Tegretol XR

The active ingredient in Tegretol XR is carbamazepine. Its mechanism of action involves reducing nerve impulses that provoke seizures and pain, therefore, managing overactive nerves in the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tegretol XR. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tegretol XR:

• For adults aged 12 years and older, a 200 mg tablet is taken twice daily to start. This dose can be gradually increased if needed. Ensure you take the XR tablet with food to avoid stomach upset.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose.

The most common side effects of Tegretol XR include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Weakness

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tegretol XR. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Worsening mood and increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, and blistering
• Serious skin reactions: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): fever, sore throat, painful red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling
• Heart rhythm changes: irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
• Liver problems: nausea, right upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes, and unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low sodium levels: headaches, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, confusion, and weakness
• Blood disorders: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelet levels, and low white blood cell levels

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tegretol XR. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tegretol XR, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Asian ancestry
• Bone marrow depression
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts
• Porphyria
• Psychotic disorders
• Suicidal thoughts
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Boxed Warning

• Use of this medication can decrease the number of blood cells produced by the body, as well as cause life-threatening allergic reactions called SJS or TEN.

• Known allergy to Tegretol-XR, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline), primidone, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
• History of bone marrow suppression
• Have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days
• Have jaundice or hepatitis
• Are taking nefazodone or NNRTIs such as efavirenz, nevirapine, delavirdine, etravirine, and rilpivirine
• Are pregnant

Tegretol XR can take 1 to 2 weeks to begin working.

When Tegretol XR is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Medications to treat HIV infection or AIDS
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• Lithium
• Cimetidine
• Grapefruit juice
• Nefazodone
• Antibiotics, including clarithromycin and erythromycin
• Oxcarbazepine
• Isoniazid
• Levothyroxine
• Theophylline
• Medications to treat fungal infections
• Lamotrigine
• Tramadol
• Warfarin
• Birth control pills or medications that contain estrogen
• Acetazolamide
• Acetaminophen
• Herbal products

The dosage forms include oral tablets, chewable tablets, an oral suspension, extended-release capsules, and extended-release tablets. The extended-release tablets come in the 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg strengths.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep this medication out of reach of children and do not store it in the bathroom.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tegretol XR is Novartis.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand-name Tegretol XR.

Consult with your physician first before stopping or adjusting your use of Tegretol XR. Stopping this medication suddenly can increase your risk of seizures.

Tegretol XR may cause harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Tegretol XR is known to pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.