hepatitis from carbitrol

emmi

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 1529

Posted 12/6/2005 3:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

Wondering if there is an average length of time that it takes the liver functions to return to normal after discontinuing the medication (carbitrol) that is thought to be the cause.

Thanks in advance.

emmie

goodwitch46

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 241

Posted 12/8/2005 3:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hi emmi-

I can only speak for my experience on other antiseizure drugs. I was on Tegretol (same as Carbitrol) a short time, not long enough to affect my liver functions. I've been on a lot of the older drugs that affect the liver and just about all of them caused a slight elevation of my liver enzymes.

It took 2-3 weeks after I was weaned off a drug and my enzymes were back to normal again. I never suffered any severe liver problems, thank goodness. My meds now, Lamictal and Zonegran, haven't caused me any problems as far as my blood tests.

I assume you stopped Carbitrol due to your liver function tests being too high?

Glenda

emmi

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 1529

Posted 12/9/2005 2:39 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Glenda,
Yep, you assume correctly. They were at critical levels according to my rheumatologist (I have overlapping connective tissue diseases). My neuro never did check liver functions, only the carb level in the blood. I was on it since April of this year. I am in the process of titrating keppra up to 3000mg/day.

The first test that showed the elevated counts was drawn on 10/10. The next draw was done 11/11 and they were still up there. Just had them done again on 12/05 and waiting to hear from my dr. She said if they aren't down, she'll probably want me to see a liver doc.

Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate it.

xoxo emmie

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