Tegretol

Drug Uses

 

Tegretol is an anticonvulsant that is used in the treatment of certain types of epileptic seizures. It is also prescribed for another condition called trigeminal neuralgia which causes severe pain the jaw or cheek.

 

How it is taken

Tegretol can be taken by mouth with or without food. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice must be avoided completely while taking this drug. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Tegretol is an anticonvulsant that blocks certain nerve impulses in the brain to control seizures. It also alters certain nerve impulses in the facial nerves to control trigeminal neuralgia.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Tegretol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

 

 

 

Warnings/Precautions

 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

 

Tegretol may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are allergic to tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), cyclobenzaprine, or similar medicines, you have a history of bone marrow problems, the blood disorder porphyria, or other serious blood disorders, you have a severe heart problem called heart block (atrioventricular block), you are taking nefazodone, you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days.

Tegretol may weaken your immune system so avoid contact with people who have infections like cold, chills and sore throat.
Tegretol may also reduce the number of platelets (blood clotting cells) in your blood. So avoid situations which may cause unusual bruising or bleeding.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Tegretol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Tegretol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Tegretol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Tegretol should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Tegretol may cause certain lab tests (thyroid function tests) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Tegretol before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Tegretol may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
 

 

Possible Side Effects

 

 

Some of the common side effects of are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, unsteadiness, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry, or bloody stools, calf pain, swelling, or tenderness, change in the amount of urine produced, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, decreased coordination, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, joint pain, loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling in the neck, groin, or under the arms, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, speech problems, stomach pain, sudden unusual weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers or sores in the mouth, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness, vision or eye problems, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.