Med Induced Tiredness
Currently I am back on the Tegretol, taking 100mg morning and night. 30 minutes after taking my dose I am hit by the awlful tiredness where I just want to put my head down and sleep. If its not bad enough that I am tired anyway.
Does anybody take anything or do anything to combat this tiredness? I know its not long lasting though it stops me in my tracks usually around the time my son is full of energy and bouncing around.
Thanks
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Comments
There's no magic cure
Hi Amber,
Unfortunately there's no magic pill to stop fatigue.
Are you back on the Tegretol because of neuralgia? Have you run that past your specialist if you're trying to fall pregnant? as Tegretol has very bad side effects in more ways than one! The neuro I saw said that iin his opinion no-one should be on anti-epileptic meds unless epileptic or absolutely completely necessary because of the terrible side effects.
He also said to me that nothing will stop an attack of neuralgia coming on, so it is pointless being on a drug that produces so many negative side effects that can cause other serious issues when it's not required. He said that if you are starting to endure an attack start taking it then and come off it once the attack settles.
The role of Tegretol or any other anti epileptic drug for neuralgia in MS is to hopefully block the messages from the brain so that it isn't severe, BUT it won't prevent attacks!! That was his advice to me! Not that I can take Tegretol, but for the next drug on the list to try if I have another severe attack.
Karen
Back on It
Hi Karen
I went back on the Tegretol when my relapse started this time, as the itching pain was terrible. I will be coming off it in a couple of weeks when we start trying for baby again as I am in the same mind I don't want anything in my system when having baby. Granted I have done this of my own accord and not discussed it with my neuro (yes naughty I know, though I do increase and decrease it gradually and not just pull myself off and my GP is aware)
The induced tiredness is the only side effect I have with Tegretol and the benefit definitely outweighs this negative. My husband says he gets a little bit of the old me back when I am taking it as I tend to function better while on it.
As I have residual pain after a relapse it helps to control the overall neuralgia/dysesthesia symptoms on a daily basis. I am in a do what works attitude.
If I could combat the induced tiredness I would be happy, I do find taking Borocca in the morning after my tablet helps some.
Smile, It Confuses People.....
Sounds good
Hi Amber,
Basicially you seem to be doing exactly what the neuro I saw told me to do. Only take the meds when the symptoms arise.
I should add that the terrible side effects I'm referring to is not what you experience such as tiredness, it's more the damage to liver etc; that I'm referring to. The side effects that cause permanent damage.
I take Epilum for nerve pain
I take Epilum for nerve pain (which is similar to Tegretol) and in the beginning, I had the same issues with tiredness.
I started on one tablet twice daily and was to build up to two tabs, three times a day, but I couldn't keep my eyes open with one three times per day, let alone two!
My compramise has been one tablet in the morning, and two at night when it doesn't matter if I'm tired or not. Maybe you could discuss something similar with your doctor, even if it means changing to a different medication.
I daresay I'd have got a lot better pain relief had I been able to take the prescribed amount, but my nerve pain is much improved, even on the half dose.
Amber, Can't help much,
Amber,
Can't help much, just to offer to be wary of Berocca. Especially the soluble tabs. They contain aspartame and as I found out, may not be doing you any favours. Centrum gelcaps is what I take now.
Regards
Sean
Thanks for the heads up
Hi Sean
Thanks for the heads up I will track Centrum gelcaps down as an alternative. I didn't realise the aspartame was an issue...grr...what an education!
Smile, It Confuses People.....
drugs are good
Hey Ambs!
I use the Centrum gelcaps aswell for fatigue. They work very well for me especially seeing im on my feet all day at work!
"That there is Cundalini......
and Cundalini.....wants his hand back!"
(The Toecutter)
If you like fizzy wake-ups
I take "Hairy Lemon" .Fizzes the same as Berocca, see how that goes.
Lisa
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock
actually there are numerous
actually there are numerous magic pills to combat fatigue, you just need to do your research and talk to your doctor.
i'm currently a nurse, and found the fatigue was actually my worst symptom of MS, i'd sleep for 10 hours a night, get up and if i had something to do that day i had to get into the caffeine immediately or i'd be back in bed an hour later. i lived off coffee, energy drinks and caffeine tablets. i'd be in bed asleep by 8pm most nights and never had energy at all. but at my last nuero appointment i told my doctor it was getting unbearable and that my job needs me to have energy (especially night shifts were literally a killer!). so he told me about a drug that is being used more and more for MS fatigue called Modafinil. Its very expensive because its only on the PBS for narcolepsy, but i didnt care, it works wonders for me! i dont take it everyday, only when i need to be awake and have energy, so if i have to do a night duty i pop one at 10pm and have the best night, same if i work mornings, and i try not to take one on my days off (it costs $120 for 30 pills, but that lasts me over a month).
i am so much happier now i dont have to worry about being tired all the time, its the worst feeling, especially when you just want to get on with your life.
Thank You Donatella
Thanks for that Donatella you have saved me another post! My Neuro the other day when I rang him and told him that my fatigue was getting beyond a joke I was seriously sitting on the couch each day not knowing how I was going to move forward (and getting depressed by it) he suggested Modafinil and there is also another one he prescibes as well though can't think of the name right now.
Unfortunately as we are trying for another baby I can't take either as they have bad affects on the pregnancy, however I will be keeping them in mind when I get post baby and I start my other meds again.
Was just about to start a post to see if anyone had been on either of the drugs he suggested.
Smile, It Confuses People.....
oh you poor thing, well that
oh you poor thing, well that doesnt make it easy for you! but a baby is worth all the hurdles.
if and when you ever get the opportunity i would definitely give modafinil a try, its changed my life. i'm sitting her now at 6.30pm and start a night duty in 4 hours but relaxed and easy knowing i can pop my magic pill to get me through the night. before i used to get stressed and anxious if i hadnt had enough sleep in the day and that in itself would be enough to not let me sleep. a vicious cycle.
good luck with your baby, how exciting, i'm 27 and single, but know i want a baby by the time i'm 30 so i guess i better start looking for a hubby