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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 18:17:42
I've heard good things. My doctor told me that "it does what he hoped neurontin would do for those with Social Anxiety." No offense to neurontin users...those aren't my words and some people seem to do great on it. But how about Tegretol? Any good or bad experiences for Social Anxiety?
Posted by zero on February 2, 2004, at 21:45:55
In reply to Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 18:17:42
Helpful for my social anxiety. Having Social Anxiety Disorder along with Bipolar II, Tegretol has been one of the most beneficial meds. for me.
It puts a limit on the point to which my anxiety level can go (stops it from progressing to the point of panic). This, vs. benzo's which seem better for anticipatory anxiety.
If I take "normal" doses though, it has a depressing effect. So I take anywhere from 200-400mgs./day.
Just my own experience.
Posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 22:24:34
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by zero on February 2, 2004, at 21:45:55
Zero,
What would a "normal" dose be, as opposed to the 200-400mgs you take per day?
Thanks
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 2, 2004, at 23:04:39
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety? » zero, posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 22:24:34
I took it for about 3 months. Had to stop because of SE's. I could never take more than 50-100 mg/day but this is a rare problem. (I have ideosyncratic hypersensetivity to psychtropics).
It took a good month or more to get a small benefit, after that my anxiety got progressively better. If I could continue taking it forever, I would. *sigh*
Posted by SummerSanders on February 3, 2004, at 11:34:20
In reply to Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 18:17:42
What are the side effects like on Tegretol?
Posted by Chairman_MAO on February 3, 2004, at 18:46:59
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 2, 2004, at 23:04:39
I take Trileptal instead of Tegretol. The only advantage of Tegretol that I know of is that generic carbamazepine is pennies compared to Trileptal. I don't know if I can discern one side effect from Trileptal at 600mg/day; perhaps some slight sedation. There was some transient nausea the first few days. Overall, I'm impressed. For something so benign, it is surprisingly effective for my agitation, irritability, and sporadic crying out of nowhere. It also has a definite effect of slowing down my thoughts a little so I don't act as impulsively.
I have heard from many people that the side effects of Trileptal are negligable compared to Tegretol.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 3, 2004, at 18:47:18
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by SummerSanders on February 3, 2004, at 11:34:20
Well, keep in mind that so far I haven't tolerated any psych drug ever made. So I hope that my experience doesn't prejudice your opinion on Tegretol. It's a good med for a lot of people.
You can find some good general info (including side effects) here: http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/TEG1430.HTM
Posted by zero on February 4, 2004, at 2:13:29
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety? » zero, posted by SPhobia on February 2, 2004, at 22:24:34
> Zero,
>
> What would a "normal" dose be, as opposed to the 200-400mgs you take per day?
>
> ThanksAs far as "normal" dose goes, the following on Tegretol for Epilepsy (from rxlist.com - pretty reliable):
Adults And Children Over 12 Years Of Age
Initial: Either 200 mg twice a day for tablets and extended release tablets or 1 teaspoon four times a day for suspension (400 mg per day). Increase at weekly intervals by adding up to 200 mg per day using a twice a day regimen of extened release or three times a day or four times a day regimen until the optimal response is obtained. Dosage generally should not exceed 1000 mg daily in children 12 to 15 years of age, and 1200 mg daily in patients above 15 years of age. Doses up to 1600 mg daily have been used in adults in rare instances.
Using it for SAD or Bipolar is an "off-label" use, but for some perspective, my 1st pdoc. who introduced me to Tegretol, wanted me at 600-800mg./day (bad side effects for me at this level).Hope this is helpful.
Posted by zero on February 4, 2004, at 2:23:03
In reply to Use TRILEPTAL if you can afford it » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Chairman_MAO on February 3, 2004, at 18:46:59
> I take Trileptal instead of Tegretol. The only advantage of Tegretol that I know of is that generic carbamazepine is pennies compared to Trileptal. I don't know if I can discern one side effect from Trileptal at 600mg/day; perhaps some slight sedation. There was some transient nausea the first few days. Overall, I'm impressed. For something so benign, it is surprisingly effective for my agitation, irritability, and sporadic crying out of nowhere. It also has a definite effect of slowing down my thoughts a little so I don't act as impulsively.
>
> I have heard from many people that the side effects of Trileptal are negligable compared to Tegretol.
You're lucky you had a good experience w. Trileptal. I tried replacing Tegretol with it, and had problems. It was "activating", mood-elevating at first, and eventually induced some mild hypomania/agitation/mixed states, did not help w. anxiety, hurt my stomach and gave me headaches.I read and hear it's a great drug for many people though.
Posted by MB on February 4, 2004, at 21:19:15
In reply to Use TRILEPTAL if you can afford it » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Chairman_MAO on February 3, 2004, at 18:46:59
> I have heard from many people that the side effects of Trileptal are negligable compared to Tegretol.
I found Tegretol tolerable, while i couldn't stand Trileptal (malaise and dissociation on it).
I wish I could tolerate the Trileptal, as the risk of blood disease from the Tegretol scared me into ceasing treatment with it. I seemed more "even" on the Tegretol. Nice. Did nothing for anxiety though.
Posted by Chairman_MAO on February 5, 2004, at 7:48:33
In reply to Re: Use TRILEPTAL if you can afford it, posted by MB on February 4, 2004, at 21:19:15
My doctor told me that Trileptal and Tegretol had the same effect. Now it seems apparent that this is just one more thing that he's wrong about. Oh, to have insurance again ...
Posted by jparsell82 on February 6, 2004, at 8:05:14
In reply to Re: Anyone tried TEGRETOL for Social Anxiety?, posted by zero on February 2, 2004, at 21:45:55
Does Tegretol affect your cognition at all?
Posted by MB on February 7, 2004, at 18:38:40
In reply to Tegretol affect memory?, posted by jparsell82 on February 6, 2004, at 8:05:14
> Does Tegretol affect your cognition at all?
I stuttered and could barely read for the first two weeks I was on it (100mg 3x day).
MB
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 9, 2004, at 11:55:20
In reply to Re: Tegretol affect memory? » jparsell82, posted by MB on February 7, 2004, at 18:38:40
I am on Tegretol 200mg 2X daily as a mood stabilizer. It's knocking my socks off right now, but seems to be less sedating than the first day. I can tell a difference in my patience and anger threshold. And so far no more highs and lows. My memory is shot. I hope that improves.
KDi in TX
> > Does Tegretol affect your cognition at all?
>
> I stuttered and could barely read for the first two weeks I was on it (100mg 3x day).
>
> MB
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