Perhaps your doctor has prescribed Carbamazepine for a seizure disorder (seizures) or for unbearable nerve pain. This is a very important medication that is given to many people. But there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this medication. So today, let's talk about what Carbamazepine is, how to use it, and what we need to know in particular.
Simply put, what is Carbamazepine?
Carbamazepine is a medicine that controls and calms the overactive nerve cells in our body. Imagine, a seizure occurs when the electrical signals passing through the nerves in our brain become a little chaotic and start to move too fast. This medicine controls that overactive activity.
This is mainly used for:
- Epilepsy: This means preventing and controlling seizures.
- Nerve Pain: This is also sometimes given for conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia, a severe, stabbing pain that occurs in the face.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication:
Before prescribing Carbamazepine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation or problem | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you are of Asian descent | People with Asian genes are at higher risk of severe skin reactions to this medication. |
| Bone marrow disease | This medicine can affect blood production. |
| Glaucoma, heart disease, kidney or liver disease | These types of medical conditions can be complicated by this medication. |
| Low blood counts (red/white blood cells or platelets) | Carbamazepine can make this condition worse. |
| Mental illness, suicidal thoughts | It is essential to be aware of this medication as it can affect the mental state of some people. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | Especially tell us if you have any allergies to other seizure medications or tricyclic antidepressants. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is very important to discuss this medication with your doctor, as it can affect the baby in the womb. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time, with a glass of water.
- These usually come in extended-release capsules. This means that the medicine is designed to be absorbed into the body over time. Therefore , do not break, crush, or chew the capsule.
- However, if you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can carefully open it and swallow the small seeds inside, sprinkled on something like applesauce or yogurt, all at once. But do not chew the seeds.
- You can take this with or without food.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the likelihood of a fit.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. Or the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.Talk and get advice.
Other medications that may interact with carbamazepine
This is very important. Carbamazepine is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take Carbamazepine with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| |
| If you are using these medications, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Type of medicine | Examples |
| Birth control pills and hormones | Birth control pills of any type, hormonal devices inserted into the fallopian tubes |
| Some types of antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Antifungal | Ketoconazole, Fluconazole |
| Painkillers, sleeping pills | Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), Tramadol, Barbiturates |
| Medications for other fits | Phenytoin, Phenobarbital |
| Types of juices | Grapefruit juice |
This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, traditional medicine, alcohol, or drug you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Sleepiness and attention
This medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision . Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness worse.
Serious Skin Reactions
This is the most dangerous thing you need to know about carbamazepine. Some people, especially those of Asian descent, can develop a severe skin reaction a few weeks or months after starting the medication. If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache , and red, itchy skin, blistering, peeling skin, or swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
Effect on birth control pills
If you are using birth control pills, taking Carbamazepine may reduce the effectiveness of those pills. This means there is a risk of pregnancy. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control (e.g. condoms).
Sun sensitivity
This medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is a good idea to use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body when going out in the sun.
Take care of your mental health.
Very rarely, people taking this medicine may have suicidal thoughts or depression. If you feel depressed, sad, or hopeless, tell a family member or doctor right away.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Blood production problems (Aplastic Anemia) | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, frequent bruising, bleeding. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin. |
| Severe skin reactions | Fever, red patches on the skin, blisters, and peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Mental changes | Depression, thoughts of suicide. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | This is normal until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Nausea, vomiting | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Loss of balance while walking | If this continues, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Carbamazepine is a very important medicine for seizures and nerve pain. Do not start, change the dose, or stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you take. Especially if you are using birth control pills, talk about using another safe method.
- If you have severe skin lesions or blisters along with your fever, extreme depression, or suicidal thoughts, call your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery, as this medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol.
- If you suspect you have taken too much medicine, immediately go to the nearest ETU or call the Poison Information Center at the National Hospital.
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