Drug title

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Usage indications

Tegretol is used for some epilepsy attacks control. It is also used for the treatment of heavy pain at chews and checks, caused by face nerve problems (trigeminus neuralgia). It can be used for other goals defined by your doctor.

Application mode

Use Tergretol in accordance with your doctor indications.

• Take Tergetol inside during or after meal.
• Grapefruit intake can increase the risk of drug side effects. Consult with your doctor before inserting grapefruit into your diet.
• Do not stop Tergetol intake sharply. You might increase the risk of side effects such as spasms. Your doctor will gradually decrease the dose in case you need to stop Tegretol intake or add new drugs.
• Take Tegretol on a regular basis to get maximum benefit.
• take Tegrerol every day at the same time.
• continue Tegretol intake even if you feel better. Do not miss any dose.

Mechanism of action

Tegretol is an anticonvulsive drug. It works to control attacks, by blocking specific impulses to brain. It works for the treatment of trigeminus neuralgia by changing nerve impulses at some face nerves, decreasing pain.

Missed doses

Take Tegretol as soon as possible if you missed its intake. If it happened during next dosage intake time take missed dose and then follow intake schedule. The intake of two pills in one day is prohibited.

Storage

Store Tegretol at room temperature of 68 - 77 F degrees (20 - 25 С degrees). Keep away from the sources of heat, humidity and light. Keep away from children and pets.

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Tegretol may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are allergic to tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), cyclobenzaprine, or similar medicines, you have a history of bone marrow problems, the blood disorder porphyria, or other serious blood disorders, you have a severe heart problem called heart block (atrioventricular block), you are taking nefazodone, you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days.

Tegretol may weaken your immune system so avoid contact with people who have infections like cold, chills and sore throat.
Tegretol may also reduce the number of platelets (blood clotting cells) in your blood. So avoid situations which may cause unusual bruising or bleeding.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Tegretol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Tegretol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Tegretol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Tegretol should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Tegretol may cause certain lab tests (thyroid function tests) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Tegretol before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Tegretol may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Side effects

Some of the common side effects of are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, unsteadiness, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry, or bloody stools, calf pain, swelling, or tenderness, change in the amount of urine produced, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, decreased coordination, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, joint pain, loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling in the neck, groin, or under the arms, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, speech problems, stomach pain, sudden unusual weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers or sores in the mouth, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness, vision or eye problems, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Additional information

Tegretol should be used on doctor’s prescription only. Consult with your doctor in case of symptoms non-improvement or getting worse.