Information about Tegretol XR (Carbamazepine ER)
Tegretol XR (Extended Release) is a long-acting formulation of carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication. It is used primarily for the management of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and certain types of nerve pain. The extended-release form provides a gradual release of the medication throughout the day, allowing for once-daily dosing and improved convenience for patients. Tegretol XR is particularly helpful for individuals who require consistent blood levels of carbamazepine without the need for multiple doses each day.
Product Highlights
- Tegretol XR is used to treat partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and mixed seizure types in both adults and children.
- It is also used as a mood stabilizer for the acute manic episodes and prevention of recurrence in bipolar disorder.
- Tegretol XR is effective in treating the sharp, stabbing pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
- Carbamazepine may also be prescribed for other types of nerve pain, including postherpetic neuralgia.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, which can enhance adherence to the treatment regimen compared to medications requiring multiple daily doses.
- Tegretol XR is effective in preventing various types of seizures and is commonly used as part of an overall epilepsy management plan.
- It can effectively manage manic episodes and prevent recurrence in patients with bipolar disorder.
- Tegretol XR is an effective treatment for the nerve pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia and other types of neuropathic pain.
- The extended-release formulation helps maintain more stable blood levels of carbamazepine, minimizing fluctuations that can occur with immediate-release versions.
Direction of Use
- The starting dose of Tegretol XR varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and their response to the medication. Typical starting doses include:
- For seizures, the starting dose is usually 200 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually based on response.
- For bipolar disorder, starting doses are typically 200 mg once daily and can be adjusted depending on individual response.
- For trigeminal neuralgia, the typical starting dose is 200 mg once daily, with gradual dose increases.
- Tegretol XR should be taken once a day, preferably with food to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed, as this can affect the release mechanism of the medication.
- Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests are essential to monitor carbamazepine levels in the blood, liver function, and blood cell counts, as carbamazepine can affect these.
Safety Concerns
- Carbamazepine can cause leukopenia, aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood counts during treatment.
- Carbamazepine can also affect liver function, so liver enzymes should be regularly checked during treatment.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and coordination problems. These side effects are usually more pronounced when starting treatment or increasing the dose.
- Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, can occur, especially in patients with the HLA-B*1502 genetic variant. These reactions are more common in Asian populations, and genetic testing may be recommended before starting treatment.
- Tegretol XR is Category D during pregnancy, meaning it may harm a fetus. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Carbamazepine is also excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised for breastfeeding mothers.
- Like other anticonvulsants, Tegretol XR may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some patients, particularly when starting the medication or adjusting the dose.
Avoid Tegretol XR (Carbamazepine ER) If
- Tegretol XR should be avoided in patients with a known allergy to carbamazepine or other tricyclic anticonvulsants.
- It should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment, as it can worsen liver function.
- Tegretol XR should be avoided in patients with a history of bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, or other significant blood disorders.
- Carbamazepine can cause birth defects and developmental delays, so it should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- Carbamazepine should not be used in patients with the HLA-B*1502 allele, as they are at higher risk for developing serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Tegretol XR should not be used with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI due to the risk of serious drug interactions.
