Tegretol contains the active ingredient carbamazepine USP, which is used as an anticonvulsant and specific analgesic for trigeminal neuralgia. It is available for oral administration in two forms: chewable tablets of 100 mg and regular tablets of 200 mg. Inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and corn starch. Tegretol may be used to manage trigeminal neuralgia.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. If you are administering this medication down a feeding tube, your care team will teach you the best way to take this medication. Do not administer with other liquid medications or foods down the tube.Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication except on the advice of your care team.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
This medication can cause new or worsening depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in a small number of people. This can happen while you are taking this medication or after stopping it. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication contains an inactive ingredient that is safe in small amounts. It can cause serious side effects in large amounts. The risk for side effects is increased in young children and in people with kidney or liver problems. Tell your care team about all the medications you take. Talk to your care team right away if you have trouble breathing, weakness or fatigue, confusion, or a loss of balance or coordination.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the contraceptive option that works for you.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. People who become pregnant while taking this medication can enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of this medication during pregnancy.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medicine can lower blood counts, like red blood cells and platelets. This is rare, but is very serious when it happens. Your health care provider will check you blood counts while you take this medicine.
This medicine can stop healthy white blood cells from being made. This is rare but is very serious when it happens. Your health care provider will check your blood counts while you take this medicine.
People of Asian descent may need a genetic blood test before taking this medicine. Asian patients are more likely to have a genetic variation called HLA-B*1502. This may increase the risk of serious rash with this medicine.
This medication may cause rare but serious skin rashes.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
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