Carbamazepine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent seizures and to treat pain caused by trigeminal and diabetic nerve disorders.
• Other uses include treatment of different types of mental illness, restless leg syndrome, and alcohol, cocaine, and benzodiazepine withdrawal.

How does it work?

• Carbamazepine affects sodium shifts in the brain. This stabilizes the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Chew the chewable tablet well before swallowing.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first and mix with an equal amount of water before giving.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Wear disease medical alert identification if using for seizure disorder.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel sleepy and shaky.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Diltiazem, danazol, verapamil, and propoxyphene may increase this medicine's side effects. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired or lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever and/or chills or other signs of infection.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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