>I was just given a presc. for Tegretol (carbamazepine) from my neurologist
>for the pain, which is constantly present, sometimes worse than others. It
>is sometimes a burning, sometimes feels freezing, or squeezing or aching or
>exhaustion. Always uncomfortable. My skin is super sensitive. Wearing jeans
>hurts, as does the lightest touch, even a brushing by my cats tail will be
>very painful. About 5 weeeks ago, for 2 weeks, I had no pain. I felt
>almost 100%. Now, the pain is constant. I am wondering what others think
>of Tegretol. Does it work? How long does one go on it for, my neuro said
>once it takes pain away, if it does, to slowly work my way off it. I am
>also worried about side effects and am trying to decide if my pain is
>something I can/should live with versus taking a drug. I am on anti-dep.
>Serzone and yesterday I took a Serzone and also took a Fiornal to try to get
>rid of some of the pain (I have Fiornal for my headaches) and the two
>reacted and I was VERY 'out of it' for quite some time. I do not wish this
>to happen if I take the Serzone with the Tegretol. Has anyone had
>experience with these two drugs? Can anyone tell me abit about Tegretol and
>their experience. Should I 'tough' it out to avoid taking another
>medication. This is the first medication I have been presc. for my
>Myelitis. Any input would be very helpful. Thank you.
>
>Sandy
>skwiczak(AT)rapidnet.net
Hi Sandy!
I can give you info on Tegretol....at least as far as I'm concerned. I've
had TM since '81 and have been on Tegretol and Klonopin for years.....not
sure of exact date I started...but over 10 years!
The combination of the two have been very successful for me. Without them, I
have burning, pins and needles, tightness, hyper-sensitivity and also
restlessness in my legs. The Tegretol definitely helps with the burning and
pins and needles feeling. The Klonopin has helped me with the restlessness
and tightness.
I take Tegretol 200 mg. 4 times a day and Klonopin 1 mg. 2 times a day at
present. I also take Imipramine (Tofranil-PM) 100 mg. at bedtime.....but not
for depression...for nerve pain. Before I began the Tofranil, I was taking 4
Klonopin daily.
I cannot say they have taken away my pain....they have not. I have constant
pain and numbness, but this combination of meds has made it *bearable.* The
only side effect I've ever had is drowsiness. And that is very minimal now
that I've been on them for so long.
In 1988, I was in a pain clinic for a month, and they tried to wean me off
the Tegretol and see what effect it had. It couldn't be done.....as once I
was off it, I had extreme difficulty in even walking. My feel were also so
hypersensitive that it was hard to even put them on the floor.
I am not familiar with Serzone.
I am not one that loves to take medication, believe me! But when these cards
were dealt to me, I knew I had to find some way to make the effects bearable
so that I could continue a somewhat normal life! My physicians tried many
medications before they came up with this combination to try and it worked
for me.
How long have you had Transverse Myelitis, Sandy? Will be interested in
hearing how you do on the medication and if it helps you. Keep in touch!
Linda