DoseFacts

Carbamazepine: Uses, How It Works, Medicines

Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ

Carbamazepine is a prescription anti-seizure medicine used to treat some types of epilepsy and the nerve pain of trigeminal neuralgia. It can cause serious skin reactions, especially in people with a gene called HLA-B*1502. It also needs blood checks and must not be stopped suddenly.

Also known as: Carbamazepine tablet, Carbamazepine 200 mg, Carbamazepine CR, Tegretol

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Carbamazepine at a glance. Used for: Some types of epilepsy, Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain). Ask a doctor first: Allergy to carbamazepine or similar medicines, Liver, kidney or eye problems (glaucoma), Pregnancy or planning a baby, Hormonal contraceptives, warfarin or other medicines, Gene test advice (HLA-B*1502). Get medical help quickly for: Skin rash, blisters or mouth ulcers, Swelling of throat or tongue, or trouble breathing, Fever, sore throat or unusual bruising, Yellow skin or eyes, Thoughts of harming yourself. Taking too much: Taking too much can be dangerous: call 112 or go to the nearest hospital with the pack. Dose: follow the label or your doctor's advice.

How does Carbamazepine work?

Carbamazepine calms over-active electrical signalling between nerve cells in the brain and face nerves. This makes seizures less likely and reduces the shooting pain of trigeminal neuralgia.

How to take Carbamazepine

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Carbamazepine is taken regularly, usually for a long time, and the dose is usually built up gradually. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.

Side effects of Carbamazepine

Some side effects are common, especially at the start, but a few are serious and need urgent help.

Uncommon or mild

  • Dizziness and tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Problems with coordination, balance or speech
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision

Rare but serious: get medical help

  • A painful or itchy skin rash, blisters, or mouth ulcers (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Stop and get emergency help
  • Swelling of the throat or tongue, itchy rash or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get emergency help
  • Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising or bleeding (possible blood problems)
  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools (possible liver problems)
  • Confusion or fits from low sodium
  • New or worsening low mood or thoughts of harming yourself

Who should be careful

Tell your doctor about your health history before taking carbamazepine.

  • Serious skin reactions: risk is higher in people with the HLA-B*1502 gene, found mainly in people of some Asian ancestries. Doctors may advise a gene test before starting
  • Blood problems: blood counts are checked before and during treatment
  • Do not stop suddenly if taking it for seizures: seizures can return
  • Liver or kidney problems, glaucoma or other eye problems
  • Pregnancy: it can harm the unborn baby; tell your doctor if planning a baby or pregnant, and do not stop on your own
  • Hormonal contraceptives may work less well
  • Driving or using machinery: avoid until dizziness and sleepiness ease

Medicines and things that interact with Carbamazepine

Many medicines interact with carbamazepine. Tell every doctor and pharmacist that you take it.

  • Grapefruit juice and some antibiotics or antifungals: can raise carbamazepine levels
  • Some hormonal contraceptives and HRT: may be less effective
  • Warfarin and some other blood-clot medicines: effect can change
  • Some mental health medicines and antidepressants (MAOIs must not be combined)
  • Other anti-seizure medicines: levels of each can change
  • Alcohol: its effects may be stronger

If someone takes too much

Taking too much can be dangerous and can cause drowsiness, unsteadiness, fast heartbeat and fits. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital, and take the medicine pack with you.

Regulatory status in India

Sold in India as a prescription medicine; follow the schedule printed on the pack. Used under a doctor's prescription, and this site gives information only.

Type of medicine

Carbamazepine belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Carbamazepine

These medicines sold in India contain Carbamazepine. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

What is Carbamazepine used for?

Medicines that contain Carbamazepine are used for these conditions.

Common questions

What is carbamazepine used for?

It is a prescription medicine used to prevent certain types of seizures in epilepsy and to treat the facial nerve pain of trigeminal neuralgia. It is not an ordinary painkiller. A doctor decides whether it suits you.

Why is a gene test mentioned for carbamazepine?

People with the HLA-B*1502 gene have a higher risk of serious skin reactions with carbamazepine. The label advises screening in people of at-risk ancestry. Ask your doctor whether it applies to you.

What should I do if I get a rash on carbamazepine?

Get medical help at once, especially for a painful rash, blisters, mouth ulcers or fever. Serious skin reactions can be life-threatening. Do not wait to see if it settles.

Can I stop carbamazepine suddenly?

No. If you take it for seizures they can return. A doctor reduces the dose gradually for epilepsy and for trigeminal neuralgia.

Can I eat grapefruit with carbamazepine?

Avoid it, because grapefruit can raise the level of the medicine and increase side effects.

Does carbamazepine affect contraception?

It can make some hormonal contraceptives less reliable. Ask your doctor about a suitable method, and tell your doctor if you are planning a baby.

Sources

  1. Carbamazepine. NHS (UK)
  2. Tegretol (carbamazepine) tablets, suspension, XR: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
  3. Epilepsy. NHS (UK)
  4. Trigeminal neuralgia. NHS (UK)
  5. ATC/DDD Index: N03AF01 Carbamazepine. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology