Tegretol 200mg Tablets

Carbamazepine calms nerve signals in the brain. It is used to treat:

• epilepsy, to help prevent seizures
• trigeminal neuralgia, a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the face
• bipolar disorder, usually when other medicines have not worked

It is usually a long-term treatment.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. The dose is often started low and increased slowly.

• Swallow ordinary tablets whole with water, or chew them if they are chewable. Swallow slow-release tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
• Shake the liquid well and measure it with the syringe or spoon provided.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly, especially for epilepsy, as seizures may come back. Your doctor will advise how to stop safely.

Common side effects, which often ease within a couple of weeks, include:

• dizziness, tiredness, or problems with balance, coordination or speech
• dry mouth
• feeling or being sick

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a painful rash, blisters, peeling skin or mouth sores, especially with fever (possible serious skin reaction)
• swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing
• repeated infections, a sore throat, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, or tiny red or purple spots on the skin
• yellow skin or whites of the eyes
• swollen ankles, feet or legs
• thoughts of harming yourself, or new or worsening low mood, agitation or aggression

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to carbamazepine or a similar medicine
• have had a blood disorder or bone marrow problem
• have liver or kidney problems, glaucoma or other eye problems
• have a mental health condition such as schizophrenia
• are of Asian ancestry, as your doctor may need to check for an inherited risk of serious skin reactions
• take hormonal contraception, HRT, warfarin, antipsychotics such as aripiprazole, or some antibiotics

Keep it in its original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Blood tests: you will need tests before and during treatment.

Contraception and pregnancy: carbamazepine can stop some hormonal contraceptives from working. Tell your doctor straight away if you are planning a pregnancy or become pregnant; do not stop taking it on your own.

Alcohol and grapefruit: avoid alcohol, and do not have grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Driving: do not drive, cycle or use machinery if you feel dizzy, tired or uncoordinated.

Breastfeeding: talk to your doctor first.