Tegretol and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Bev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 20, 2016

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Diagnosed with atypical TN after lower orthognathic surgery 20 months ago. Now on 1000 mg Gabapentin 3x a day plus prolonged-release Carbamazepine 400 mg at night. Did start 100 mg Carbamazepine in the morning, but had problems with vision and balance, so decided against it. Drugs working okay. Wish there was a solution to my problem :-( Now just been told by my doctor that my white blood count is down, possibly due to the Carbamazepine, so may have to come off it."

• Sea...
• March 27, 2012

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)."

• RN-...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2025

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I took 300 mg 3x a day when I was first diagnosed, May 2023. I had some relief but not enough. Added gabapentin & Lyrica... my pain was improved, but I couldn't function due to side effects. Had MVD 5/30/23 --> 100% pain reduction for 15 months. Then the zaps & horrible ache returned. Had radio-frequency nerve ablation 9/2024. Improved but still in pain. Back on Tegretol. I'm currently on a high (too high??) dose; 400 mg 2x a day... 2 weekends ago I had to go to the ER from work; I had horrible double vision, unsteady, slurred speech. No stroke, but TIA is suspected. I've had the beginning feeling of double vision a couple of times in the last 2 weeks. Ophthalmologist - eyes are good. Neurologist - scans look good. Conclusion --> my body isn't processing Tegretol well, my blood levels are too high. Stepping down to 300 mg 2x a day, 1x if I feel good.... this drug is a life-saver for SO many! Just be cautious of the annoying side effects."

• Fel...
• January 25, 2018

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "While I've taken Tegretol in the past with no issues, this time is different. First time around, no side effects. This time - possibly due to other medication - I've had horrible side effects. Headaches every day, dizziness, nausea to the point of not even enjoying a glass of water. Lightheadedness, unsteady on my feet - going for a walk with my friend the other day, I MUST have looked like a drunk. TBH - this time around, I'd rather have the nerve pain."

• Fel...
• January 25, 2018

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "While I've taken Tegretol in the past with no issues, this time is different. First time around, no side effects. This time - possibly due to other medication - I've had horrible side effects. Headaches every day, dizziness, nausea to the point of not even enjoying a glass of water. Lightheadedness, unsteady on my feet - going for a walk with my friend the other day, I MUST have looked like a drunk. TBH - this time around, I'd rather have the nerve pain."

• Ema...
• May 24, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the best medication I have ever had. I take 2 at night and 1 in the morning. The only trouble I have had was that one time the doctor tried to up me to 2 at night and 2 in the morning, and it caused a terrible vertigo-like feeling. I couldn't even stand up. Overall, I would say it's a great medication."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2017

For Epilepsy "MAKE SURE YOUR DOCTOR TITRATES THE DRUG AND DOES NOT START YOU ON A HIGH DOSE. The 1 grade should be for my Dr. Not the medication. I am a female, about 105 lbs. My Dr. started me on 800 mg without titration for possible seizures. After 2 days, I was so sick and dizzy, and my head/ears were buzzing like crazy. I had nonstop vomiting, ringing in my ears, and severe indescribable dizziness. I ended up going to the ER. I am sticking to Lamictal and found a new doctor."

• ste...
• July 17, 2016

For Epilepsy "The XR seems better than the traditional form used in the 80s that resulted in sodium depletion. This form causes twitching, sporadic and rapidly occurring tremors that make sleeping difficult, increased urination frequency, some minor dizziness at first, and possibly elevated skin sensitivity to sunlight."

• Adv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2024

"I've been on this med for a few months. I haven't experienced any highs or lows yet. Some of the side effects I've had are that I am still getting nausea after a few months. Sometimes when I stand up, I get light-headed and dizzy. I feel like I have some light tremors. At times, I feel like I get hot flashes that come and go. I'm still too young to be in menopause as well. I saw another man had mentioned this in his review too about having the hot flashes. At times, I feel tired and less motivated. I'm losing some weight, but that may be because I came off the drug risperidone, which I was on for 25 years."

• ANG...
• June 12, 2013

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Stopped the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Side effects like unsteadiness, fingers twitching, sore joints, seeing auras, reading difficulties, speaking difficulties."