Medicine Identification Chart

Tegretol^®

generic name: carbamazepine car-ba-MAZE-i-peen

Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Tegretol (TEG-re-tol) is is used in the treatment of all types of partial seizures and in treatment of generalized tonic clonic (grand mal) seizures. It is usually described as a first line treatment. However, it is not effective and may even have negative effects for generalized absence and myoclonic seizures.

Tegretol should be introduced gradually in low doses; slow increases in dose is likely to improve tolerance of certain side effects. This drug is metabolized in the liver and interacts with several other epilepsy drugs and other medications, such as warfarin, theophyline, and doxycycline. It may reduce the effectiveness of other antiepileptic drugs which are also processed through the liver, and with the effectiveness of birth control pills at standard doses.

Commonly reported side effects include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty in thinking, diarrhea, double vision, nausea and vomiting. Rare effects include allergic skin rashes (in about 10 percent of patients). Some skin rashes may be severe. Other potential side effects which may occur with Tegretol include low sodium levels and increased eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Bone marrow suppression and liver damage occur in rare cases. Tegretol should be used in caution in patients with liver, heart, and blood disorders. Unless severe reactions warrant, abrupt discontinuation of Tegretol therapy should not be undertaken.

Storage in hot, humid surroundings may reduce its bioavailability by 50 percent. Bioavailability refers to the amount of the active ingredient in a drug that is available within the body to achieve its desired result. Grapefruit juice has been shown to increase carbamazepine levels, and St. John’s wort may decrease its efficacy.

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. There is an increased risk of spina bifida in children of women taking this medication. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.