What is Carbamazepine ?
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. This tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulse which causes seizures and nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine tablets are also used for treating bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine comes in various oral forms: immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, extended-release capsule, chewable tablet and suspension. It is also available in the form of intravenous (IV) form.
Carbamazepine Uses
Carbamazepine belongs to the class of drugs called anticonvulsants. This is a class of drugs that refer to medications which work similarly. Mainly, Carbamazepine is used for treating two conditions:
Certain type of seizures that is caused by epilepsy, this includes:
- Partial seizures.
- Grand mal seizures.
- Mixed seizures patterns.
Carbamazepine Side effects
Carbamazepine common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Some of the serious side effects of Carbamazepine are:
- Severe Skin reaction
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Blisters on skin
- Low blood cells
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Liver Problems
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Carbamazepine if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Carbamazepine side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Carbamazepine talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to any of the medications. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescribe medicine, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or any other herbal products. Avoid taking Carbamazepine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Talk to your doctor if you had a serious medical history of:
- Heart Problems
- Liver or Kidney disease
- Glaucoma
- Porphyria
- Low sodium levels
How to take Carbamazepine?
Take Carbamazepine as prescribed by the doctor or follow the directions written on the prescription label. The dosage and form of the tablets depend on:
- Age
- Condition being treated
- How severe the condition is
- Other medical conditions that you have
Forms and Strengths
Generic : Carbamazepine
Form : Oral tablet (100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg)
Form : Oral tablet, Chewable (100 mg, 200 mg)
Form : Oral tablet, extended-release (100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg)
Brand : Epitol
Form : Oral tablet (200 mg)
Form : Oral tablet, Chewable (100 mg)
Dosage for Epilepsy
Adult dosage : Ages 18 years and older
First Dose : 200 mg dosage should be taken 2 times per day
Typical dosage : 800- 1200 mg per day
Maximum Dosage : 1600 mg per day
Dosage for trigeminal nerve pain
Adult dosage : Ages 18 years and older
First Dose : 200 mg dosage should be taken 2 times per day
Typical dosage : 400-800 mg per day
The dosage starts from 5 mg to 10 mg once per day.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Carbamazepine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Carbamazepine won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Allergic Warning
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of throat or tongue
- Hives or Rash
- Blistering or peeling skin
Warnings for some serious health conditions:
For people with Liver disease
Carbamazepine is not recommended for people with severe liver disease as it can make the condition worse. If you are having a stable liver disease the doctor will adjust the dosage of the drugs accordingly.
For people with heart disease
If you are facing any heart-related problem then the medication can make the situation worse
Pregnancy
Carbamazepine is a category D pregnancy drug. The medication should be used if the benefits outfit the risks.
Breastfeeding
Carbamazepine can pass into breast milk. If you feeding your newborn baby then it can cause some adverse effects to the baby.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Carbamazepine consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Carbamazepine rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Carbamazepine.
Carbamazepine vs. Oxcarbazepine
| Carbamazepine | Oxcarbazepine |
|---|---|
| Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. This tablet works by decreasing the nerve impulse which causes seizures and nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. | Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant. This medication works by decreasing the nerve impulses which causes seizures and pains. |
| Mainly, Carbamazepine is used for treating two conditions:
Certain type of seizures that is caused by epilepsy, this includes:
Trigeminal Neuralgia (It’s a condition which causes facial nerve pain) |
Oxcarbazepine tablets are available in various forms: tablets and suspension. It is used for treating partial seizures in people with epilepsy. |
Some of the serious side effects of Carbamazepine are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Eliquis are:
|
