What you need to know about Carbamazepine Suspension

Do you or someone in your family have epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures as we all know them? Or do you struggle with nerve pain that is unbearable at times? Then your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called `Carbamazepine`. It comes in the form of a syrup, which is also a suspension. So today we will talk about this medicine, what it does, how to use it exactly, and what things to watch out for, in a very simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Carbamazepine?

Carbamazepine is a drug that calms the nerves that are overactive in our brain and nervous system. Think of our nervous system as a system of electrical wires. Sometimes, these wires send out electrical messages in an inappropriate way. That's when a seizure occurs. So this drug works by controlling those unwanted electrical messages and calming the nervous system. Its main uses are:

• Epilepsy Management : Prevent and control seizures .
• Relieving Nerve Pain : Some people are also given this medicine for severe nerve pain, such as Trigeminal Neuralgia, which affects the face.

Sometimes this medication is also used as a mood stabilizer. You may also see it on the market under names like `Tegretol`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, you should tell him your complete health history. Don't hide anything because it's a small thing. Even small things can have a big impact on your treatment. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

• Being Asian: This may come as a surprise, but some people with Asian genes are at higher risk of serious skin reactions to this medication. Therefore, your doctor may want to do a genetic test before starting the medication.
• Bone marrow disease: Our blood cells are made in the bone marrow. This medicine can affect it, so it is important to be aware of this.
• Glaucoma: A condition in which the pressure in the eye is high.
• Heart disease orIrregular heartbeat : If you have heart problems, you should be careful with this medicine.
• Kidney or Liver disease : These organs are responsible for filtering and removing drugs from the body. So if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted.
• Low blood cell count: If you have a low white blood cell count, red blood cell count, or platelet count.
• Mental illnesses: Conditions like depression .
• Porphyria: A rare disease.
• Suicidal thoughts: If you or a family member has had such thoughts before, it is important to talk about them.
• Other allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to Carbamazepine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.

How to use the medicine correctly?

Since this is a suspension, you need to shake the bottle well before using it. Otherwise, the medicine particles will settle at the bottom of the bottle, which could result in an overdose or overdose.

• Measure accurately: Use the special spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your doctor about it.
• Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. If it's twice a day, it's best to take it about every 12 hours. Taking too much medicine won't make you feel better any faster, so don't take more than the prescribed dose.
• If given through a feeding tube: If given through a feeding tube, ask your medical team for the correct method. Do not mix this medicine with other liquid medicines or food and give it through the tube.
• Avoid stopping suddenly: This is the most important thing. Never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can increase the risk of a sudden, severe attack, even if the attack is under control.

What do you do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't panic. There are two things you need to do immediately. 1. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . 2. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . They will give you the necessary advice. This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

We all forget to take our medicine sometimes. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Carbamazepine is a drug that can interact with many other drugs. This means that when taken with other drugs, Carbamazepine may change how well it works or how well the other drug works. This may cause side effects or make the drug less effective. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Additionally, it can interact with a wide range of other medications. For example:

• Acetaminophen (Acetaminophen / Panadol)
• Types of Antibiotics
• Birth control pills
• Antifungals
• Medications for mental illness such as Lithium
• Blood pressure medication
• Grapefruit juice - This can also affect the effectiveness of the medication.

This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.

Be aware of these things when taking medication.

You should be a little careful about the changes in your body while using this medicine.

Severe skin allergies

This medicine can cause severe skin reactions in some people. These may occur weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms such as a fever or cold , tell your doctor immediately. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may peel off. Also, if you have a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, that is also a serious sign.

Driving and alcohol

This medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or have a loss of coordination . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness, stand up straight when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.

Pregnancy and birth control

If you are using birth control pills (estrogen, progestin hormones), taking Carbamazepine may reduce the effectiveness of those pills. This means that there is a risk of pregnancy even if you take the pills. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control, such as a condom.

Attention to mental health

This medicine may cause suicidal thoughts, depression, or sudden changes in mood in some people. These changes can happen at any time, but are most common early in treatment or after a change in dose. If you or your family members notice any sudden changes in your behavior or thoughts, tell your doctor right away.

Be careful of the sun.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). Therefore, if you are going to be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common. This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them. Carbamazepine, Tegretol, epilepsy, fit, convulsions, Seizure, Nerve Pain, Medication Side Effects, Medication Information