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How Carbamazepine works

Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of Carbamazepine

Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Sleepiness, Abnormality of voluntary movements

EXPERT ADVICE FOR CARBAMAZEPINE

  • Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
  • Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Tegrital CR 200
NOVARTIS LTD ₹15.79

Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:

  • Practice yoga every day.
  • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
  • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
  • Take your medication on time.

ADVICE FOR CARBAMAZEPINE

  • It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
  • Your doctor may get regular tests done to monitor the level of blood cells in your blood while taking this medication. 
  • Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
  • Inform your doctor if you notice a rash or other skin changes such as reddish spot or circular patches while taking this medicine.
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

Frequently Asked Question

No, Carbamazepine is not an analgesic and should not be used for regular aches or pains. It is an anti-epileptic medicine which is used to treat fits (seizures). It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain). In addition to that, Carbamazepine is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.
The long-term side effects of Carbamazepine vary from person to person. While some people can take Carbamazepine safely for several years, some may develop side effects on using it for long term. These side effects include osteoporosis and osteopenia in which the bones become weak and can get easily fractured. Therefore, if you have been prescribed Carbamazepine for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.
You should stop Carbamazepine only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of Carbamazepine so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.
Your symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, in some cases, it may take even longer. Consult your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or if you have any doubts regarding your condition.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole and doxycycline) and medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir). Also, let your doctor know if you take asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), birth control pills, etc. It is important to tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).
Carbamazepine may make you sleepy or you may feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.