CARBAMAZEPINE |
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CARBAMAZEPINE
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Apo-Carbamazepine
Epitol
Mazepine
Tegretol
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Analgesic, anticonvulsant
USES
Decreased frequency, severity and duration of attacks of tic
douloureaux (see Drugs Glossary).
Prevents seizures.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Regular or chewable tablet -- Swallow with liquid or food to
lessen stomach irritation.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Reduces transmission of pain messages at certain nerve
terminals.
Reduces excitability of nerve fibers in brain, thus inhibiting
repetitive spread of nerve impulses.
Time lapse before drug works:
Tic douloureaux--24 to 72 hours.
Seizures--1 to 2 weeks.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Involuntary movements, irregular bleeding, decreased urination,
decreased blood pressure, dilated pupils, flushed skin, stupor,
coma.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make the child
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take the child to nearest
emergency facility.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Blurred vision. Continue. Call doctor when
convenient.
Infrequent:
Confusion, slurred Discontinue. Call
speech, fainting, doctor right away.
depression, headache,
hallucinations, hives,
rash, mouth sores,
sore throat, fever,
unusual bleeding or
bruising, unusual
fatigue, jaundice.
Diarrhea, nausea, Continue. Call doctor
vomiting, constipation, when convenient.
dry mouth.
Rare:
Back-and-forth Discontinue. Call
eye movements; doctor right away.
breathing difficulty;
irregular, pounding
or slow heartbeat;
chest pain;
uncontrollable body
jerks; numbness,
weakness or tingling
in hands and feet; tender,
bluish legs or feet; less
urine; swollen lymph glands.
Frequent urination. Continue. Call doctor
muscle pains, joint when convenient.
aches.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to carbamazepine.
You have had liver or bone-marrow disease.
You have taken MAO inhibitors in the past 2 weeks.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have high blood pressure, thrombophlebitis or heart
disease.
If you have glaucoma.
If you have emotional or mental problems.
If you have liver or kidney disease.
If you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies
show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug
benefits justify risk to unborn child.
Infants & children:
Don't give to infants or young children unless prescribed and
monitored by your physician.
Prolonged use:
Jaundice and liver damage.
Hair loss.
Ringing in ears.
Lower sex drive.
Skin & sunlight:
May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or
sunlamp.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink
alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete
prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
Use only if less-hazardous drugs are not effective. Stay under
medical supervision.
Periodic blood tests are needed.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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| Anticoagulants (oral, |
Decreased |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
anticoagulant effect. |
| Anticonvulsants |
Decreased effect of |
| (hydantoin, see |
both drugs. |
| Drugs Glossary) |
| Antidepressants, |
Confusion. Possible |
| tricyclic (TCA, |
psychosis. |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
| Cimetidine |
Increased carbamazepine effect. |
| Contraceptives (oral, |
Reduced contraceptive |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
protection. Use another birth- |
| |
control method. |
| Digitalis |
Excess slowing of |
| preparations |
heart. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
| Doxycycline |
Decreased doxycycline effect. |
| Erythromycin |
Increased carbamazepine effect. |
| Ethinamate |
Dangerous increased effects of |
| |
ethinamate. Avoid combining. |
| Fluoxetine |
Increased depressant effects of |
| |
both drugs. |
| Guanfacine |
May increase depressant effects of |
| |
either drug. |
| Isonicotinic |
May increase |
| hydrazide (INH) |
carbamazepine effect. |
| Leucovorin |
High alcohol content of leucovorin |
| |
may cause adverse effects. |
| MAO inhibitors |
Dangerous over- |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
stimulation. Avoid. |
| Mebendazole |
Decreased effect of mebendazole. |
| Methyprylon |
Increased sedative effect, perhaps |
| |
to dangerous level. Avoid. |
| Phenytoin |
Decreased carbamazepine effect. |
| Phenobarbital |
Decreased carbamazepine effect. |
| Primidone |
Decreased carbamazepine effect. |
| Tranquilizers |
Increased |
| (benzodiazepine, |
carbamazepine effect. |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
| Verapamil |
Possible increased carbamazepine |
| |
effect. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
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| Tobacco: |
None expected. |
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