Carbamazepine Compared to Alternatives

For Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal Neuralgia started about 6 months ago. Started the Carbamazepine about 3 months ago and have been having the dosage steadily increased to 200mg 3x/day with an additional 100mg at night. Pain is easily triggered by the slightest touch to right side of my face and I can avoid that for the most part during the day but night time is bad. The effectiveness of the additional 100 mg at night lasted 2 days and pain is just as bad again. At 61 years of age with multiple health issues and on disability because of COPD, not sure how much of this I'm going to be able to take.

For Trigeminal Neuralgia: I am a 6; 5'' 245 71 yr old retired teacher after 30 yrs since 2007. I played 2 yrs NFL n 2 1/2 yrs in ABA n am a night club bouncer wk as a bond recovery agent and security guard at troubled apt complexes. 3 tours in Vietnam I have been shot, stabbed been in neurmous fights n in last 45 yrs have had 11 surgeries ranging from 2 total hip replacements to eye knees nose ankle. Suffice it 2 say I have experienced ' pain .' Have TN for last 16 yrs. Unequivocally, this is the WORST pain I have ever experienced bar none. And as I get older ,as I am told by my Dr, it will only get worse.I was prescribed 300 mg 3x/day but since June of 2014 have been taking 150 mg 4x/daily.now taking 900 mg /day and I can't seem 2 balance the pain.Any insight ???

For Anxiety: I think it’s helping. Hard to say, as I am on a lot of other meds that are helping me feel better. Either way, I’m not vomiting from anxiety anymore and I can eat — so it must’ve done something!

For Anxiety: Like many of you, I have tried several SNRI's and SSRI's..None work after a certain time period, and nearly all cause weight gain. I am thrilled that I might have actually found a solution to my chronic depression especially given this med is meant more for Bi-polar which is not my diagnosis. I have energy for the first time in years, no weight gain, no increase in appetite! Sleeping great and waking up with energy. I'm almost afraid to write this because I may jinx it but I feel great.. I am only on 200 mg. split up twice a day and I don't need to increase at this point so I'm sticking with this low dose. very happy so far. I hope this review helps other who have struggled with finding a solutions to chronic depression..

For Bipolar Disorder: Well, I would say that the side effects, when you stop talking is like so. I feel like I'm shivering inside, one of the worst feeling in the world. So bad that if I miss a dose, I'm waiting at the Pharmacy before its open. I suggest that one doesn't miss a dose.

For Bipolar Disorder: Started taking this medicine about two months ago, after the Lamictal-induced sickness wore off. Up to 400mg now and I think I need a higher dosage as have been manic for a couple of weeks now. But it started to work straight away, and no side effects except for my third day of taking them when I started to get a little confused. Was okay the next day though!