[Snoopy]

As many of you may remember I have been using Trileptal to help control pain. I am now off Trileptal (4 full days) I tapered off quicker than what is recommended due to serious mental health issues.

I believed my anxiety/panic attacks, irrational thoughts, agitation, mood swings, uncontrolable crying and yes, thinking about taking an overdose warranted a quick end to Trileptal in the event it was the cause and not just a normal depression episode.

Let me assure everyone I am now okay. The longer I have gone without the Trileptal the better I am feeling...mentally. Unfortunately, the pain is again increasing.

I was not aware of the possibility of mental health issues with Trileptal. I found this out through someone somewhere else and I am quite greatful.

I went about searching extensively to find more information on Trileptal and mental health issues. I found it and would like to share with you the information. Some of the information I have found also includes meds many of you already take.


The link to the entire information is listed below this brief section about Trileptal:

you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are taking oxcarbazepine for the treatment of epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions.

A small number of adults and children 5 years of age and older who took antiepileptics such as oxcarbazepine during clinical studies were found to be twice as likely to become suicidal than people who did not take the medication. This increased risk of suicidal behavior was seen as early as one week after starting the medication.

You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: anxiety, agitation, hostility, mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, withdrawing from friends and family, new or worsening depression, preoccupation with death and dying, or giving away prized possessions.

Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601245.html

This is a portion from a release dated July 10, 2008:

The drugs reviewed by the FDA were: Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR), Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol), Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin), Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal), Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra), Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal), Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica), Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril), Topiramate (marketed as Topamax), Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon) and Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran). Some of these drugs are also available as generics.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_66827.html