Generic Tegretol, tablets

Chemical Name: CARBAMAZEPINE

Common uses

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug has rarely caused blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Promptly notify your doctor if you experience sore throat, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising. You will be monitored to minimize the possibility of these symptoms occurring. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking propoxyphene or monoamine oxidae inhibitors (maois). Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking diltiazem, lamotrigine, anticoagulants, birth control pills, clozapine, cyclosporine, haloperidol, male hormones, indinavir, isoniazid, lithium, corticosteroids, fluoxetine, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, troleandomycin, verapamil, or medicines for seizures or depression. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of heart conditions, anemia, or blood disorders. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food or milk. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments or surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have diabetes, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.

For women taking birth control pills: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine.

For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, unsteadiness, nausea, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience stomach pain, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling of ankles or fingers, fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth sores. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, deep sleep, tremor, rapid eye movements, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, large pupils, fainting, and irregular breathing.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.