Carbatrol Alternatives

Carbatrol alternatives may be considered if the medication is causing bothersome side effects or is not working as expected. These alternatives include a special diet, surgery, or other seizure medications. Among the medications that can be used as Carbatrol alternatives are fosphenytoin, gabapentin, and lamotrigine. Some benzodiazepines and barbiturates can also be used to control seizures, but these medications may lead to dependence or addiction.

 

An Overview of Carbatrol Alternatives

Carbatrol® (carbamazepine) is a prescription medication used to treat epileptic seizures. It is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a painful disorder affecting facial nerves.
 
(This article refers to Carbatrol alternatives for epilepsy treatment. For information on Carbatrol alternatives for trigeminal neuralgia pain, see Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia).
 
Carbatrol can effectively control seizures for many people. Most people also tolerate this epilepsy medication well. However, as with all medications, bothersome or dangerous Carbatrol side effects may occur. Or, in some situations, the drug may not adequately control seizures. Fortunately, several alternatives to Carbatrol for controlling seizures are available, including:
 
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;