Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR), an anti-convulsant drug is primary used to treat epilepsy that includes petit mal and grand mal seizures and also for the patients with bipolar-I disorders with or without maniac and trigeminal neuralgia. Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) acts on the sodium gates of action potential and thereby prevents the neuro-excitation process in the brain nerve cells. Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) acts as an anti-convulsant and also as a mood-stabilizer. Some of the off-label uses of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) are neuropathic pain disorders, neuromyotonia, schizophrenia, ADHD and stress. However, these therapeutic benefits are not approved by Food and Drug Administration. Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) acts as Cytochrome P-450 inducer and hence Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) gets transformed in liver and excretes mainly via urine.
Who should not take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR)?
Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing medical such as liver and kidney disorders, abnormal platelet, RBC and WBC counts, suicidal thoughts, jaundice of any origin, vertigo and auto-immune disorders. If you are allergic to Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR), you should not take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR). You should not take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR), if you are taking medicines such as cimetidine, aminophylline, cisplatin, calcium channel blocker including verapamil and diltiazem, acetaminophen, phenytoin, rifampicin, valproate, isoniazid, warfarin like anticoagulants, hormonal oral contraceptives, nicotinamide, clarithromycin, theophylline, Etiophylline and even the grape-fruit juice. Anyother OTC drugs should also be avoided while taking Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) to prevent drug-drug interactions. Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) is unsafe to use in pregnancy but the side effects of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) are unknown in lactation.
Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) Side Effects:
Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) can cause mild to severe adverse events that includes constipation with anorexia, nausea, vomiting, sore tongue, cramps, dizziness, dry mouth, agitation, delirium, lack of coordination, peripheral neuritis, behavioural problems with sleep disorders, vision changes with abnormal eyeball movements, joint pains, suicidal thoughts, pancreatitis, jaundice like symptoms, aplastic anaemia, pulmonary embolism with hypertension, lymphoma like symptoms, changes in smell and vision, decreased blood cell counts, liver and kidney problems. Some of the patients may experience serious skin allergy with rashes and hives after Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) intake.
How should I take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR)?
The daily recommended dosage for the Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) is 200 mg, twice daily. In case of maintenance dose, your Physician may prescribe up to 800 – 1200 mg, depending upon the need. In children less than 12 years old, an adjusted dose of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) suspension will be prescribed in accordance with the age, weight and height. The following instruction should be followed to take the Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) – 400 mg (Daily): (1) You can take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) with food or milk. 3) AVOID DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine.
Keep taking Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your medical problems or to keep you away from these problems, you have to take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) as often and in the way Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR)?
- Take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) can be taken with food or milk.
- If you experience abnormal behavioural problems or suicidal thoughts, you must inform your physician immediately.
- For Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- If you have liver or kidney disorders, you may need an adjusted or low dose of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR).
- You should not take grape fruit juice while you are taking Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR).
- If you are from Asian origin, you should inform your Physician and you may need Phenotyping blood analysis.
- Check your serum electrolytes including Lithium and Carbamazepine drug index regularly, while you are taking Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR).
- It is important to take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) regularly to get the most benefits, as directed by the Physician.
- Check your liver profile and renal biomarkers regularly while you are taking Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR).
- Store Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) at room temperature, away from heat and light, and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR)?
Take the missed dose of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR)?
If you experience abnormal suicidal thoughts, nausea or vomiting, liver damage or jaundice, it may be a symptom of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) overdose. In case of Tegretol CR (Carbamazepine CR) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
|
