Tegretol (Cont.)

When and How to Take Tegretol

General considerations for when and how to take Tegretol include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets (Tegretol XR®), and a suspension (liquid) form. Chewable immediate-release Tegretol tablets are also available. Depending on the particular product, the medication is taken by mouth two to four times daily.
     
  • Tegretol can be taken with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Make sure to shake the suspension (liquid form) of Tegretol thoroughly just before each dose. Do not mix it with food or other liquids (including other medications).
     
  • Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting form of Tegretol. Inspect each Tegretol XR tablet to make sure it is not chipped or damaged. Make sure each tablet has a tiny hole in it (this is how the medication is released from the tablet). You may notice the Tegretol XR shell in your stool; this is normal and should not cause any problems.
     
  • The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Tegretol will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • Do not stop taking Tegretol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Tegretol Withdrawal).
     

Dosing Information for Tegretol

The dose of Tegretol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The particular Tegretol product
  • Your age and weight
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Tegretol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Tegretol Dosage for more information.)
 
(Tegretol Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;