Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Synonyms: Carbatol, Intol, Atretol, Biston, Calepsin, Carbatrol, Carbelan, Epitol, Equetro, Finlepsin

How to Use Tegretol
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.

Tegretol Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or unsteadiness may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, swollen glands, persistent mouth sores. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tegretol Interaction
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control products that contain hormones including combination type birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction may occur.This medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control products that contain hormones including combination type birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., thyroid function, some pregnancy tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are using this drug.

Tegretol Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, muscle twitching, uncontrolled movements, very fast heartbeat.

Tegretol Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, blood chemistry, kidney and liver function tests, eye exams, carbamazepine blood levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all laboratory and medical appointments. Consult your doctor for more details. Wear or carry identification indicating you are using this drug.

Tegretol Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose a day.

Tegretol 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.

Tegretol Other Uses
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tegretol Storage
Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Tegretol Precaution
Before taking carbamazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-seizure medications or tricyclic antidepressants or if you have any other allergies.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of possible birth defects and complications in the infant at birth. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, contact your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant, prenatal care including tests for spinal cord defects is recommended. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.