Carbamazepine (By Mouth)

Carbamazepine (kar-ba-MAZ-e-peen)

Treats different types of seizures. Also used to treat nerve pain and mood disorders.

Brand Name(s):

Tegretol-XR, Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carbamazepine or to certain medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline), or if you have ever had bone marrow depression (low blood counts).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is best to take this medicine with meals.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not use an extended-release tablet that is cracked or chipped.
• The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
• Shake the oral liquid thoroughly before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss more than one dose in a day, call your doctor.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking to treat seizures. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking an MAO inhibitor medicine (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®), blood thinners (Coumadin®), alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), clozapine (Clozaril®), doxycycline (Vibramycin®), haloperidol (Haldol®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), or valproate (Depakote®).
• Birth control pills, implants, or shots will not work while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms or a diaphragm with contraceptive foam or jelly.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease, if you have ever had a mental illness, or an allergic reaction to other medicines (especially seizure medicines).
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to use less and less before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, sore throat, sores in the mouth, unusual bleeding or bruising
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Painful red spots, blisters, or peeling of skin
• Swelling of legs or feet
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion or agitation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.