AboutSophia, R.N., M.S. Expertise Almost any questions pertaining to epilepsy, seizures, pseudo-seizures, testing for epilepsy, medications, surgery. Self-care, appropriate emergency measures, medication side-effects, drug interactions etc.
Experience Working as an epilepsy nurse clinican in a large comprehensive epilepsy center for 15 years. Previous employment with a major pharmaceutical company working in pharmaceutical research. Before that - varied experience in nursing.
Question Hello,
I have Epilepsy which is very controlled with carbamazepine, which I have taken for 7 years. I have just recently been having trouble with my eyes; the tests are showing retina detachment. The retina specialist is suggesting that it is my carbatrol. Have ever heard of this or is he just grasping at straws? I really don't wish to have retina problems but my meds are very good. I have not had a seizure for 1 year. I take 700mg of carbatrol. What works as well as carbatrol? Thanks for your time.
Answer Hi Deb,
I am so glad that you have such good control on carbamazepine. There is very little in the literature connecting carbamazepine to visual disturbance and I don't recall any connection with retinal detachment. I remember one report of abnormal retinal pigmentation with carbamazepine. All the visual side-effects seem to be related to vigabatrim (Sabril). You know, when someone is on a major medication and they develop another condition, invariably someone will blame this on the medication. Most of the time it is not a factor.
If you do have to be withdrawn from carbamazepine, a good substitute is oxcarbazepine (Trileptal). Keppra & Lamictal are also good medications.
Good luck.
Feel free to write anytime.
Sophia
