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Carbamazepine
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About carbamazepine
| Type of medicine | Antiepileptic |
| Used for | Epilepsy |
| Also called | Tegretol®, Carbagen®SR, Tegretol® Retard |
| Available as | Tablets, chewtabs, liquid, suppositories, and controlled release tablets (released slowly to give a more even effect) |
Carbamazepine controls the convulsions (fits) suffered by people with epilepsy by reducing the activity of the central nervous system.
Carbamazepine is also used in trigeminal neuralgia (severe burning or stabbing pains in the face), and occasionally as part of the treatment for bipolar disorder (manic-depression).
Before taking carbamazepine
Before taking carbamazepine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you have ever suffered from problems affecting your bone marrow such as leukaemia.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take carbamazepine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take carbamazepine exactly as directed by your doctor. It may be taken before, during or after meals.
- Carbamazepine chewtabs must be chewed before swallowing. They can be washed down with a little water if required.
- Carbamazepine modified release formulations (these have SR or Retard in the name) must be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not be crushed or chewed.
- If you are taking carbamazepine liquid, make sure you shake the bottle before you measure out your dose.
- If you are using the suppositories, they are to be inserted into the back passage (rectum). Never swallow them. If you are unsure how to use them, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Try to take carbamazepine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It is best not to drink alcohol while you are taking carbamazepine.
- You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
- Do not stop taking carbamazepine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with carbamazepine.
Can carbamazepine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, tiredness, blurred or double vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer |
| Dizziness | Getting up and moving more slowly may help |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sweets |
| Swollen feet or ankles, weight changes, incoordination, skin itching or rash, and increased susceptibility to infection | If any of these are particularly troublesome, let your doctor know |
Important: While you are taking carbamazepine, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store carbamazepine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Tegretol® Tablets, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised February 2008, accessed 4 September 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
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