I take a sustained release version of it (was on regular Tegretol for many, many years). I can tell you that the tiredness and brain fuzzies (if you have or get that symptom) usually goes away within the first few weeks.

It can make you more prone to the sun so sunblock is a must. My MD and pharmacist also caution me against taking grapefruit or its juice as it will mess with the blood level concentrations. Make sure you let any doctor know you are on it, as some drugs can interact.

You have to get LFT (liver function tests, a blood test) done now and again. You can also take a bit to get the right dose as your body adjust to it.

Glad to hear it is helping you a bit and hope it only gets better!