My heart gets fast (160-180) beats a minute. could trileptal cause this? why does the rapid heart make me cough? it only lasts 5 minutes or so.

Not likely: You have an arrhythmia. If you've never had heart disease, it's likely a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Trileptal isn't known to cause either. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine can contribute. A 24 hour or 30 day event monitor can diagnose it accurately. There are many treatments that are helpful. Arrhythmias often make people feel the need to cough.