TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine), 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 (Carbamazepine) acts on the sodium gates of action potential and thereby prevents the neuro-excitation process in the brain nerve cells. TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) acts as an anti-convulsant and also as a mood-stabilizer. Some of the off-label uses of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) are neuropathic pain disorders, neuromyotonia, schizophrenia, ADHD and stress. However, these therapeutic benefits are not approved by Food and Drug Administration. TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) acts as Cytochrome P-450 inducer and hence TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) gets transformed in liver and excretes mainly via urine.
Who should not take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine)?
TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine), you should not take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine). You should not take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine), 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 (Carbamazepine) to prevent drug-drug interactions. TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) is unsafe to use in pregnancy but the side effects of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) are unknown in lactation.
TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) Side Effects:
TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine) intake.
How should I take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine)?
The daily recommended dosage for the TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine) suspension will be prescribed in accordance with the age, weight and height. The following instruction should be followed to take the TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) – 400 mg (Daily): (1) You can take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine) as often and in the way TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine)?
- Take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine) can be taken with or without food.
- If you experience abnormal behavioural problems or suicidal thoughts, you must inform your physician immediately.
- For TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine).
- You should not take grape fruit juice while you are taking TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine).
- 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 (Carbamazepine).
- It is important to take TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) regularly to get the most benefits, as directed by the Physician.
- Check your liver profile and renal biomarkers regularly while you are taking TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine).
- Do not stop taking TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- Store TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine)?
Take the missed dose of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) 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 (Carbamazepine) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine)?
If you experience abnormal suicidal thoughts, nausea or vomiting, liver damage or jaundice, it may be a symptom of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) overdose. In case of TEGRETOL (Carbamazepine) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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