This might be a repeat of some info. I gave you earlier (I don't remember!)
.   One of the places that Tegretol is used for is control of Complex
Partial (formerly Temporal Lobe) Seizures, for one.   If your seizures start
there, the Auras or Simple Partials that start there can be aggravated or
made to start (among other causes) by stress and emotional upset.    Being
overtired, or stressed can aggravate our type of seizures (Temporal Lobe
ones).
  I even had a period where rapid changes (usually falling)  Barometric
Pressure could bring on some Auras.  Those were handy for predicting Rain or
Snow, but disturbing at the time before I found out they were Simple Partial
seizures caused by change of Blood Flow during above Pressure Drops.
  The Temporal Lobes affect the short term learning and memory, and part of
where we maintain balance?  I think, so if you have some partials there,
part of the aura can be a dizzy whirling sensation.  If you get a Deja Vu
feeling, the aura is coming from the Right Temporal Lobe,  disoriented or
lost Jamais Vu Aura indicates the Seizure Focus is usually in the Left
Temporal Lobe (in case you hadn't seen those before also).
  If that's as extreme as they get, most of mine tended to subside in
frequency over time, so long as I kept to the schedule of medications I was
using then.   (Although the Tegretol is a Controlled Release like mine, it's
important to follow the Dosing rate and not Miss Doses, and try follow the
prescribed approximate times each day you usually take them  Plus or minus
4-5 hours is usually O.K.)
  Also with Tegretol, avoid Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice -- the former can
interfere with the stability of the Blood Levels of the Tegretol, the Latter
apparently interferes with the Absorption? of the Good Medications, while
other Juices or Citric Drinks don't contain the same Acid that is the
culprit.  Luckily I dislike Grapefruit anyway, but some of the juice blends
I used at the time contained  G.F. Juice in the mixture.    G./

Hi Jim-:),
You are on a fairly high dose of poison:).
**G* Do I detect a bias in that?  I was on 800mg of Tegretol CR for CP
seizures at one point and there have been others here up as high as 1200+
mgs.   Suggest he speak to his pharmacist (chemist) or Doctor about these.
Tegretol among other AEDs can be dangerous if stopped abruptly without Dr.
supervision and comments like that might scare someone into promptly
stopping using the ones which can have side effects if stopped abruptly.
   I've put my own experiences below based on Complex Partial seizures and
using that Medication (the Controlled Release version-- CR-- other types are
called either  Retard or XR.  )

  ( These last 3-4 posts you've 'replied to'  never appeared on my server,
they're only here in your posts.   Are those Old posts you're picking up, or
Recent ones on the group? [I'd like to know so I can track down if I have
Another bug that needs fixing -- wouldn't be the first.]   G./   )

From my experience with Tegretol; you are suffering from side effects.  As
you probably know, all AEDs should have their blood levels monitored
regularly to help prevent side effects.
**G* That is correct, up to where a stable level is reached, and if he's new
to Tegretol there should be ongoing testing as you suggested.   Last time
I've needed a Med. change Or bloodtest was more than 5 years ago.   Once a
level is reached that's stable and if it stays stable, ongoing tests are not
needed unless the Dr. calls for them.  /

Tegretol and Dilantin are notorious for their side effects, especially when
taken in tandem; as each pushes the other drugs level higher until you are a
"cot case". And yes, you would be right about pupil size disparity. Just
emphasizes your problem.Any unsteadiness when you are standing/ walking? It
is called Ataxia and is common to both the above drugs.
**G* He's only taking Tegretol and not the 2 in tandem according  to  his
post below?   I had different sized pupils and posted about that here about
1998-- the problem cleared on its own within 3 days.   It produces some
balance issues because of the dual focussing caused by the effect, but
doesn't turn one into a 'cot case'....  /

good luck with it; and yes, I have mailed you before. Early this year or
late last year?
all trhe best, Rich.
PS: copying to your address in case you don't look here each day?

**G* Stress can be a trigger for Complex Partial Seizures (for which
Tegretol CR is prescribed), and also more vigorous physical workouts or
stress can either aggravate the C.P. symptoms or the Rate the Tegretol gets
flushed from your Blood.   If you have Google links, do searches on this
group for posts with Tegretol  (**NOTE  Spelling) in the Title.   Some
Medical sites it might also be listed under Carbamazepine, which is the
Pharmacist's name for Tegretol.

    On my older posts (in case you don't find any)  *avoid Alcohol until
you are at a stable level of  Tegretol and even then it should be used with
*care as more alcohol has more negative effect on Tegretol levels in your
blood  (i.e. 3 drinks is not 3x effect, it's closer to 6x -- a Non Linear
footprint).   Better to avoid it if you can.
   Show any over-the-counter cold, upset stomach etc. products to the
pharmacist who fills your Tegretol Prescription.

   *Avoid GRAPEFRUIT Juice or any juices or fruit *mixes which contain it.
One of the acids in GF messes up the Tegretol levels, that other fruits
don't affect.

**G* Above can be common following a Complex Partial (Temporal Lobe)
seizure.  If you're having dizzy spells without losing consciousness, note
the times they happen and possibly speak to the Doctor.   You may still be
having Simple Partial Seizures (Auras) and that might need an adjustment to
your pill timing or dosage, or (like my case) possibly adding a second
complimentary medication and phasing down the Tegretol *with the Doctor
supervising.
    Above worked for me.   (I was told in 1993 to expect up to 2-3 C.P.
seizures per month.   Last 2 I had were Dec. 97, June 98 with Tegretol CR
and a second medication added in 1996.)   /G.

G.   Have you noted (or can you remember for here)  how often you've had
those?  In other words are they happening Daily,  1-2x a week or a month?
The rate might affect whether the Dr. might adjust any med. levels, or take
a look at some of the stuff I put above(**s)  e.g.  3-4 beers or a glass of
Grapefruit juice would produce the effects you described, but not
necessarily be something we'd think might affect e.g. Tegretol blood levels.
If any of those were in effect, you might get back to full control without
needed any adjustments to the medication levels.
  (Note -- I'm not a Doctor, I just lived with that from 1993-8 and wanted
to save you time I spent learning how to get to full control.    It's worth
the trouble, really... )   G./

Hi,
Im on 1600mg tegretolCR along with 1800mg neurontin, 1000mg epilim and 20mg frisium.
I have the effects mentioned, but to a lesser degree. It depends on metabolism, weight, etc. I'm a large man 6 foot 3 and 100kg and that may be the reason I don't have such bad effects. Don't do anything without first consulting your neurologist as side effects of sudden withdrawal can be worse than effects of too high a dose. Rich, your post sounds a little like scare mongering by someone with a grudge against tegretol. Whilst some people may have bad experiences with a particular med, it doesnt mean that the med is a bad one, just that its not suitable for that person. Personally I have had no problems with tegretol in 30 years.

Cheers,
Darryl.
 Hi Jim-:),
 You are on a fairly high dose of poison:). From my experience with Tegretol; you are suffering from side effects.As you probably know, all AEDs should have their blood levels monitored regularly to help prevent side effects.
 Tegretol and Dilantin are notorious for their side effects, especially when taken in tandem; as each pushes the other drugs level higher until you are a "cot case". And yes, you would be right about pupil size disparity. Just emphasizes your problem.Any unsteadiness when you are standing/ walking? It is called Ataxia and is common to both the above drugs.
 good luck with it; and yes, I have mailed you before. Early this year or late last year?
 all trhe best, Rich.

 PS: copying to your address in case you don't look here each day?

 "Jim Garland" <jgarland@gsa-search.com> wrote in message news:sKpSc.91824$Np3.4478278@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
 > Hi groupies!!
 > I take 800mgs of tegritol CR and it seems to control my epilepsy very
 > well...or as well as one can hope for...
 > But I notice that if I work too much or get into a stressful situation for
 > too long that I am getting this fog...and I will explain what I mean by
 > that.....
 > I am wondering if any of you get this and what you suggest ?
 > -can't really think clearly or as quickly as you can in the past....
 > -feel very tired and just want to close your eyes..
 > -one pupal seems to be larger than the other...or at least it looked that
 > way..
 > -takes a few days of a lot of rest to get over..
 > but once I am over it ...I am fine again and back to normal  ; )
 > Just wondering if anyone else has similar feelings ?
 > Cheers
 >
 >