What is Tegretol (Carbamazepine) used for?

Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is a type of anticonvulsant, or anti-epileptic drug. It is used to help prevent and control seizures, and also to provide relief to patients suffering from a type of nerve pain known as trigeminal neuralgia. This drug is effective in treating these symptoms by decreasing excessive nerve signals in the brain and helping to restore the normal equilibrium of electrical activity in the brain. It is also used to treat the episodes of mania and other symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

How should I use Tegretol (Carbamazepine)?

Tegretol (Carbamazepine) tablets should be taken orally with food, unless told to do otherwise by your physician. The exact dosage prescribed varies, depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to treatment. Your physician may start you out on a low dosage at first, such as 100mg to 200mg twice per day, which may then be increased depending on your response to treatment. Patients using this drug to treat trigeminal nerve pain should never exceed 1,200mg per day. You should always consult your physician before taking this medication so that the correct dosage can be prescribed, and follow the directions of your physician. Patients should not abruptly discontinue taking this medication, as this may cause some conditions such as seizures to worsen. You should instead consult your physician, as your dosage may need to be gradually increased.

What are the side effects of Tegretol (Carbamazepine)?

Some side effects which have been reported by patients taking Tegretol (Carbamazepine) include:

• Dryness in the mouth or swelling of the tongue
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Ringing noise in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle pain or cramps in the legs

Patients should consult their physician if any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if they notice changes in mood, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, fever, breathlessness, swollen limbs, hallucinations or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Please Note

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Tegretol (Carbamazepine). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Consult your physician immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have any allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.