Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Brand Options

arrow pointer

Brand Name : Tegretol

Marketing Authorization Holder : Novartis

Prescription Required

 
 

Generic Option

arrow pointer2

Generic Name : Carbamazepine

Manufactured By : Authorized UK Generic

Prescription Required

 
 

Product Details

Tegretol

Information about Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Tegretol is the brand name for carbamazepine, a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and certain mood disorders. It is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug that works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Carbamazepine can also be used to manage certain types of nerve pain. The exact mechanism of action involves inhibiting sodium channels, thereby reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Product Highlights

  • Tegretol is commonly prescribed to control partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and mixed seizure types.
  • Carbamazepine is used as a mood stabilizer to help manage the manic and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder.
  • Tegretol is used to treat the severe nerve pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes intense pain in the face.
  • It may also be used to manage other types of neuropathic pain and, in some cases, for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Key Ingredient

  • Carbamazepine

Key Benefits

  • Tegretol is effective in preventing and controlling various types of seizures, making it a mainstay treatment for epilepsy.
  • It helps reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings in bipolar disorder, especially in the manic phase.
  • Carbamazepine is one of the most effective treatments for the sharp, stabbing pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Tegretol has been used for many years and has a proven track record in treating epilepsy and other conditions.

Direction of Use

  • The dosage of Tegretol depends on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and their response to the medication. It is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased to minimize side effects.
  • For seizures, the usual initial dose is around 100 mg twice a day, with gradual increases based on therapeutic response.
  • For bipolar disorder, the typical starting dose is 200 mg per day, gradually increased to an effective dose.
  • For trigeminal neuralgia, the starting dose may be 200 mg twice daily, gradually increasing to 800 mg or more daily.
  • Tegretol can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food can reduce gastrointestinal irritation. The extended-release form should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
  • Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood levels of carbamazepine, liver function, and blood counts, as it can affect these parameters.

Safety Concerns

  • Tegretol can cause low white blood cell count (leukopenia), aplastic anemia, or thrombocytopenia, so regular blood monitoring is necessary.
  • Carbamazepine can affect liver function, so liver enzyme levels need to be monitored during treatment.
  • Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, and visual disturbances. These side effects typically lessen over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. 
  • Carbamazepine has been associated with an increased risk of serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which may cause severe rashes and blistering. This risk is higher in certain populations, including those with HLA-B*1502 genetic markers.
  • Carbamazepine is known to interact with many other medications, including other anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives. It may reduce the effectiveness of some drugs by inducing liver enzymes.
  • Tegretol should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risks, as it can cause harm to the fetus, including birth defects and developmental delays.
  • Like other anticonvulsants, Tegretol may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in some patients, particularly when starting or adjusting the dose.

Avoid Tegretol (Carbamazepine) If

  • Avoid Tegretol if you are allergic to carbamazepine or have had a hypersensitivity reaction to other drugs in the same class.
  • Tegretol should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment due to the risk of further liver damage.
  • If you have a history of bone marrow disorders or low blood cell counts, Tegretol should be avoided.
  • Tegretol should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy due to the potential for birth defects, unless no alternative treatment is available.
  • Patients with the HLA-B*1502 allele are at an increased risk of serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and should avoid using Tegretol.
  • Concurrent Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Tegretol should not be used with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI due to the risk of serious interactions.


Image Image Image Image