Tegretol

Tegretol has been approved to treat various types of seizures, as well as pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. It is believed that the drug works by blocking sodium channels in the brain and blocking nerve signals that cause pain. Tegretol comes in tablet form and as a liquid, and is usually taken two to four times a day. Possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

 

What Is Tegretol?

Tegretol® (carbamazepine) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
  • Epilepsy -- Tegretol is approved to treat various types of seizures, although it is usually not effective for treating absence seizures (petit mal seizures).
     
  • Trigeminal neuralgia -- Tegretol is also approved to treat pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia (also known as tic douloureux), a nerve condition that causes episodes of facial pain (typically cheek or jaw pain).
     
(Click Tegretol Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Tegretol?

Tegretol is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Tegretol Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that occurs when there are recurring, brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. This change in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). It is not known exactly how the drug works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. It may work by blocking sodium channels in the brain. By blocking sodium channels, Tegretol may decrease the activity of nerve cells, preventing them from firing abnormally. The drug may also prevent abnormal brain signals from spreading to other parts of the brain.
 
It is thought that Tegretol works to treat trigeminal neuralgia by blocking the nerve signals that cause pain and other unpleasant sensations.
 

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.)
 

Side Effects of Tegretol

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tegretol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Tegretol include but are not limited to:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
     
(Click Tegretol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also learn about specific side effects of Tegretol in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With Tegretol

Tegretol can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Tegretol Drug Interactions).
 

Tegretol: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Tegretol if you have:
 
  • Anemia or other blood disorders
  • Absence seizures (petit mal seizures)
  • Acute intermittent porphyria
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Thyroid problems
  • Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tegretol Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Tegretol?

People who take too much Tegretol may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Irregular breathing or difficulty breathing
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension) or high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Shock
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Restlessness
  • Twitching or shakiness
  • Unusual body movements or postures
  • Coordination problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting.
     
If you happen to overdose on Tegretol, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Tegretol Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Tegretol Be Stored?

Tegretol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the medication in an airtight container.
 
Keep Tegretol and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Tegretol?

If you do not take your Tegretol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you miss any Tegretol doses, especially if your blood levels are being monitored.
 

Alternatives to Tegretol

There are several alternatives to Tegretol for controlling seizures. These alternatives can include:
 
 
While Tegretol is often effective and many people tolerate it well, it does not work for everyone. It may also cause bothersome side effects. With so many different treatment options for epilepsy, people should not settle for a treatment that is not effective enough for them or that causes troublesome side effects.
 
(Click Tegretol Alternatives for more information.)
 

Strengths of Tegretol

Tegretol is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Tegretol 100 mg chewable tablets
  • Tegretol 200 mg tablets (immediate-release)
  • Tegretol XR 100 mg tablets (extended-release)
  • Tegretol XR 200 mg tablets (extended-release)
  • Tegretol XR 400 mg tablets (extended-release)
  • Tegretol Suspension 100 mg per 5 mL (100 mg per teaspoonful).
     

Is There a Generic Version of Tegretol?

Currently, some (but not all) forms of Tegretol are available in generic form (see Generic Tegretol).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;