$Unique_ID{BRK03065} $Pretitle{} $Title{carbamazepine} $Subject{Epitol Lemmon Tegretol Chewable Geigy Anticonvulsant carbamazepine seizure disorders neuralgia nerve pain} $Volume{} $Log{ Tegretol Chewable*0306501.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. carbamazepine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) carbamazepine (various manufacturers) Epitol (Lemmon) Tegretol (Geigy) Tegretol Chewable (Geigy) TYPE OF DRUG Anticonvulsant INGREDIENT carbamazepine DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (200 mg) Chewable tablets (100 mg) Oral suspension (100 mg per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Carbamazepine tablets and oral suspension should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. USES This medication is used for the treatment of seizure disorders and for relief of neuralgia (nerve pain). The mechanism of carbamazepine's antiseizure activity is unknown, but it is not related to other anticonvulsants. Carbamazepine is not an ordinary pain reliever--it should not be used for minor aches or pains. TREATMENT Carbamazepine can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs, unless your doctor directs otherwise. Carbamazepine works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take it at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. Try not to miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you are taking carbamazepine for a seizure disorder and you miss two or more doses, be sure to contact your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Agitation; blurred vision; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; muscle or joint pain; nausea; restlessness; sweating; vomiting; or weakness. These side effects should disappear over time and as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To relieve mouth dryness, suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy or chew sugarless gum. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about abdominal pain, chills, depression, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in urinating, eye discomfort, fainting, fever, hair loss, hallucinations, impotence, loss of balance, mouth sores, nightmares, numbness or tingling sensations, palpitations, ringing in the ears, skin rash, sore throat, swelling of the hands and feet, twitching, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Carbamazepine interacts with other types of medications: 1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone can decrease blood levels and effectiveness of carbamazepine. 3. Isoniazid, propoxyphene, verapamil, cimetidine, troleandomycin, and erythromycin can increase the blood levels of carbamazepine, which can increase side effects. 4. The combination of lithium and carbamazepine can lead to central nervous system side effects. 5. Carbamazepine can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin, oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), doxycycline, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), ethosuximide, valproic acid, aminophylline, and theophylline. 6. The use of carbamazepine within 14 days of the use of a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor can lead to serious side effects. Before you start to take carbamazepine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to carbamazepine or to tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, protriptyline, or nortriptyline). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had bone marrow depression, blood disorders, difficulty urinating, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney disease, or liver disease. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment. * If you are taking this medication to control a seizure disorder, do not stop taking it suddenly. If you stop abruptly, you may experience uncontrollable seizures. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Birth defects have been reported more often in infants whose mothers have seizure disorders. It is unclear if the increased risk of birth defects is associated with the disorder or with the anticonvulsant medications, such as carbamazepine, that are used to treat the condition. The risks and benefits of treatment should be discussed with your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of carbamazepine pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.