Indications
Tegretol generically called carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer medication used to treat certain types of seizures, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain, and by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain that is associated with mood swings.
Tegretol can be used to treat various disorders, including seizures, bipolar disorder, and trigeminal neuralgia. By calming down brain activity, carbamazepine helps treat seizures and lower the symptoms of a specific type of facial nerve pain.
Uses and Dosage
Tegretol should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional, typically one to four times per day depending on the condition being treated. It can be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the bloodstream.
To use carbamazepine, you should take it by mouth with food as directed by your doctor. If you are using chewable tablets, you should chew them thoroughly before swallowing. The dosage of carbamazepine may vary based on factors such as age, medical condition, and response to treatment, and your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Follow all directions on your prescription label and any instructions provided by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about how to use carbamazepine or concerns about its potential side effects, you should talk to your doctor.
The recommended dosage of carbamazepine may vary based on factors such as age, medical condition, and response to treatment. However, here are some general dosing guidelines:
- For adults: The maintenance dose range is typically between 400-800 mg per day, taken orally in divided doses.
- For children: The dosage should not exceed 1000 mg daily in children 12 to 15 years of age, and 1200 mg daily in patients above 15 years of age.
- Doses up to 1600 mg may be used in certain circumstances.
Dosages should be started low and increased gradually over several weeks until the effective dose is reached. Drug level monitoring may be useful for dose selection, and adjustments may be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Tegretol (Carbamazepine):
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Unsteadiness
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Tegretol (Carbamazepine):
- Bruising or bleeding more easily
- Changes in vision
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fevers that will not go away
- Getting fevers more often than usual
- Joint or muscle ache
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Throat or mouth dryness
- Weakness
Form and strength
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Tegretol: Tablet
- 200 mg
Carbamazepine: Tablet
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
Caution
- People who are allergic to carbamazepine or other medications in the same class should not take Tegretol.
- Rarely, Tegretol can cause severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Tegretol can increase the risk of neural tube defects if taken during pregnancy. It is important to discuss this with a healthcare provider if planning to become pregnant.
- Caution should be used when taking Tegretol with alcohol or other sedatives, as there may be an increased risk of drowsiness or dizziness.
- There is an increased frequency of seizures in mixed seizure disorders that include atypical absence seizures, so caution is needed when using Tegretol in these cases.
- Tegretol may cause changes in blood parameters, including low white blood cell counts and platelet counts.
- Serious and life-threatening skin reactions can occur at any time when taking carbamazepine, especially within the first few months of starting treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Tegretol interact with other drugs?
Yes, Tegretol can interact with other medications, including some antidepressants, blood thinners, and antibiotics. Let your healthcare provider know about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting Tegretol.
Can Tegretol be used to treat bipolar disorder?
Yes, Tegretol can be used to treat bipolar disorder, specifically the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder.
How long does Tegretol stay in your system?
Tegretol has a half-life of approximately 36 hours. This means it takes about 4-5 days for the drug to be eliminated from your system.
How long does Tegretol stay in your system?
Tegretol has a half-life of approximately 36 hours. This means it takes about 4-5 days for the drug to be eliminated from your system.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1502/tegretol-oral/details
- https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Carbamazepine-(Tegretol)
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682237.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/carbamazepine/what-is#side-effects
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbamazepine-oral-route/description/drg-20062739
- https://www.drugs.com/tegretol.html
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