What is Carbamazepine ?
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. This tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulse which causes seizures and nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine tablets are also used for treating bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine comes in various oral forms: immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, extended-release capsule, chewable tablet and suspension. It is also available in the form of intravenous (IV) form.
Carbamazepine Uses
Carbamazepine belongs to the class of drugs called anticonvulsants, which are used to treat various conditions, primarily:
Certain types of seizures caused by epilepsy, including:
- Partial seizures
- Grand mal seizures
- Mixed seizure patterns
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Get A Second OpinionCarbamazepine Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Serious Side Effects:
- Severe skin reaction
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Blisters on skin
- Low blood cells
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Liver problems
If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Most people taking Carbamazepine do not experience significant side effects. However, always get medical help if you experience any severe symptoms.
Precautions for Carbamazepine
Before taking Carbamazepine, consult your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to any medications
- Are taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products
- Have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
Also, inform your doctor if you have a history of:
How to Take Carbamazepine
Take Carbamazepine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dosage and form of the tablets depend on:
- Your age
- The condition being treated
- The severity of the condition
- Any other medical conditions you have
Additional Tips
- Take Carbamazepine at the same time each day to help you remember.
- Do not stop taking Carbamazepine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double up doses.
Dosage Strengths of Carbamazepine
- Generic: Carbamazepine
- Oral tablet: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
- Oral tablet, Chewable: 100 mg, 200 mg
- Oral tablet, Extended-release: 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg
- Brand: Epitol
- Oral tablet: 200 mg
- Oral tablet, Chewable: 100 mg
Dosage for Epilepsy
- Adult dosage (18 years and older):
- First Dose: 200 mg, taken twice per day
- Typical dosage: 800-1200 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 1600 mg per day
Dosage for Trigeminal Nerve Pain
- Adult dosage (18 years and older):
- First Dose: 200 mg, taken twice per day
- Typical dosage: 400-800 mg per day
- Dosage starts from: 5 mg to 10 mg, once per day
Overdose
An overdose can happen accidentally. If you take more than the prescribed amount of Carbamazepine, it can have harmful effects on your body's functions and may require emergency medical attention.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two doses of Carbamazepine usually does not affect your body significantly. However, some medications may not work effectively if not taken on schedule. If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's advice on whether to take it as soon as possible or wait for the next scheduled dose.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
- Liver Disease: Carbamazepine is not recommended for people with severe liver disease. If you have stable liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage accordingly.
- Heart Disease: If you have any heart-related problems, Carbamazepine may worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
Carbamazepine is a category D pregnancy drug, meaning it should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breastfeeding
Carbamazepine can pass into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the baby. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Storage
- Keep the medication away from direct contact with heat, air and light to prevent damage.
- Store at room temperature, between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Keep out of reach of children.
Consultation and Emergencies
- Always consult your doctor before taking Carbamazepine.
- If you experience any side effects or problems, seek immediate medical attention.
- Carry your medication with you while traveling to handle any immediate emergencies.
- Follow your doctor’s prescription and advice when taking Carbamazepine.
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Book an AppointmentCarbamazepine vs. Oxcarbazepine
| Carbamazepine | Oxcarbazepine |
|---|---|
| Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. This tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulse which causes seizures and nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. | Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant. This medication works by decreasing the nerve impulses which causes seizures and pains. |
| Mainly, Carbamazepine is used for treating two conditions: Certain type of seizures that is caused by epilepsy, this includes:
Trigeminal Neuralgia (It’s a condition which causes facial nerve pain) |
Oxcarbazepine tablets are available in various forms: tablets and suspension. It is used for treating partial seizures in people with epilepsy. |
Some of the serious side effects of Carbamazepine are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Eliquis are:
|
