Tegretol is used to treat certain types of seizures in the treatment
of epilepsy. It also relieves facial nerve pain.
Carbamazepine
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Tegretol be used?
Tegretol comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid to take by
mouth. It is taken two to four times a day. To treat nerve pain, it
is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Take Tegretol exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid suspension well before you use it each time.
Continue to take Tegretol even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Carbamazepine
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures.
Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. Carbamazepine
must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is
felt. Tegretol : Full
Prescribing Information
Before
taking Tegretol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Tegretol or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), astemizole (Hismanal), clarithromycin (Biaxin),
danazol (Danocrine), diltiazem (Cardiazem), doxycycline (Vibramycin),
erythromycin, haloperidol (Haldol), isoniazid (INH), lithium, medications
for colds or allergies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton),
medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and fluoxetine
(Prozac), oral contraceptives, propoxyphene (Darvon), sedatives such
as phenobarbital, terfenadine (Seldane), theophylline (Theo-Dur),
verapamil (Calan), and vitamins. Tegretol affects the action of other
medications, and many medications can affect the action of Tegretol.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.
do not take Tegretol liquid at the same time as any other liquid medications.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver
disease; glaucoma; high blood pressure; or a history of blood clots
or blood disorders.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Tegretol,
call your doctor immediately. Tegretol may harm the fetus.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Tegretol.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a
car or operate machinery until you know how Carbamazepine affects
you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Carbamazepine.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to
wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Tegretol may
make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Tegretol cause?
Although side effects from Tegretol are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
loss of appetite
constipation
diarrhea
hallucinations
insomnia
agitation
irritability (especially in children)
drowsiness
mental confusion
headache
difficulty coordinating movements
speech problems
dry mouth
mouth or tongue irritation
impotence
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
red, itchy skin rash
easy bruising
tiny purple-colored skin spots
bloody nose
unusual bleeding
yellowing of the skin or eyes
fever
sore throat
mouth sores
irregular heartbeat
joint pain
faintness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
seizures
What storage conditions are needed for Tegretol?
Keep Carbamazepine
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions
while taking this medication.
If you give Carbamazepine
to a child, observe and keep a record of the child's moods, behavior,
attention span, hand-eye coordination, and ability to solve problems
and perform tasks requiring thought. Ask the child's teacher to
keep a similar record. This information can help the child's doctor
determine whether to continue the drug or to change the dose or
drug.
Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication
use and epilepsy.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have.