I have a client that recently started tegretol. I do not know the dose but I should. They have a mood disorder. Yesterday, while the client was driving, they experienced dizziness, slurred speech, and confusion an hour after taking their dose. They had an unsteady gait and vomited for several hours and were sick all day. Psychiatry asked them to go to urgent care. They did and were not told any of the results of their tests or diagnosis and were sent home. Their blood level of tegretol was 13. They found this out later in mychart. Dr Google tells me this is within range but I’m not a doctor and can’t advise them. Psychiatrist left today without getting back to them. I literally did not know what to say except to tell them to go to the ER if they experience these symptoms again. They are much better today according to self report. I didn’t observe anything but a hand tremor. What should I have done more? Client feels upset with healthcare team and is going to stop all tegretol on their own. I advised against making medical decisions without talking to their psychiatrist, but he left for the weekend without getting back to her.
I am worried about this client just stopping the medication.
What could have caused these symptoms? (I’d like to understand in case this person or another client experiences them.
Is there anything more I should have said or done?
I am worried about this client just stopping the medication.
What could have caused these symptoms? (I’d like to understand in case this person or another client experiences them.
Is there anything more I should have said or done?