8th May 2006
There are also potassium sparing diuretics (furosemide drains you of potassium), that may be a better option...but not if just using them for weight purposes....for that, try lemon water or something more natural...
If the doc WON'T for some reason, do lab tests, I'd go to the ER, complain about something to do with seizure meds, and they'd automatically do the test. Much more expensive, but it would also give you an idea of where you are with the Teg levels.
I've taken Tegretol (in extended, brand, or generic forms) on and off for 20 years- mostly end up back on, but I've got other medical problems that increase seizure risk,so just because I ended up back on, doesn't mean you will...but agree that weaning slowly is important- one time coming off, I had horrible mood swings that required going back on for a while and trying again.
It's sort of strange that nobody's done any bloodwork for that long- Tegretol can be hard on blood cell formation...most docs insist on regular lab draws, even if not that often, regular enough to keep track of things.... pitch a hissy if you need to !!!
If the doc WON'T for some reason, do lab tests, I'd go to the ER, complain about something to do with seizure meds, and they'd automatically do the test. Much more expensive, but it would also give you an idea of where you are with the Teg levels.
I've taken Tegretol (in extended, brand, or generic forms) on and off for 20 years- mostly end up back on, but I've got other medical problems that increase seizure risk,so just because I ended up back on, doesn't mean you will...but agree that weaning slowly is important- one time coming off, I had horrible mood swings that required going back on for a while and trying again.
It's sort of strange that nobody's done any bloodwork for that long- Tegretol can be hard on blood cell formation...most docs insist on regular lab draws, even if not that often, regular enough to keep track of things.... pitch a hissy if you need to !!!