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Speaking from Experience: Trileptal

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated November 08, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Information posts written by members of the About Bipolar Disorder Forum Community about their experiences with Trileptal, an anticonvulsant which is used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of manic-depressive illness.

Please be aware that this material contains the personal experiences and opinions of consumers and in no way should be construed as medical advice.

Posts may have been edited by the Guides for spelling, grammar or clarity.

To read the entire discussion, click the link preceding each quote.

  • from Cathartic
    Does anyone have any experience with Trileptal, an anticonvulsant? It is a derivative of Tegretol, and is related to gabapentin (Neurontin). I believe it was released in January 2000. I have just started on 300 mg. and am incredibly dizzy and drowsy.

    from Sirpa
    It seems that Trileptal has been in use in Europe longer than in the US. I have been using it for quite some time now - almost a year and I am really pleased with it. I am bipolar and I take 900 mg of the med and have never had any side effects. My sister, who usually does not tolerate medication very well, is also on Trileptal and she agrees that it is the best med so far.

  • from NPMOM1
    It's ultrarapid cycling. Trileptal is being used with good results. Depakote is being used will some sucess. The American Psychiatric Society website has specific guidelines. I can tell you from experience, my daughter who is ultra-rapid cycling is doing great on Trileptal.

  • from Franzi
    My favorite [mood stabilizer] is Trileptal, on 900 right now but may go up to 1200. It is soothing for my poor little buzzing brain. I just started taking my evening dose right when I get home from work instead of at bedtime because the am dose seems to wear off by about 4 or so.

  • from LittleLov1
    I have been on Trileptal for 2 months. I had extreme nausea and a significant inability to balance myself. (not really vertigo, but not dizzy either) The nausea has gone away and other than a little weight gain seems fine. I am on 900-1200 mg a day.

  • from Nancham
    How many weeks?? My vision is so blurred with every dosage increase and since I went up to 1500mg/day my brain has shut down! I can't stay awake and I can't stay asleep (I know you guys know the "twilight zone") I can't think! I finally had to drop back down to 1200 today and will probably stay there until there's a break in classes! My moods do seem to be stabilizing though. I just have zero energy or thought processes!

For Further Study

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