If I figure this out, then maybe I can understand the mechanism of my gastrointestinal illness. Any ideas?
Hi
@yurybx -- Congratulations on finding something that alleviates some of your problems with digestion. As far as the mechanism, it likely has to do with the fact that this medication is a very strong anticholinergic drug. I just did a quick google search and came up with the following:
Commonly prescribed as an anti-epileptic/anti-seizure medication, carbamazepine has strong anticholinergic properties. Alternatives include lamotrigine (Lamictal) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Divalproex (Depakote) is another option for the prevention of seizures and has fewer anticholinergic effects.May 15, 2018
Just to mention, anticholinergic drugs have been in the news lately, and have been highlighted as causing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The reason being is that these drugs inhbit the acetylholine receptors in the body. These receptors are particularly concentrated in the brain and the brain. But they're also located throughout the body.
In the brain, acetylcholine is critical for creating memories, so if these acetylcholine receptors are blocked, it's pretty easy to see how it could lead to memory problems of all sorts. These drugs can also cause a number of other serious "side effects" which you may want to familiarize yourself with. I myself got a very serious case of tinnitus from taking just a single dose of an anticholinergic drug called Promethazine (also known as Phenergen).
As I did some research on it, I discovered that there's a condition called, "Anticholinergic Syndrome". Here's a quick definition:
Anticholinergic syndrome results from competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at central and peripheral muscarinic receptors. Central inhibition leads to an agitated (hyperactive) delirium - typically including confusion, restlessness and picking at imaginary objects - which characterises this toxidrome.
I'm not sure why these drugs seem to give temporary relief for things like nausea, and perhaps other GI issues. I do know they're used in most cold medicines, and are also in asthma medications. This is also a primary mechanism in most anti-phsychotic drugs. Unfortunately, some people can end up having psychotic-like episodes from taking them, which obviously can be very serious.
Given how sensitive most people with ME/CFS are to drugs, I thought it would be a good idea to alert you to some of the potential downsides. Not to try to unduly influence you, but it may be worth considering other options, or to consider keeping your use of this drug to a minimum.
All the Best...