Carbamazepine is available in Canada only by prescription.
Known as
Apo-Carbamazepine, Epitol, Mazepine, Novocarbamaz, Tegretol
Uses
- Carbamazepine is effective in treating complex partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and simple partial seizures.
- It is sometimes prescribed in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs.
- Carbamazepine is not effective against absence, myoclonic or atonic seizures.
- It is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes pain in the face.
- It is also used to treat acute mania and bipolar (manic-depressive) disorders.
How to Use
- Take carbamazepine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dosage.
- Take it with food to prevent stomach upset.
- Use measuring spoon, available at your pharmacy, to pour syrup.
Side Effects
When you begin to take carbamazepine, you may experience reactions such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- unsteadiness
- headache
- double vision
- nausea, and
- allergic skin rashes.
If the frequency of symptoms increases, or you develop fever, ulcers in the mouth, rash, sore throat easy bruising, or purplish-red spots on the surface of the skin,inform your doctor promptly. Glaucoma may be aggravated.
Precautions
- Close monitoring should be maintained in people with kidney, liver, blood or heart problems.
- Pregnant women should inform their doctor before taking carbamazepine. Breastfeeding should be discontinued while taking carbamazepine.
- If you experience multiple seizures (including absence) inform your doctor prior to taking this drug.
- Use caution when operating a car or other machinery.
- Do not take carbamazepine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Interactions
Carbamazepine (induces the production of liver enzymes which) may decrease or abolish the effect of these substances.Expand Carbamazepine (induces the production of liver enzymes which) may decrease or abolish the effect of these substances. Section
- alprazolam
- clobazam
- clonazepam
- corticosteroids (prednisolone dexamethasone)
- cyclosporin
- digoxin
- doxycycline
- ethosuximide
- valproic acid
- felodipine
- haloperidol
- imipramine
- methadone
- oral anticoagulants (warfarin, phenprocoumon, dicumarol)
- oral contraceptives
- primidone
- theophylline
- thioridazine
Carbamazepine may increase or decrease the effect of phenytoin.
Substances that may increase the level of carbamazepine (and possible toxicity) in the bloodExpand Substances that may increase the level of carbamazepine (and possible toxicity) in the blood Section
- erythromycin (and other macrolide antibiotics)
- troleandomycin
- josamycin
- isoniazid
- verapamil
- diltiazem
- viloxazine
- fluoxetine
- acetazolamide
- cimetidine
- danazol
- desipramine (possibly)
- lithium
- primidone
- propoxyphene
- valproic acid
- valpromide
Substances that may decrease the level of carbamazepine in the bloodExpand Substances that may decrease the level of carbamazepine in the blood Section
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- primidone
- progabide or theophylline
- clonazepam (possibly)
Substances that may cause an increased risk of neurotoxic side effects if taken with carbamazepineExpand Substances that may cause an increased risk of neurotoxic side effects if taken with carbamazepine Section
- haloperidol
- lithium
- metoclopramide
There may be an increased risk of liver toxicity if carbamazepine is taken with isoniazid.
There may be an increased risk of hyponatremia (deficiency of sodium in the blood) if carbamazepine is taken with furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
Carbamazepine may counteract the effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, including pancuronium.
The availability carbamazepine and its clearance from the body may be affected by isotretinoin.
Carbamazepine may affect one’s tolerance of alcohol. Abstain from alcohol consumption when taking carbamazepine.
If you are using any over-the-counter medication, other prescription drugs or alcohol, inform your doctor.
Missed Dose
Take your dose as soon as you remember. Then resume your regular medication schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from children, heat, light and moisture. If stored under humid conditions, carbamazepine tablets may fail to dissolve.
Forms
Tablets of varying dosages and colours, some chewable, some time-released. Suspension.
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DisclaimerExpand Disclaimer Section
The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
