Tegretol
Generic name: Carbamazepine
CARBAMAZEPINE was discovered in Switzerland, in 1953 and first synthesized in 1960.(Carbatrol®, Tegretol®-XR, Biston®, Calepsin®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Finlepsin®, Sirtal®, Stazepine®, Telesmin®, Teril®, Timonil®, Trimonil®, Epimaz®) can help with seizure (convulsion) control in certain types of epilepsy. Carbamazepine also treats nerve-related pain such as trigeminal neuralgia, or the pain associated with shingles. This medication is not for common aches and pains. Carbamazepine (example, Equetro.) is used to control certain mood problems, such as bipolar illness. Generic extended-release carbamazepine tablets or capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
frequently drink alcohol containing beverages
anemia or other blood disorders or disease
depression
glaucoma
heart disease
irregular heartbeat
kidney disease
liver disease
low sodium level in the blood
psychotic disorders
seizures (convulsions)
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take carbamazepine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Tegretol®-XR tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be cut, crushed or chewed.
Carbatrol® and Equetro® capsules can be swallowed whole or they can be opened and the beads sprinkled over food such as applesauce or other similar food product. The capsules or the beads inside the capsules should not be crushed or chewed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Carbamazepine is often prescribed to children to treat seizures.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine can interact with many different types of medications. You should check with your prescriber or pharmacist before taking other medications with carbamazepine. The following list includes many of the types of medications that may interact:
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
bosentan
cancer-treating medications
charcoal
cefixime
cimetidine
clarithromycin
colestipol
cyclosporine
danazol
doxercalciferol
doxycycline
erythromycin
female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills
grapefruit juice
herbal medicines like St. John's wort
influenza virus vaccine
isoniazid, INH
levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances
medicines for angina or high blood pressure
medicines for rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis conditions
medicines for depression or anxiety
medicines for sleep
medicines to treat fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole
medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
metronidazole
omeprazole
paricalcitol
propoxyphene
quinidine
rifampin
rifabutin
riluzole
seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
sevelamer
sirolimus
steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
tacrolimus
tamoxifen
terfenadine
theophylline
toremifene
tramadol
troleandomycin
warfarin
zafirlukast
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking carbamazepine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Less common:
blurred or double vision, uncontrollable eye movements
chest pain or tightness
dark yellow or brown urine
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
fainting spells
fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
fever or chills, sore throat
increased thirst
mouth ulcers
pain or difficulty passing urine
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
ringing in the ears
seizures (convulsions)
shortness of breath, wheezing
skin rash, hives, itching
sore throat
stomach pain
swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual swelling
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
More common:
confusion
lightheadedness
mood changes, nervousness, or hostility
unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
clumsiness or unsteadiness
diarrhea or constipation
mild dizziness or drowsiness
headache
increased sensitivity to the sun
increased sweating
nausea
What should I watch for while taking carbamazepine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Report any unusual side effects to your prescriber promptly.
Do not change brands or dosage forms of carbamazepine without discussing the change with your prescriber or healthcare professional.
If you are taking carbamazepine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
Carbamazepine is available by many different branded names, such as Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro® or Tegretol®. The different brands may be used for different illnesses, such as seizures or manic-depression. You should not take more than one brand name of carbamazepine at one time. If you do so, you could become seriously ill. If you are not sure if you are taking more than one brand, ask for health care provider immediately.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how carbamazepine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are female and are taking birth control pills (contraceptive pills) or other hormonal birth control methods (like injections), you should know that Carbamazepine is known to render many hormonal contraception products ineffective, due to causes more cytochrome P450 enzyme to be produced, which hastens removal of the contraceptive from the blood. You may need to talk to your prescriber about effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Let your prescriber know if you experience any unusual menstrual-type bleeding or spotting or if you think you might be pregnant while on this medicine.
Carbamazepine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking carbamazepine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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