literally 10 other medications. I thought my options in the future were either ECT, experimenting with psychedelics, or suicide. Tried this as a Hail Mary with my therapist and oh..my..god. Normalcy for the first time in 6 years. I was dealing with severe mood swings and anxiety (my OCD symptoms I think are from such a high general angst), that I was ready to give up. Within 5 days of this I wasn't feeling much- therapist said give it a few more days and then up the dose if still nothing. I gave it a few more days and all the sudden they just kept getting better. I can't say enough good things. It was like setting me back to the person I was before I got sick overnight. If you're thinking of trying this, please do. I have zero side effects thus far. I am making sure to drink a glass or two of salt water daily also as I'm a sweater and trying to offset the low sodium."

• Rhian...
• March 13, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I actually use this medicine for my bipolar disorder. So far I have had no side effects and no problems with it. My mood has improved a great deal and I don't have anything to complain about. This medicine is a life saver for me!"

• missm...
• January 3, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken this medicine for about six months now. It has been such a life changer for me! I was on depakote as a mood stabilizer for my not terribly severe bipolar disorder. Depakote caused weight gain. Since I have been on Trileptal, I have lost 30lbs and feel great. I am just about to start my student teaching in college and I am more confident than ever that I will succeed with flying colors."

• doglo...
• October 22, 2015

For Seizures "I have been on Trileptal for about a month now. I'm taking 300 mg twice a day. I had an abnormal EEG and diagnosed with right-sided temporal lobe epilepsy. I started having pain 5 yrs ago -intense, daily pain in my right eye and eventually extended further up on the right side of my head (which is related to the epilepsy). I was also suffering from repeated inappropriate thoughts (of sexual nature) very disturbing and disrupted my life. I have since found out that OCD behavior very frequently accompanies temporal lobe epilepsy. Trileptal has stopped the partial sz and inappropriate thoughts. Indocin 25 mg is controlling the pain. Hope this helps others."

• Anony...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 14, 2019

For Seizures "I had my first seizure at the age of 20, I am healthy otherwise. I was diagnosed with a typeof seizure caused by a small Heterotopia and put on 600 mg of Trileptal twice daily. I was seizure free for 15 years until 3 days ago. The only side effect was weight gain. I see my neurologist tomorrow and am anticipating an increase in dose. I would highly recommend this medicine to anyone doing research."

• ASJ
• January 10, 2013

For Seizures "My son of 7 has been on Trileptal for 2 weeks. Immediately the most evident side effect was solemness. A week into therapy he was playing outside and complained of dizziness, weakness and pain all over. Thanks to literature at Novartis site is very comprehensive so I found out about Hyponatremia (sodium level becoming very low). A few drops of concentrated table salt solution in both ears immediately took care of the problem. As for seizures, he hadn't had any. But then, we only found out about his rare nocturnal seizures by coincidence. He did have night terrors twice a month before. We haven't had any of those yet."

• nik
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2024

"Truthfully, I have not had bad experiences with this med. I currently take 600mg. I have Bipolar 2 and my anger outbursts when I have hypomania have decreased with Trileptal. I also take Seroquel 100mg for sleep and anxiety along with Sertraline 100mg. I actually take a fourth of my Seroquel (Doctor approved). But Trileptal has, I think... unless it's all in my head... has done wonders. No side effects, neutral feelings, a little foggy at times that it kind of annoys me. When I talk to people, I go, 'uh... I can't think of the word or place I'm trying to describe...' I was never like that. Oh, I get stomach aches... but I don't know if that's just my anxiety or a side effect. I'm extremely thankful for this med. I've tried a lot, except lithium... I could never. Also, Sertraline... best antidepressant I've had."

• mtncl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2012

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Stopped the incapacitating seizures. Side effects are bothersome but not as awful as the seizures: Sugar-sweet taste of all food, fatigue, occasional nausea, memory issues, sight issues, balance problems."

• Panca...
• October 1, 2010

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "This medicine has been a LIFESAVER for me, because quite frankly, facial nerve pain can drive a person over the edge. It can be very good for those suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. I give this medicine a A . Thank You "

• mads
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2021

For Seizures "THIS WAS THE MEDICATION I had epilepsy for 8 years mainly during puberty years. I was on trileptal once before the last time but due to the low dosage the medication was ineffective. I went to a new doctor and he placed me back on trileptal but increased the dosage of the pill and that was the beginning of being 4 years seizure free and then I was given the news after 5 years that I had officially outgrew my epilepsy."

• Miran...
• October 31, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Trileptal for bipolar disorder for years. I switched from Depakote as it made my hair fall out and I hated the monthly blood tests. I take a large dose of Trileptal, 2100mg/day and shortly after taking it I may have some short-lived side effects (tingling in my face, mild double vision and sleepiness) for about a 1/2 hour. My doctor says I might avoid these if I'd split it into morning and evening doses but I have no doubt I'd forget the morning dose regularly. Trileptal has been very good to me! I still take a low dose birth control (Norethindrone 0.35mg/day) to help with "monthly" ups and downs and we've added Lamictal for it's antidepressant effects (I found out anti-depressants may increase cycling). I've never felt this "Normal" before!"

• girlw...
• November 21, 2017

For Seizures "I started taking Trileptal when Tegretol stopped working for me. I love this medication. I developed epilepsy following a head injury (diving accident) when I was 8 years old. I've had seizures (daytime absence, daytime partial, nocturnal grand mal) since then. Tegretol worked for me for years, then stopped working. Trileptal has been my only seizure medication for the past 11 years and I couldn't be happier. I have to add salt to my diet, and I get very flush whenever I exert myself, but being completely seizure free is worth these small inconveniences."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Trileptal for a month now, combined with a small amount of Zoloft, I feel wonderful. I have taken other mood stabilizers in the past, and this by far is the best one for me. I am a lot calmer (not a zombie)."

• itlps...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2014

"I take 150mg at night. It makes me drowsy, along with a 0.5mg alprazolam I can finally get at least 5-6 hours of sleep at night. I did not know how ill my disorder was making me until I was on this medication and the prescriber that I was seeing let me lapse because I missed my appointment for a refill. Within a couple weeks, I wanted to put my jacket on and run away, thought about running into traffic, real manic, racing thoughts while feeling depressed. I never knew how sick I was for all of those years until I was on the Trileptal and felt what "healthy" was like. Thankfully, found a new doctor and back on it and do not plan on stopping, ever!"

• Xboater
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 29, 2012

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I have been taking 1200mg daily for a number of years and there are times when I'm pain free and times when I'm not pain free. Interestingly enough the pain is usually worse in the morning, and if I ignore it as best I can, it subsides. But it often comes back later in the day and around bedtime."

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I took Trileptal over 2 years ago and had horrible side effects. Started at 1500mg with no change in mood and with no side effects. Raised it to 2400 Mg (Max dosage) and was in a constant drunk/high haze all day. 20 minutes after taking it I couldn't walk in a straight line. My parents would spend an hour some mornings trying to get me to wake up. My managers wouldn't let me work cause it was too noticeable I was "high". Trileptal seems to help a lot of people so this isn't to discourage people for taking it. "