Tegretol Advantages

Tegretol (carbamazepine) is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain and disorders associated with them, as well as often being used to treat bipolar disorder. While the exact nature of how Tegretol works to treat bipolar disorder is unknown, it affects the temporal lobe area of the brain. As with any medication, patients may experience notable side effects when taking Tegretol. However, compared to other medications in this class, there are some advantages to taking Tegretol to treat your medical condition.

Youth

• Tegretol is unusual in that it has been approved for use by children and teenagers. This is true whether it's for treatment of bipolar disorder or for epilepsy. In addition, as Tegretol comes in a liquid form as well as capsule and pill form, it is easier for children to consume. This is unique and an advantage of taking Tegretol. Just as for adults who take this medication, children and teens will be subject to regular blood tests to monitor the levels of medication in the blood.

Difficult Cases

• Rapid cycling bipolar disorder and mixed state bipolar disorder are the most difficult forms of the disorder to treat. This occurs when people quickly change from mania to depression multiple times per day or per week. Mixed state occurs when someone experiences mania and depression at the same time. Tegretol is often prescribed by doctors to treat these conditions as it has a higher rate of success compared to other medications used to treat bipolar disorder, such as lithium and Depakote.

Weight

• Tegretol has one advantage that is quite desirable. Medications in this class can cause weight gain, depending on the individual. However, Tegretol is a weight-neutral medication. It does not cause an appetite increase nor does it alter metabolism. Of course, if you consume more calories than your body is able to burn off, you may still gain weight on this medication, just as you would if not on this medication.