Tegretol (Carbamazepine) for Epilepsy

Overview
Tegretol is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control partial-onset seizures with complex symptomatology, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and other generalized seizures. In people with epilepsy, Tegretol is used to prevent most types of seizures except absence seizures. Tegretol is also referred to by its drug name, carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is also sold under the brand name Carbatrol.

Tegretol is an anticonvulsant, or in other words, a drug used to prevent and control seizures. Tegretol is a member of the dibenzazepine class of anticonvulsants. It is believed to work in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tegretol is taken orally as a tablet or suspension (liquid). Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Tegretol and gradually increase the dosage.

Do not stop taking Tegretol suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Tegretol, consult your physician for a plan to reduce your dosage gradually.

Tegretol should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Tegretol lists common side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting. Some of these side effects may fade as your body acclimates to Tegretol.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Tegretol include severe and potentially-fatal skin reactions, low blood cell counts, heart failure, liver failure, and fetal harm.

Rarely, some people experience neurological symptoms including depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking Tegretol. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.

Call your doctor if you experience chest pain, vision problems, yellowing of the eyes or skin, confusion, or the sensation of being out of contact with reality while taking Tegretol.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain you understand how Tegretol affects you.

Tegretol may reduce the effectiveness of some forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives and implants. You may need to adopt another form of birth control while using Tegretol.

Ask your doctor whether you need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Tegretol.

Drinking alcohol while taking Tegretol can intensify some side effects.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Tegretol — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/tegretol-drug.htm

Carbamazepine — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ca...