Tegretol

The active ingredient in Tegretol is carbamazepine. Tegretol's mechanism of action works by 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. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tegretol:

• Take this medication as directed by your physician and with food if needed.

The most common side effects of Tegretol 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. 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, blistering, swelling, and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).
• Serious skin reactions - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
• Heart rhythm changes - irregular heartbeat, feeling lightheaded, chest pain.
• Infection - fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
• Liver (hepatic) injury - right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine.
• Low sodium level (hyponatremia) - muscle weakness, headache, tiredness, and confusion.
• Blood disorders - agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelet levels, and low white blood cell levels.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Tegretol. 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, 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.
• Hypersensitivity reaction to carbamazepine, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline), primidone, phenytoin, or phenobarbital.
• Pregnant.
• 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.

• Drinking alcohol increases the side effects of carbamazepine as well as your risk of seizures.
• Individuals with fructose intolerance should not take some forms of Tegretol that contain sorbitol.
• The HLA-B 1502 allele, an inherited variant of the HLA-B gene, is associated with an increased risk of developing SJS and TEN in individuals with Chinese ancestry.
• History of bone marrow suppression.
• Have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days.
• Are taking nefazodone or NNRTIs (eg, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, rilpivirine).
• Have jaundice or hepatitis.
• Are pregnant.

To get its full effects, Tegretol can take 1 to 2 weeks.

When Tegretol 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) within the past 2 weeks.
• Lithium.
• Cimetidine.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Nefazodone.
• Antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin).
• Oxcarbazepine.
• Isoniazid.
• Thyroid hormones (levothyroxine).
• Theophylline.
• Medications to treat fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole).
• Lamotrigine.
• Tramadol.
• Warfarin.
• Female hormones (estrogens, birth control pills).
• Acetazolamide.

Tegretol comes in a variety of forms, including:

• 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg oral tablets.
• 100 mg and 200 mg chewable tablets.
• 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension.
• 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg oral extended-release capsules.
• 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg extended-release tablets.

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.

Novartis is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tegretol.

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

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

Tegretol 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 a safer medication that is best for you.

Tegretol 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.