Generic name: carbamazepine (oral) [ kar-ba-MAZ-e-peen ]
Brand names: Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR
Drug class:Dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
What is carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Carbamazepine is also used to treat bipolar disorder.
Carbamazepine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take carbamazepine if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, if you are allergic to it, or take an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ALL OTHER MEDICINES YOU USE. Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of carbamazepine, which may cause side effects or make this medicine less effective. Carbamazepine can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Carbamazepine may cause serious blood problems or a life-threatening skin rash or allergic reaction. Call your doctor if you have a fever, unusual weakness, bleeding, bruising, or a skin rash that causes blistering and peeling.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor first, even if you feel fine.
If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking carbamazepine without your doctor's advice.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take carbamazepine if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to car...
