Carbamazepine

Generic Name

• Carbamazepine.

Brand Names

• Tegretol, Tegretol XR, Equetro.

General Information

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing drug. Carbamazepine is a very effective treatment for epilepsy, however it doesn't treat every type of epilepsy, and may need to be used with another medicine for best results. Carbamazepine comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, an extended-release tablet, an extended-release capsule, and a suspension to take by mouth. The regular tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid are usually taken two to four times a day with meals. The extended-release tablet is usually taken twice a day with meals. Carbamazepine works as an anti-convulsant for partial and grand mal seizures by reducing or blocking certain responses in the brain. It is also used to treat schizophrenia and trigeminal neuralgia. Common side effects include drowsiness, motor-coordination impairment and upset stomach. Carbamazepine passes into the breast milk, and in some cases the baby may receive enough of it to cause unwanted effects. In animal studies, carbamazepine has affected the growth and appearance of the nursing babies. It is also sometimes used to treat mental illnesses, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol withdrawal, restless legs syndrome, diabetes insipidus, certain pain syndromes, and a disease in children called chorea.

Carbamazepine Dosage

• The dose of carbamazepine will be different for different patients.
• Carbamazepine may be taken with or without food.
• For treatment of seizures, the usual initial dose of carbamazepine for adults and children over 12 years of age is 200 milligrams, taken twice daily.
• For the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, daily dosages usually range from 800�1200 mg per day during the stage of acute pain and 400�800 mg per day for preventative therapy.

Side Effects of Carbamazepine

The following side effects of carbamazepine may includes:

• Memory problems.
• Heartburn.
• Upset stomach.
• Dry mouth.
• Loss of contact with reality.
• Vision problems.
• Tiredness or sleepiness.
• Depression.
• Blurred or double vision.

Warning and precautions before taking Carbamazepine

• Patients should be made aware that Carbatrol contains carbamazepine and should not be used in combination with any other medications containing carbamazepine.
• Carbamazepine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
• If you are taking any other liquid medications, do not take them at the same time as carbamazepine liquid.
• Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking carbamazepine.
• Carbamazepine affects the urine sugar levels of diabetic patients. If you notice a change in the results of your urine sugar tests, check with your physician.

Overdosage

• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Symptoms of overdose may include: unconsciousness, seizures, restlessness, abnormal movements, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, irregular or slowed breathing, rapid or pounding heartbeat.
• If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

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