Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine essentially treats nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia as well as diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, the drug also effectively treats bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine functions as an anticonvulsant and decreases the occurrence of abnormal nerve impulses in the brain which can lead to severe reactions like seizures and acute pain.

The effect of the medicine is quite slow and does lead to some side effects; it may take about a couple of weeks or more for your condition to improve. The medicine should be taken as prescribed, as directions of the doctor should be adhered to strictly.

Before starting the drug make sure to give your doctor detailed information about any existing health issues and allergies. Before taking this medication to inform the doctor, if you are or suffer from:

• Heart problems
• Thyroid issues
• Porphyria
• Lupus
• Mental illness
• Kidney problem
• Pregnant or going to become pregnant

If you are on the drug during your pregnancy make sure to clearly follow the doctor’s instructions on dosage and consumption. Do not stop the drug or increase dosage without the doctor’s advice as it can cause severe complications for the baby.

Symptoms of overdose include dizziness ataxia, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, nystagmus, urinary retention, dysrhythmias, coma, seizures, twitches, respiratory depression, neuromuscular disturbances.

Provide general supportive care. Activated charcoal is effective at binding certain chemicals and this is especially true for carbamazepine; other treatment is supportive/symptomatic. Treatment consists of inducing emesis or gastric lavage.

EKG should also be monitored to detect cardiac dysfunction. Monitor blood pressure, body temperature, pupillary reflexes, bladder function for several days following ingestion.

Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency or discontinue without consulting prescriber). Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake).

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Epilepsy

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

• Bone Marrow Suppression

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Thrombocytopenia

• Oedema

• Dizziness

• Ataxia

• Headache

• Blurred Vision

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 4.5 hours for immediate-release tablets.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Crosses the placenta. Dysmorphic facial features, cranial defects, cardiac defects, spina bifida, IUGR, and multiple other malformations reported. Epilepsy itself, number of medications, genetic factors, or a combination of these probably influence the teratogenicity of anticonvulsant therapy. Benefit:risk ratio usually favors continued use during pregnancy,

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine crosses into breast milk. American Academy of Pediatrics considers compatible with breast-feeding.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is found to be unsafe when taken with alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  It might cause side effects that could affect the alertness of the patient. Hence affect the ability of the patient. If the patient is taking this medicine, driving must be avoided.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Limited data is available. Adjustment of dose may not be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Carbamazepine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• India

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Carbamazepine as ingredient

• Zeptol 100 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Mazetol 200 MG Tablet

  Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd

• Acetol 200 MG Tablet

  Psychotropics India Ltd

• Tympalin C Drop

  Klar Sehen Pvt Ltd

• Demisone 0.5 MG Tablet

  Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Tegrital 200 MG Tablet

  Novartis India Ltd

• Lodex 0.05% Drops

  Syntho Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd

• Tegrital 100 MG Tablet

  Novartis India Ltd

• Dexa 4 MG Injection

  Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Vigadexa 5Mg/1Mg Eye Drop

  Alcon Laboratories

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

This medication belongs to the class anticonvulsant. It works by reducing the excitation of the brain cells by inhibiting the sodium channels thus inhibits the repetitive firing of brain cells.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Carbamazepine may induce the metabolism of benzodiazepines, citalopram, clozapine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, doxycycline, ethosuximide, felbamate, felodipine, haloperidol, mebendazole, methadone, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, tacrolimus, theophylline, thyroid hormones, tricyclic antidepressants, valproic acid, warfarin; monitor for altered response; dose adjustment may be needed.
  • Cimetidine, clarithromycin, danazol, diltiazem, erythromycin, felbamate, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, lamotrigine, metronidazole, propoxyphene, verapamil, fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole may inhibit hepatic metabolism of Carbamazepine with resultant increase of carbamazepine serum concentrations and toxicity.
  • CBZ may enhance hepatotoxic potential of acetaminophen.
  • Neurotoxicity may result in patients receiving lithium and CBZ concurrently.
  • Carbamazepine is incompatible with chlorpromazine solution and thioridazine liquid. Schedule Carbamazepine at least 1-2 hours apart from other liquid medicinals.

• Interaction with Disease

  Depression

  This medication should be given with caution in the patients with depression and suicidal thoughts. Frequent monitoring of depression symptoms is necessary. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the outcomes in the patient.

  Liver Disease

  This medication should be used with caution in the patients with the mild to moderate liver disease. Frequent monitoring of liver function tests is necessary. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

• Ques : What is Carbamazepine?

  Ans : This medication functions as an anticonvulsant and decreases the occurrence of abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

• Ques : What are the uses of Carbamazepine?

  Ans : This medicine is an anti-epileptic drug that is useful in treating fits (seizures). It is also used to cure trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain).

• Ques : How long do I need to use Carbamazepine?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Carbamazepine?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Carbamazepine empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food or prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Carbamazepine?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : Is Carbamazepine an analgesic?

  Ans : Carbamazepine is not a type of analgesic drug, hence, it must not be used in case of regular pain.

• Ques : What are the long-term effects of Carbamazepine?

  Ans : The long-term side effects of this drug varies from one person to another. Some people can tolerate the drug for years, others develop side effects when consumed for a longer duration.

• Ques : How do I stop taking Carbamazepine?

  Ans : You must not stop this medicine without consulting a doctor. In case you want to stop it, it is suggested to lower down the dosage gradually.

• Ques : How quickly does Carbamazepine start working?

  Ans : It takes about 14 days to see improvement in this condition. Consult your doctor if you don’t see improvement even after completing the full course of treatment.

• Ques : What should I avoid while taking Carbamazepine?

  Ans : Carbamazepine can cause sleepiness and dizziness in patients. Hence, it is suggested not to drive after consuming this medicine. THe consumption of alcohol should be avoided as well.

• Ques : Can the use of Carbamazepine lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed?

  Ans : This medicine can increase weight in some individuals. In fact, it is one of the most common side effects. You must make changes in your lifestyle such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet in order to manage your weight.

• Ques : Can the use of Carbamazepine affect my sex life?

  Ans : It is very rare of this medicine to affect your sex life. Talk to your doctor if you develop these symptoms after consumption of this medicine.

• Ques : I am taking Carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia. For how long do I need to take it?

  Ans : You must take it for some weeks unless the pain is relieved. In case you want to stop taking it, first consult your doctor.

• Ques : How can I reduce the side effects of Carbamazepine?

  Ans : If the side effects persist for a longer duration, consult a doctor to alter the doses in order to reduce the side effects.

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• Dexamethasone drop,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

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