Has anyone taken carbamazepine for bipolar?

[PaulSmenis]

I have been on carbamazepine as a mood stabiliser for four weeks now and the initial side effects have settled for the most part, but are still troublesome.

It's been really brilliant for managing manic symptoms, but eating on it is really difficult and I still feel a little sick, spaced out and tired. Will this clear up in time?

[Mentalpsychiatrist]

Hi Paul, I take carbamazepine, amongst other things, for bipolar and found it very hard to tolerate at the start. It made my mouth very sore which made eating the last thing I wanted to do. It took about 6 weeks to settle so I'd say stick with it for now.

[SauvignonBlanche]

I didn't know you could take Carbemazapine for that. What dose do you take?

[Mentalpsychiatrist]

I take 400mg/day plus 15mg aripiprazole and it works really well, so far anyway!

[SauvignonBlanche]

I have taken 300mgs twice a day for 20 years, haven't had any side effects yet.

[PaulSmenis]

Thanks for answering. I'm on 200mg of carbamazepine and 200mg lamotrigine and that combo works really well for my mood. The lamotrigine doesn't cause any side effects for me, but it works better for low mood and doesn't prevent the highs.

Mental, carbamazepine has definitely improved my mental wellbeing, but the physical side effects are lingering on. I'l leave it another couple of weeks before I make my mind up. Thanks.