Carbatrol severe side effects

09/03/08

Lyn

Topics:Ask The Experts , Doctors , Question , Symptoms , Treatment , Carbatrol , side effects

My husband started taking Carbatrol two weeks ago. He started with 200 mg. twice a day for 1st week. We were instructed to increase to 400 mg. twice a day the second week.

After the very 1st dose, my husband noticed he felt very dizzy. This continued the entire 1st week. After the dose was increased, he felt very dizzy, extremely weak and extremely tired.

My husband is a stroke survivor and cannot truly explain his issues, due to aphasia. He was so weak after the 8th day on this medication...he could not even stand up for me to pull his pants up.

I have contacted the prescribing doctor twice. He wants us to continue on the Carbatrol, but using the original 200 mg. twice a day. My husband does not want to continue this medication.

Is it possible the doctor does not understand this could be a severe reaction to this drug?

Report Abuse

Answers (1)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Casey McNulty

Hi Lyn,

Thank you for your question! Dizziness and weakness are serious side effects that can occur when taking this medication. You and your husband are most familiar with his situation - if the two of you feel that this medication is not working for him, or that it's causing too many adverse effects, you should be the ones to decide whether to stop the medication. If your husband is uncomfortable taking the medication, or if you're uncomfortable giving it to him, tell the doctor that you want to stop it. Ask to try something else. Your husband's quality of life is important. He should not have to sacrifice all his energy for the possible benefits of this medication. If your doctor is hesitant to change the medication, you may want to look for a second opinion. You can read more about Carbatrol and its side effects here. The drug information specifically states that you should "call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: ... unusual weakness." I hope this information helps you!

Best of luck to you and your husband,

Casey