Fenugreek and Tegretol are two very different substances; the former is an herbal remedy that is often used to encourage lactation in pregnant women, says HomeRemediesWeb.com. The later is a medication primarily used to treat seizures, says Drugs.com. Despite their apparent differences, there is an important connection: both should be used with extreme caution if you are pregnant.
About Fenugreek
This herb has estrogen-like properties and is used as a natural treatment to boost the production of breast milk and ease childbirth, says HomeRemediesWeb.com. Other common uses include reducing the symptoms of menopause, increasing male libido and aiding digestion. Fenugreek is also known to reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics and it is here, again, that it crosses paths with Tegretol, which can also be used as a diabetes treatment, says Drugs.com.
About Tegretol
Tegretol is also known as Carbamazepine and is used to treat seizures, usually those associated with epilepsy, says Drugs.com. It is classed as an anticonvulsant and can suppress the nerve endings to reduce seizures and treat diabetic neuropathy, a condition where the nerves are damaged as a result of high blood sugar levels, says the MedlinePlus website.
Dosage
When taking Fenugreek to lower blood glucose levels, two ounces every day has been shown to produce results after about six months, says HomeRemediesWeb.com. The seed can be used in cooking or you can take it in capsule form. One capsule, three times a day--up to a dosage of 500mg--is recommended to increase breast milk production when you are nursing. It is essential that you take Tegretol exactly as it is prescribed to you by your doctor, says Drugs.com. Never increase your own dosage, take it for longer than is prescribed or stop taking it suddenly, as this may increase your seizures or pain.
Side Effects
Fenugreek is considered safe in moderate doses, however it can cause nausea and digestive problems--such as diarrhea and flatulence--especially when taken in high doses, says HomeRemediesWeb.com. Tegretol can affect your moods and bring on suicidal thoughts in some people, says Drugs.com. For this reason, it is recommended that you visit your doctor regularly while taking this medication so they can monitor your dosage. It is also advised that trusted friends, family members or carers be made aware that you are on this medication so they can watch for changes in your mood.
Precautions
Fenugreek can induce labor so, if you are pregnant, it should be used with extreme caution and in consultation with your doctor, says HomeRemediesWeb.com. It can also reduce the effectiveness of other oral medications, so leave a gap of at least two hours between a dose of Fenugreek and any other drugs you are taking orally. Tegretol should also be avoided if you are pregnant as it can harm your unborn baby and pass into your breast milk and affect your baby if you are breastfeeding, says Drugs.com.
If you are taking birth control pills, it is important to note that Tegretol can reduce their effectiveness so you may need to look at other methods of contraception. This drug should also be avoided if you are allergic to certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Before taking Tegretol, you should also discuss any underlying health conditions, such as liver, kidney or heart disease; lupus; mental illness; or glaucoma.
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