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| CARBAMAZEPINE |
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| What
is CARBAMAZEPINE? |
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Carbamazepine belongs to the group of antiepileptic drugs. It is used in the treatment of different types of epilepsies except for absence ( petite mal) seizure. It also relieves facial nerve pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine is also used in chorea in children, some psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal.
Carbamazepine is produced as tablets. |
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| How
should I use CARBAMAZEPINE? |
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Carbamazepine is usually prescribed two to four times a day. In facial nerve pain, it is often taken once a day. To feel the effects of carbamazepine you must take it for at least a few weeks. But if you still have seizures while taking the drug tell your doctor. Take carbamazepine exactly as directed by your doctor, do not change the doasge. Read the instructions on the package of drug carefully.
Do not stop taking the drug without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. This is very important, particularly if you’ve been taking carbamazepine for a long time, stoppage of the medicine may cause seizures. Talk to your doctor and he may order you how to decrease the drug gradually. |
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| Contraindications |
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Carbamazepine should not be used in absence seizure, atonic and myoclonic attacks, blood disorders, bone marrow hypoactivity and atrioventricular block. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, specially within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss more than one dose, you’d better consult your doctor. |
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| Dietary
instructions |
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Carbamazepine may upset your stomach. It’s advised to take it with food or after meals. You can also take it with a glass of milk. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
A. You are allergic to carbamazepine or any other medication.
B. You are taking any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, specially: other seizure medications, acetaminophen, astemizole, clarithromycin, danazol, diltiazem, doxycycline, erythromycin, haloperidol, isoniazid (INH), lithium, antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine or terfenadine, anti-depressant agents such as amitriptyline, imipramine and fluoxetine (Prozac), oral contraceptives, propoxyphene, sedative-hypnotics such as phenobarbital or diazepam, theophylline, verapamil, or even vitamins.
C. You have or have had any diseases, specially heart, kidney, or liver disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma (high eye pressure) or blood disorders, including coagulopathies ( bleeding disorders).
D. You are going to have a surgery, including dental procedures. |
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| Side
Effects |
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Carbamazepine may cause some side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of the following adverse effects are severe or persist:
Drowsiness, headache, agitation, insomnia, irritability, loss of concentration, confusion, hallucinations, imbalance, diplopia, speech problems, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea and male sexual problems.
But here are some serious adverse effects of carbamazepine, for which you must seek help from your doctor immediately:
Skin rash or tiny red spots, easy bruising or unusual bleeding, nose bleed, fever, sore throat or mouth, faint or seizures, yellow skin or eyes, irregular heartbeats, swelling of feet and joint pain. |
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| Storage |
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Keep carbamazepine in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of an overdose or emergency, seek help from the nearest medical or poison centre. Here, are some important clues of overdose:
Severe drowsiness or dizziness, cofusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, restlessness, imbalance, blurred vision (specially diplopia), tremor, muscle twitching, vomiting, stomachache, difficult breathing and rapid heartbeat. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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Taking carbamazepine with other nervous system depressants and sedative-hypnotic agents can cause severe drowsiness and confusion.
• Carbamazepine can decrease the effects of warfarin, doxorubicin, clonazepam, phenytoin, sodium valporoate, primidone, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, quinidine oral contraceptive pills and other seizure drugs.
• Verapamil, diltiazem, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine and isoniazide (INH) may increase the chance of carbamazepine toxicity.
• Antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs decrease the threshold of seizures and interact with the action of carbamazepine.
• Taking carbamazepine with furazolidone or procarbazine may cause severe convulsions, rise in blood pressure, body temperature and even death. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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Carbamazepine must only be prescribed in children by doctors. It is not known whether carbamazepine can cause any serious effects on fetus during pregnancy, it’s wise to talk to your doctor. Carbamazepine is excreted in breast milk, and it’s advised not to breastfeed your baby when taking the drug. For more information consult your doctor. |
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| More
information |
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• Carbamazepine can cause a blood disorder. Your doctor will probably order certain lab tests to check your response to carbamazepine and your blood status. Keep all your appointments with your doctor.
• As carbamazepine may make you feel drowsy, it’s suggested not to drive a car or drink alcohol until you know the effects of drug on you.
• Carbamazepine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight, you’d better avoid unnecessary sun exposure (specially between 11 am to 3 pm), wear appropriate clothing and you can use antisolar creams.
• Antacids may interfere with carbamazepine, so do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking carbamazepine.
• Since carbamazepine can decrease the effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) , it’s suggested that you use a barrier method (like condoms) while taking carbamazepine along with OCPs.
• Wear a medical identification card saying that you have epilepsy and you use carbamazepine. |
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