Indication:
Carbamazepine
is useful for treating partial seizures (simple partial, complex partial, and
secondarily generalized). It also may be used for primary generalized tonic-clonic
seizures.
Possible side effects: Side effects that occur most frequently when beginning
on carbamazepine are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, and nausea and/or
vomiting. These frequently disappear over time as your body adjusts to the new
drug. At higher doses, you may experience double vision, headache, drowsiness,
unsteady walking, or decreased sodium levels in your blood. This usually disappears
when your dosage is lowered. There have been rare cases reported of blood disorders
and liver dysfunction in patients while taking carbamazepine. You should report
to your doctor at once if any unusual bruising occurs.
You need to know that with any changes in your anticonvulsant therapy, there
may be an increase in your seizure frequency. Keep in mind that side effects
vary among individuals. If you have any problem with medication, you should
let your doctor know, whether or not it is a problem listed above.
Dosage: Tegretol is supplied in 200mg pink scored tablets usually prescribed
for adults. It is also available in 100mg chewable tablets and suspension. Tegretol
XR and Carbatrol are extended release forms carbamazepine and may be dosed twice
a day. They are available in 100mg, 200mg, 400mg sizes as Tegretol-XR, and in
200mg and 300mg sizes as Carbatrol.The usual dosage of carbamazepine for adults
is 800mg to 2000mg per day at intervals of three times per day. However, some
patients can tolerate higher doses without side effects for good seizure control.
Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine decreases haloperidol levels and increases
Lithium levels. Erythromycin, Isoniazid, Darvocet, Cimetidine, Troleandomycin,
Fluoxetine, Danazol Diltiazem and Verapamil increases carbamazepine levels.
Zithromax and bioxin decrease carbamazepine levels. Other drugs can affect or
be affected by carbamazepine.
Oral Contraception: The efficacy of some birth control pills
can be affected by carbamazepine. In these cases, carbamazepine can lower the
estrogen levels of the birth control pills. This can be remedied by taking a
birth control pill with a higher level of estrogen. Check with your doctor.
Blood levels: The usual blood levels for carbamazepine range
between 4 and 12 ug/ml. If you are not having side effects, and are still having
seizures, your doctor may consider using doses which result in higher blood
levels.