Tegretol Generic

CARBAMAZEPINE - CHEWABLE TABLETS - ORAL

(kar-bam-AZZ-eh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S) : Tegretol Generic

USES : This medication is used to treat seizure disorders and certain types of nerve pain.

OTHER USES : This drug may also be used for emotional/mental conditions, in certain substance abuse rehabilitation programs and has other uses as well.

HOW TO USE : Chew thoroughly before swallowing. May take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or stop taking this drug suddenly without first consulting your doctor. For seizure control, it is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

SIDE EFFECTS :

• May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, mood changes, changes in vision, muscle aches, and restlessness. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
• To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute.
• Notify your doctor if you develop: sore throat, fever, chills, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, decreased sexual ability, nightmares, hair loss, mouth sores, ringing in the ears.
• This drug can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
• If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history especially of: glaucoma, high blood pressure, blood clots, blood disorders, heart or blood vessel disorders, liver problems, mental conditions, allergies.
• Use caution performing tasks that require alertness and limit alcohol consumption.
• Carbamazepine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
• Consult your doctor before taking this drug.
• This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure medication, doxycycline, warfarin, danazol, erythromycin-like antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, haloperidol, certain SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluvoxamine), nefazodone, cimetidine, propoxyphene, isoniazid, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), St John's wort.
• Tell your doctor if you have taken MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks.
• Be very careful to read all labels on any over-the-counter preparations used to treat cough and colds, allergies or sleeplessness. They may add to the drowsiness effects of this drug. Consult your pharmacist about this before using any of these products.
• Carbamazepine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills; you may need to use additional methods of birth control.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
• Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.