Tegretol

carbamazepine

Brand(s):

• Zen Carbamazepine Tegrital

Manufacturer:

• Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / Medibest Pharma Pvt. Ltd. / Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Disease(s):

• Seizures / Epilepsy / Trigeminal Neuralgia

Known as:

• Atretol / Carbatrol / Epitol / Equetro / Tegretol / Teril

Carbamazepine Tablets

What is Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is a medication primarily used to control seizures associated with specific types of epilepsy. It's also effective in managing nerve pain (neuropathic pain). However, it's crucial to remember that it's not a suitable treatment for everyday aches and pains.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting carbamazepine, it's vital to inform your healthcare provider about any of the following conditions:

• Asian ancestry: Individuals of Asian descent may require dosage adjustments due to genetic variations affecting how the body processes carbamazepine.
• Bone marrow disease
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney or liver disease
• Porphyria (a rare genetic disorder affecting blood pigment)
• Psychotic disorders
• History of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, either personally or within the family.
• Allergies to carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How to Take Carbamazepine

Take carbamazepine orally with a glass of water, preferably with food. Maintain consistent dosing intervals as prescribed. Never increase the frequency or dosage without consulting your doctor. Discontinuing carbamazepine abruptly is also strongly discouraged unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Children require special consideration; consult your pediatrician before administering carbamazepine to a child.

Overdose: In case of suspected overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or emergency room.

This medication is for individual use only; do not share it with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next dose as usual. Avoid doubling up on doses.

Potential Drug Interactions

Avoid combining carbamazepine with the following medications:

• Delavirdine
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Nefazodone
• Oxcarbazepine

Carbamazepine may also interact with:

• Acetaminophen
• Acetazolamide
• Barbiturate medications (e.g., phenobarbital)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, 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 mood stabilizers
• Loratadine
• Medications for angina or high blood pressure
• Medications for cancer
• Medications for depression or anxiety
• Medications for sleep
• Antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• Medications used to treat HIV infection or AIDS
• Methadone
• Niacinamide
• Praziquantel
• Propoxyphene
• Rifampin or rifabutin
• Other seizure or epilepsy medications
• Steroid medications (e.g., prednisone, cortisone)
• Theophylline
• Tramadol
• Warfarin

Always inform your doctor or healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Also mention regular caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, or illegal drug use, as these can affect the medication's effectiveness. Never stop or start any medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Monitoring and Precautions

Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping carbamazepine, especially if used for epilepsy, significantly increases the risk of seizures. Consider wearing a MedicAlert bracelet or carrying identification detailing your condition, medications, and healthcare provider.

Drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision are possible side effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you understand how carbamazepine affects you. To minimize dizziness or fainting, avoid sudden changes in posture, particularly if you are elderly. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it exacerbates drowsiness and dizziness.

Carbamazepine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; discuss alternative birth control methods with your doctor.

Carbamazepine can increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors, and avoid tanning beds or sun lamps.

This medication may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Closely monitor your mental state while taking carbamazepine. Report any mood changes, suicidal ideation, or thoughts of self-harm to your healthcare professional immediately.

Possible Side Effects

Report these side effects to your doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, facial swelling)
• Breathing problems
• Vision changes
• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Mouth ulcers
• Painful or difficult urination
• Skin redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening (including inside the mouth)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Seizures
• Stomach pain
• Swollen joints or muscle/joint pain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Vomiting
• Worsening mood, suicidal thoughts or actions
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)

Side effects that usually don't require immediate medical attention (but report if persistent or bothersome):

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Nausea

This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects.

Storage

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F). Keep the container tightly closed and protect from moisture. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.