What is Tegretol used for?
CARBAMAZEPINE is used to control seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy. This medicine is also used to treat nerve related pain. It should not be used for the common aches and pains.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Tegretol?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asian ancestry
- bone marrow disease
- glaucoma
- heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- kidney or liver diseases
- porphyria
- psychotic disorders
- 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 is Tegretol should be taken?
Take it orally during a meal accompanied with a glass of water. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine prematurely except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Tegretol?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Tegretol with the other medicine/food/etc?
Do not take this medicine with the following:
- delavirdine
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- nefazodone
- oxcarbazepine
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- acetaminophen
- acetazolamide
- barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
- certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin or troleandomycin
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- danazol
- dicumarol
- doxycycline
- female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills
- grapefruit juice
- isoniazid, INH
- levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
- lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances
- loratadine
- medicines for angina or high blood pressure
- medicines for cancer
- 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
- methadone
- niacinamide
- praziquantel
- propoxyphene
- rifampin or rifabutin
- seizure or epilepsy medicine
- steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
- theophylline
- tramadol
- warfarin
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. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Tegretol?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy (seizures) do not stop taking it suddenly. Doing so would increase the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and your doctor or health care professional on you.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine 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. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.
Your birth control pills may become ineffective during the treatment course with this medicine. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of an extra contraception method during this course.
This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of the mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Does Tegretol have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- issues with breathing
- changes in vision
- confusion
- dark urine
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever or chills, sore throat
- mouth ulcers
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- ringing in the ears
- seizures
- stomach pain
- swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- vomiting
- worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- diarrhea or constipation
- headache
- increased sweating
- nausea
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Tegretol?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
Store it at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from moisture. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.