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 Posted - 05/11/2005 : 22:50:59
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Synopsis:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant mood-stabilizer licenced for the treatment of acute mania and the prevention of mania or depression in Bipolar I Disorder.
Research has shown that lithium usually is superior to carbamazepine for maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. About two-thirds of bipolar patients respond to lithium. Fortunately, many bipolar patients who do not respond to lithium will respond to carbamazepine. Carbamazepine has more side-effects (dizziness, somnolence) than lithium. However, the side-effects of carbamazepine usually disappear after a few weeks and thereafter this medication is usually well-tolerated and safe.
Approximately 50% of Bipolar patients treated with a mood-stabilizer (i.e., lithium or an anticonvulsant) require the addition of an antipsychotic medication to gain total mood stability.
(Unlike atypical antipsychotic medications) there is no evidence that either lithium or carbamazepine increase the risk of diabetes mellitus.
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
What is carbamazepine (Tegretol):
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) belongs to the family of medicines called anticonvulsants for treating epilepsy. Carbamazepine is also used for treating the pain of trigeminal neuralgia and for treating mania.
Important points you must tell your doctor before taking carbamazepine (Tegretol):
Tell about your medical conditions, especially if you have or have had any liver or kidney disease, heart disease or blood disorders.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
Any other medicines (prescription and non-prescription) you are taking.
Inform your doctor of your usual alcohol consumption.
Inform your doctor of any allergies you may have.
How to take carbamazepine (Tegretol):
It is very important that you take carbamazepine exactly as your doctor instructed.
Never increase or decrease the amount of carbamazepine you are taking unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking it abruptly, because your symptoms may increase.
If you miss a dose, take your carbamazepine as soon as possible. However, if the time is close to the next dose, do not take the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
Carbamazepine tablets, Chewtabs and suspension should be taken in 2 to 4 divided doses daily, with meals whenever possible. Carbamazepine CR tablets should be swallowed unchewed with a little liquid during or after a meal.
Shake carbamazepine suspension well before you take it or else you may not receive the correct dose.
When not to use carbamazepine (Tegretol):
You should not use carbamazepine if:
- you are allergic to it or any of the components in the tablets or suspension (see list of components at the end of this leaflet)
- you have severe heart disease
- you have had serious blood illnesses in the past
- you have a disturbance in the production of porphyrin, a pigment important for liver function and blood formation
- you are also taking drugs belonging to a special group of antidepressants called monoamineoxidate inhibitors (MAOIs)
Precautions when taking carbamazepine (Tegretol):
Call your doctor immediately if your seizures get worse.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any severe, unusual or allergic reactions.
If you experience any side effects such as drowsiness, headache, unsteadiness on the feet, double vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, consult your doctor.
Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you are sure that Tegretol does not affect your alertness.
Avoid alcoholic drinks when taking carbamazepine.
What to do in case of carbamazepine (Tegretol) overdose:
Contact your doctor or nearest hospital emergency ward, even though you may not feel sick.
How to store carbamazepine (Tegretol):
Store at room temperature (below 30°C). Protect from humidity, such as in bathrooms where you shower often.
Protect carbamazepine Chewtabs and suspension from light.
Keep out of reach of children.
Phil Long M.D.
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Carbamazepine
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