About

Tegretol is an anticonvulsant. It works to control seizures by blocking certain nerve impulses in the brain. It works to treat trigeminal neuralgia by altering nerve impulses in certain facial nerves, which relieves pain. Tegretol is used for controlling certain types of epileptic seizures. It is also used to treat severe pain of the jaw or cheek caused by a facial nerve problem (trigeminal neuralgia). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to take

Use Tegretol as directed by your doctor. Take Tegretol by mouth with or without food. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may increase the risk of this medicine's side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet. Do not suddenly stop taking Tegretol . You may have an increase risk of side effects (e.g., seizures). If you need to stop Tegretol or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose. Take Tegretol on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Tegretol at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to take Tegretol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for 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.

Warnings and precautions

Before taking Tegretol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Tegretol, if you have a history of increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), liver or kidney problems, blood problems, heart problems or congestive heart failure, mood or mental problems, seizures, multiple sclerosis, or severe skin reactions (eg, Stevens–Johnson syndrome), if you drink alcohol regularly or have a history of alcoholism, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Tegretol has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Tegretol. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tegretol during pregnancy. Tegretol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Tegretol. Some medicines may interact with Tegretol. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Tegretol if you are allergic to tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine) or similar medications, have a history of bone marrow depression, a heart condition known as atrioventricular block or if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days. Tegretol may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Tegretol. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period of time. Before you have any medical or dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Tegretol. Tegretol may interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid function tests. Be sure your doctor or laboratory personnel know you are taking Tegretol. This drug may interfere with some pregnancy test results. Lab tests, including blood cell counts, blood iron levels, liver function, kidney function, eye exams, and carbamazepine blood levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Side effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are - Blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth or throat, headache, nausea, unsteadiness, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bone, joint, or muscle pain, chills, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hair loss, hallucinations, involuntary muscle movements, pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling in the neck, groin, or under the arms, rapid eye movement, reddened, blistered, or swollen skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe sweating, shortness of breath, sore throat, stomach pain, swelling of ankles or fingers, ulcers or sores in the mouth, unusual bruising or bleeding, vision changes, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Storage

Store Tegretol at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Tegretol out of the reach of children and away from pets.