Have been on tegretol for about 12 years now for grand mal seizures... I started when I was 12 years old. Main side effect has been memory loss- Can't remember much short term.. Also have bad joint pain in the knees and elbows since I was 16. Have had good success with the med stopping seizures, but don't really like the side effects.. Recently, have had bad dizziness and lightheaded feeling after almost having a seizure a few days ago .... Mostly ok with tegretol thou..