Tegretol

Uses
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is an anticonvulsant medicine which also exhibits analgesic properties. Its mechanism of action involves affecting nerve impulses and signals in the brain. Indications include seizures caused by epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and other forms of nerve pain, and to stabilise the mood of patients suffering from bipolar disorder.

Experts have hypothesized that its anticonvulsant benefits may be due to it decreasing the occurrences of polysynaptic responses and other abnormal electrical brain activity. This is achieved by stabilizing sodium channels, so as to prevent nerve cell excitement (considered to be a contributory factor in causing seizures).

When used for nerve pain, it may work by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Its potentiation of the GABA receptors might be responsible for this. Other conditions for which this medicine has been studied include ADHD, schizophrenia, complex regional pain syndrome as well as disorders not mentioned here.

Dosage and Administration
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is provided as 400mg strength tablets which are taken via the oral route, alongside a glass of water. The tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Your doctor will assess the severity of your symptoms when calculating the right dosage, and other factors (such as the condition in need of treatment) will also be considered. It is common for patients to be told to start out with a daily dosage of 100mg or 200mg taken twice per day. This may then be increased (if the doctor feels that it is necessary) and possibly reduced again for maintenance treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important that you carefully listen to the instructions of your doctor and do not exceed the maximum daily dosage.

Side effects
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) might cause side effects, and some are listed here:

• Memory problems
• Erectile problems
• An unusually dry mouth
• Slight drowsy sensation
• Vertigo or lightheaded feeling

You need to make the doctor treating you aware of all side effects which happen during treatment. Although less severe reactions are generally considered to be the most common, serious side effects can occur in rare cases. You will require immediate medical attention if you suffer from sudden weight changes, hallucinations, a confused feeling, problems walking properly, blurred eyesight or any other serious reactions that have not been listed here.

Precautions
There is a rare possibility that this medicine could trigger serious and possibly life threatening skin reactions. Your doctor may order you to undergo a blood test prior to the commencement of treatment to ascertain whether or not you are at risk of this.

Blood disorders (including agranulocytos and others not mentioned here) may be triggered by this medicine, however this is rare. Blood tests may be ordered by your doctor in order to monitor you for this.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Tegretol (Carbamazepine) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.