Have you or someone you know been prescribed a medicine called Carbamazepine (কা-ব-ম-স-পীন) by your doctor? Maybe it's to control a seizure that you're having, or to control severe nerve pain. You may be familiar with this medicine by the brand name Tegretol. It comes in the form of a syrup (suspension) and is often given to children and adults. So, today we'll talk briefly about this medicine, how it works, and what you need to be aware of.
What is Carbamazepine?
Simply put, Carbamazepine is a medicine that calms down overactive nerves in our body, especially in the brain. When our nerves are overstimulated, we experience conditions like seizures. So this medicine controls that overstimulation and calms down the nervous system. It also controls pain in some severe nerve pains (for example, Trigeminal Neuralgia).
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Situation to be concerned about | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing medical conditions | Heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, increased eye pressure (glaucoma), bone marrow disease, and a blood disease called porphyria. |
| Blood problems | Conditions such as a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood. |
| Mental health | If you have had previous thoughts, plans or attempts to commit suicide, or if you have psychotic disorders. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to carbamazepine or other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, phenytoin, phenobarbital, foods, or preservatives. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Ancestry | If you are of Asian ancestry, it is important to tell your doctor as you are at slightly higher risk of developing some severe skin allergies. |
How should I use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine (suspension), you should always shake the bottle well before taking the medicine . This will help the medicinal ingredients in the medicine mix well.
- Correct measurement: Measure the exact dose prescribed by your doctor, using the measuring cup or syringe provided. Do not measure with household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they are not accurate.
- On time: Take the prescribed amount, at the prescribed time. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Especially if you are taking the medicine for a fit, stopping it suddenly can worsen your condition.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take 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 at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- Overdose: If you think you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
Other drugs that may interact with carbamazepine (Drug Interactions)
This medicine may interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Never take Carbamazepine with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat depression) | Delavirdine, Nefazodone, Oxcarbazepine |
| Some medications for HIV/AIDS | Drugs given with Cobicistat |
| These things can also cause problems - ask your doctor | |
| Grapefruit juice | Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), Warfarin (a blood thinner) |
| Birth control pills, other types of hormones | Medications for mental illness, high blood pressure, and cancer |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals | Sleeping pills, steroids, thyroid hormone medications |
*This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.*
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Serious Skin Reactions
This is very important. Some people may develop a severe skin reaction even weeks after starting this medicine. If you develop a red or purple rash with fever, body aches , blisters inside your mouth or on your lips, or peeling skin, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor . Also, if you have a rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen glands in the neck or armpits, that is also a warning sign.
Drowsiness and dizziness
When you first start taking this medicine, you may experience some drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery that requires alertness until your body adjusts to this medicine. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
Other important points
- Birth control: Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication, so talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
- Sun protection: This medication may make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). So if you are going to be in the sun, use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.
- Mood changes: Very rarely, this medication can cause mood changes, including suicidal thoughts. If you feel increasingly anxious, depressed, or have negative thoughts about life, tell your family and your doctor right away.
Side effects of the medicine
| These are serious symptoms - tell your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin reactions | The rash that comes with the fever, redness of the skin, blistering, and peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Effects on the liver | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine. |
| Effects on the blood (Aplastic Anemia) | Unusual tiredness, frequent bleeding or bruising, frequent infections (fever, sore throat). |
| Other serious symptoms | Irregular heartbeat, vision changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts. |
| These are common side effects - tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Nausea, vomiting |
| Loss of balance when walking | |
Take-Home Message
- Carbamazepine is an important medication that controls seizures and some nerve pain. Use it as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
- If you develop a skin rash along with fever while using the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness while taking this medication, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur. Avoid alcohol completely.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
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