Carbamazepine
CARBAMAZEPINE – ORAL (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tegretol
WARNING: This drug has rarely caused blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Promptly notify your doctor if you experience sore throat, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising. You will be monitored to minimize the possibility of these symptoms occurring.
USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorders and certain types of nerve pain.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for emotional/mental conditions, in certain substance abuse rehabilitation programs and has other uses as well.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. For seizure control, it is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, mood changes, changes in vision, muscle aches, and restlessness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Notify your doctor if you develop: sore throat, fever, chills, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, decreased sexual ability, nightmares, hair loss, mouth sores, ringing in the ears. This drug can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history especially of:
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, including:
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, deep sleep, tremor, rapid eye movements, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, large pupils, fainting, and irregular breathing.
NOTES: It is recommended you wear or carry identification indicating you are using this drug. Do not share this medication with others. Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check for the drug’s effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose daily.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
