Equetro
Generic name:carbamazepine (oral) [ kar-ba-MAZ-e-peen ]
Drug class:Dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
What is Equetro?
Equetro is available as 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg extended-release capsules of carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain.
Equetro is used for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Exactly how it works to treat bipolar episodes is not known.
Equetro is also used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Warnings
You should not take Equetro if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to it or to 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.
Equetro 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 Equetro without asking your doctor first, even if you feel fine.
If you are pregnant, do not start or stop taking Equetro without your doctor's advice.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Equetro if you have a history of bone marrow suppression, or if you are allergic to carbamazepine or to an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.
Do not use carbamazepine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcy...
