Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is used to treat certain types of seizures (epilepsy) and Bipolar disorder. It is also used to relieve pain due to trigeminal neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Carbamazepine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. It reduces the spread of seizure activity in the brain and restores the normal balance of nerve activity.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Tegretol comes from Canada manufactured by Novartis. The generic Carbamazepine is available from India also called Carbatol by Torrent and Mazetol by Abbott, and from Canada by a different manufacturer.
Seek emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to this medication.
The common side effects of Tegretol may include dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, problems with walking, nausea, and vomiting.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects;
• A skin rash;
• Anemia or other blood problems;
• Dark urine, right-sided upper stomach pain;
• Loss of appetite;
• Low levels of sodium in the body;
• Slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not take Tegretol if you are allergic to Carbamazepine or to an antidepressant or if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. This medication may cause severe or life-threatening skin rash, and especially in people of Asian ancestry. Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history and if you have ever had:
• Depression or mood disorder;
• Glaucoma;
• Heart problems;
• Liver or kidney disease;
• Porphyria;
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Tegretol. Do not start or stop taking this medication without your doctor's advice. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects of Carbamazepine, and can also increase your seizures. Grapefruit may interact with Carbamazepine; avoid the use of grapefruit products. Your reactions may be impaired; avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medication will affect you. This medication could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds and wear protective clothing and use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, nonprescription, herbal products, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Tegretol and other medications. Inform your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Carbamazepine on the baby. Carbamazepine can make birth control pills or implants less effective; use a barrier form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Do not breastfeed while you are using Tegretol.
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