Name of the Drug
Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Uses of the Drug
Tegretol help to control some kinds of the epileptic seizures. It even helps in treating severe cheek or jaw pain caused due to trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve problem). The doctors can also use it for some other purposes.
How to Take
Tegretol should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations..
- Take Tegretol orally with food or simply without food.
- Drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit might increase the side effects of this drug.
- Don’t stop taking Tegretol suddenly. That might increase the side effects of this drug.
- You should take Tegretol regularly for better results.
- Try to take the medicine at same timing everyday so that you do not forget taking it.
- Even though you feel good do not stop taking Tegretol.
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Tegretol is the anticonvulsant. It works for controlling seizures by jamming some nerve impulses within the brain. It works for treating ???trigeminal neuralgia’ by altering the nerve impulses within some facial nerves, that relieves pain.
Missed Dose
If you ever miss a dosage of Tegretol and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Tegretol should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). It should be kept away from children and pets. Tegretol should be stored away from light, moisture and heat.
Warnings Precautions
Tegretol should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in Tegretol;
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), or similar medicines;
- you are having a record of the blood disorder porphyria, bone marrow problems, or other severe blood disorders;
- you are having a serious heart problem known as heart block (atrioventricular block);
- you take nefazodone;
- you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine)
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Important:
- Tegretol might cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. These effects might worsen in case you are taking it along with certain medicines or alcohol. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Carefully use Tegretol. Don’t perform some dangerous tasks or even drive until and unless you know the reaction of the medicine.
- Don’t take any amount greater than as prescribed by the doctor.
- Tegretol might reduce amount of platelets in the blood. Avoid activities which might lead to injury or bruising.
- Tegretol might cause sunburn more easily. Avoid exposure to the sunlamps, sun, or tanning booths before you know their reaction to Tegretol.
- Inform your dentist or doctor that you are taking Tegretol prior to taking any dental or medical care, surgery, or emergency care.
- Tegretol might interfere with some lab tests, such as thyroid function tests.
- Breast-feeding and Pregnancy: Tegretol can cause harmful effects to your fetus. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Tegretol may be secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking Tegretol.
Common Side Effects
All medicines can have side effects. However, there are some people who have either less or no side effects. Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Dry mouth; dizziness; drowsiness; nausea; vomiting; unsteadiness;.
You should consult your doctor immediately in case you have the serious side effects as mentioned below:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); bloody stools or black, tarry,; tenderness or swelling, calf pain,; chest pain; change in amount of urine; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; irregular or fast heartbeat; fainting; fever, sore throat, or chills; hallucinations; joint pain; loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; pain, tenderness, or red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; unusual swelling in groin, neck, or under arms; shortness of breath; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; sudden unusual weight gain; speech problems; stomach pain; ulcers or sores in the mouth; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; unusual bruising or bleeding; uncontrolled muscle movements; vision or eye problems; unusual tiredness; yellowing of eyes or skin.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Tegretol with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.