Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Introduction
Generic name: Carbamazepine (oral)
Brand names: Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR
Drug class: Dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
Uses
Epilepsy/Seizures
Trigeminal neuralgia
Diabetic nerve pain
Benefits
In Epilepsy/Seizures
Tegrital 200 Tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
In Trigeminal neuralgia
Tegrital 200 Tablet can relieve nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain (in the trigeminal nerve in your face). It is effective in treating this condition although other medications may also be used. It will enable you to carry out certain daily activities like shaving, putting on make-up, eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth with some freedom from the worry and pain that trigeminal neuralgia can cause. It is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but should not be stopped suddenly.
In Diabetic nerve pain
Tegrital 200 Tablet relieves nerve pain by decreasing nerve impulses which cause the pain. If the pain is reduced you will feel more comfortable going about your daily life, but you should continue with all other diabetes medicines as prescribed. This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective.
Directions for use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tegrital 200 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How it works?
Tegrital 200 Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Side effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
A skin rash, no matter how mild
Loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, dark urine
Slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats
Anemia or other blood problems - fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath
Low levels of sodium in the body - headache, confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady, increased seizures.
Common carbamazepine side effects may include:
Dizziness, loss of coordination, problems with walking
Nausea, vomiting
Drowsiness.
Warnings
You should not take carbamazepine if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, if you are allergic to it, or take an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.
Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of carbamazepine, which may cause side effects or make this medicine less effective. Carbamazepine can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Carbamazepine may cause serious blood problems or a life-threatening skin rash or allergic reaction. Call your doctor if you have a fever, unusual weakness, bleeding, bruising, or a skin rash that causes blistering and peeling.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor first, even if you feel fine.
If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking carbamazepine without your doctor’s advice.