Tegretol® Generic Name: Carbamazepine kar-ba-MAZ-e-peen Drug Class: Anticonvulsant, carbamazepine

Contents Description General Information Proper Use Missed Dose Storage Side Effects Warnings/Precautions Overdose Drug Interactions Pregnancy/Nursing More Information

Description

Carbamazepine (kar-ba-MAZ-e-peen) is used to control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used to relieve pain due to trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). It should not be used for other more common aches or pains. Carbamazepine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Top of page

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.  Top of page

Proper use of this medicine

Carbamazepine suspension and tablets should be taken with meals to lessen the chance of stomach upset (nausea and vomiting). Carbamazepine extended-release capsules do not need to be taken with meals unless they upset your stomach. The contents of these extended-release capsules may be sprinkled over a teaspoonful of applesauce or other similar food; the capsule or its contents should not be crushed or chewed. It is very important that you take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to obtain the best results and lessen the chance of serious side effects. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Top of page

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Top of page

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Top of page

Possible Side Effects

This medicine can cause the following side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness nausea and vomiting blurred vision confusion headache water retention (edema) Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur. Top of page

Warnings/Precautions

Avoid long exposure to the sun and use a sunscreen and protective clothing. Do NOT abruptly stop this medicine without talking to your doctor. Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This medicine can impair judgment. This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Diabetics should be aware that this class of drugs may alter blood glucose levels. Carry an identification card with your to let doctors and emergency personal that you are taking this medication. Use caution in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting overheated. This medicine may decrease the effects of birth control pills. Use a backup form of contraception while taking this medicine. Top of page

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Top of page

Drug Interactions

This medicine may react with the following drugs: Anticoagulants (blood thinners) Cimetidine (Tagamet) Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine) Diltiazem (Cardizem) Erythromycin (e.g., E-Mycin, Erythrocin, Ilosone) Propoxyphene (e.g., Darvon) Verapamil (e.g., Calan) Estrogens (female hormones) Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Quinidine Fluvoxamine (e.g., Luvox) Isoniazid [INH] Itraconazole [Sporanox] Ketoconazole [Nizoral] Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors Other anticonvulsants (seizure medicines) Risperidone [Risperdal] Tricyclic antidepressants Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing

Carbamazepine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, there have been reports of babies having low birth weight, small head size, skull and facial defects, underdeveloped fingernails, and delays in growth when their mothers had taken carbamazepine in high doses during pregnancy. In addition, birth defects have been reported in some babies when the mothers took other medicines for epilepsy during pregnancy. Also, studies in animals have shown that carbamazepine causes birth defects when given in large doses. Therefore, the use of carbamazepine during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. 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. Top of page

More Information

For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Top of page

Copyright 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen. Last reviewed:   On 8 Aug 2006   By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.