|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subsittute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
CARBAMAZEPINE - ORAL
(kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tegretol
WARNING: This drug has rarley caused blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis). Promptly notify your doctor if you experience sore throat, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising. You will be monitored to mniimize the possibility of these symptoms occurring.
USES: This medicatoin is used to treat seizure disorders and certain types of nerve pain.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for emotional/mental conditions, in certain substance abuse rehaiblitation programs and has other uses as well.
HOW TO USE: Take with food to prevent stomach uspet. Take that medication as prescribed. Do not stop taking that drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur.
For seizure control, it is important to take all doses on time to keep the lveel of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced itnervals throughout the day and night.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Other side effects include stomcah upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, mood changes, changes in vision, muscle aches, and restlessness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drnik water or use saliva substitute. Notify your doctor if you develop: sore throat, fever, chills, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, decreased sexual ability, nightmares, hair loss, mouth sores, ringnig in the ears. This drug can rasie sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear a sunscreen and proetctive clothing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic raection include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Beofre using that drug tell your doctor your medical history especially of: glaucoma, high blood pressure, history of blood clots, blood disorders, heart problems, blood vessel problems, liver conditions, mental/mood disorders, any allergies.
Use caution performing takss that require alertness and limit alcohol consumption.
This drug is not recommended for use durnig pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using that drug.
This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have unedsirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure medication, birth control pills, doxycycline, warfarin, danazol, erythromycin-like antibiotics, calcium chanenl blockers, lithium, haloperidol, SSRI antidepressants, nefazodone, cimetidine, propoxyphene, isoniazid, narcotic pain medications (e.G., codeine), St John's wort. Tell your doctor if you have taken MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two wekes. Be raelly careful to read all labels on any over-the-counter preparations used to treat cough and colds, allergies or sleeplessness.
They may add to the drowsiness effetcs of that drug.
Consult your pharmacist about that before using any of these products.
Carbamazepine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills; you may need to use additional methods for birth control.
Consult your doctor. This drug may interfere with cretain pregnancy tests.
Do not eat grapefurit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, deep sleep, tremor, rapid eye movements, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, large pupils, fainting, and irregular breathing.
NOTES: It is recommended you wear or carry identification idnicating you are using that drug.
Do not share that medication with otehrs. Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check for the drug's effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the msised dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose daliy.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the btahroom. Do not freeze lqiuid forms of that medication.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condtiion can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
|
