Epilepsy Ontario :: Medications

Carbamazepine

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, myocolonic or atonic seizures. It is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a condition which 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, as well as 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	Warning about Tegretol � Suspension Close monitoring should be maintained in people with kidney, liver, blood or heart problems. Pregnant women should inform their doctor before taking carbamazepine. Breast feeding 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: 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 � The following may increase the level of carbamazepine (and possible toxicity) in the blood: erythromycin (and other macrolide antibiotics) troleandomycin josamycin isoniazid verapamil diltiazem viloxazine fluoxetine acetazolamide cimetidine danazol desipramine (possibly) lithium primidone propoxyphene valproic acid valpromide � The following may decrease the level of carbamazepine in the blood: phenobarbital phenytoin primidone progabide or theophylline clonazepam (possibly) � There may be an increased risk of neurotoxic side effects if carbamazepine is taken with: 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 hydrochlorothiazide � Carbamazepine may counteract the effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants: pancuronium � the availability of carbamazepine and its clearance from the body may be affected by: isotretinoin � Carbamazepine may affect one's tolerance of alcohol. Abstain from alcohol comsumption 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, 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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Disclaimer

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.