What is this medicine?

CARBAMAZEPINE (kar ba MAZ e peen) is used to control seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy. This medicine is also used to treat nerve related pain. It is not for common aches and pains.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Epitol, Tegretol

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Asian ancestry
  • bone marrow disease
  • glaucoma
  • heart disease or irregular heartbeat
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
  • porphyria
  • psychotic disorders
  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

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 pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • certain medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS that are given in combination with cobicistat

delavirdine

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

nefazodone

  • oxcarbazepine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • acetaminophen

acetazolamide

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital

certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin or troleandomycin

  • cimetidine

cyclosporine

  • danazol

dicumarol

  • doxycycline

female hormones, including estrogens and birth control pills

  • grapefruit juice

isoniazid, INH

  • levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones

lithium and other medicines to treat mood problems or psychotic disturbances

  • loratadine

medicines for angina or high blood pressure

  • medicines for cancer

medicines for depression or anxiety

  • medicines for sleep

medicines to treat fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole

  • medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS

methadone

  • niacinamide

praziquantel

  • propoxyphene

rifampin or rifabutin

  • seizure or epilepsy medicine

steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone

  • theophylline

tramadol

  • warfarin

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 medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care provider for a regular check on your progress. Do not change brands or dosage forms of this medicine without discussing the change with your doctor or health care provider. If you are taking this medicine for epilepsy (seizures), do not stop taking it suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and doctor or health care provider.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice 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.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine 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 use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care provider right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin D and folic acid. You should make sure that you get enough vitamins while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • changes in vision
  • confusion
  • dark urine
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever or chills, sore throat
  • mouth ulcers
  • pain or difficulty passing urine
  • rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • ringing in the ears
  • seizures
  • stomach pain
  • swollen joints or muscle/joint aches and pains
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusually weak or tired
  • vomiting
  • worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • headache
  • increased sweating
  • nausea

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine 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.

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