GENERIC NAME: CARBAMAZEPINE - ORAL (kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)
BRAND NAME(S): Tegretol
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This drug has rarely caused a severe decrease in bone marrow function (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Your doctor will monitor your blood counts to minimize the chance of this side effect. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness or fatigue, or easy bleeding/bruising.
USES: Carbamazepine is used to prevent and control seizures (also called an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug). It is also used to relieve one type of nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia). This medication works by reducing excessive nerve signals in the brain and restoring the normal balance of nerve activity.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) and other types of nerve pain.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with meals or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow these directions carefully. For the treatment of trigeminal nerve pain, do not take more than 1,200 milligrams per day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Take this medication regularly at evenly spaced intervals in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level. Do not take more of this medicine than prescribed or stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Some conditions (e.g., seizures) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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