Tegretol

Uses of Tegretol

Tegretol (carbamazepine) is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Tegretol is also used to treat bipolar disorder.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not take Tegretol if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to it or to an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.

Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of carbamazepine, which may cause side effects or make this medicine less effective. Carbamazepine can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.

Tegretol may cause serious blood problems or a life-threatening skin rash or allergic reaction. Call your doctor if you have a fever, unusual weakness, bleeding, bruising, or a skin rash that causes blistering and peeling.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not stop taking Tegretol without asking your doctor first, even if you feel fine.

If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking carbamazepine without your doctor’s advice.

Dosage

Side Effects

Commom Side Effects

• dizziness, loss of coordination, problems with walking;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• drowsiness.

Serious Side Effects:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, dark urine;
• slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats;
• anemia or other blood problems – fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• low levels of sodium in the body – headache, confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady, increased seizures.