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What Are The Side Effects Of Trileptal?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Apr 2017
Question: HI Dr. Kumar:

You have answered some of my questions before and you were very helpful.

I just stopped an 8-month trial of effexor (37-75mgs Xr) and my doctor and I thought we might focus on Trileptal to help with some of my depression/anxiety/reactivity that seems to be related to either BPII or complex trauma.

after a week I am hovering around 300-450mgs but I won't go higher because I find it hard to wake up OR I just feel very tired and foggy, unfocused, confused. I know this is a common side effect.

I'd like to continue the trial, as I already notice I am less reactive and suspicious with people and I feel more emotionally open. I just feel so "out of it" it is hard to work! Can you suggest a solution? I drank Large amounts of coffee and it doesn't do anything. Ritalin made me hyper but still I felt confused. I took my full dose before bed last night (instead of taking in the morning also) but I'm still a goofball.

I am still withdrawing from the Effexor (getting "brain zaps" and somewhat irritable) so I know I will need something other than just the trileptal for depression. Would buproprion be helpful to cut through the fog?

I am also still taking the Lamictal (down to 75-100) mgs/day that I have been taking for 10 years. My doctor only wants to change one thing at a time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Provigil can be a option

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting to me at Healthcaremagic.

I have reviewed the previously answered questions and current information and of the opinion that a trial should be given to modafinil or armodafinil. Both these molecules are good in clearing the foggy feelings associated with other medications such as trileptal and there is no manor interaction of modafinil with either trileptal or lamictal.

In addition to being good for this purpose there are limited side effects and almost nil chances of addiction with either of these two molecules.

Bupropion (wellbutrin) is another option but unfortunately I do not think it should be preferred over modafinil as modafinil have better profile in regard to foggy feeling.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Trileptal?

Brief Answer: Provigil can be a option Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for posting to me at Healthcaremagic. I have reviewed the previously answered questions and current information and of the opinion that a trial should be given to modafinil or armodafinil. Both these molecules are good in clearing the foggy feelings associated with other medications such as trileptal and there is no manor interaction of modafinil with either trileptal or lamictal. In addition to being good for this purpose there are limited side effects and almost nil chances of addiction with either of these two molecules. Bupropion (wellbutrin) is another option but unfortunately I do not think it should be preferred over modafinil as modafinil have better profile in regard to foggy feeling. I hope this helps you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.