Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - March 1, 2021
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) Medication Information
Uses
Tegretol is an antiepileptic used to treat epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia.
Dosage
The tablets are available in different strengths:
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
- 400 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Tegretol include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unsteadiness
Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Carbamazepine.
Precautions
In patients with mixed seizure disorders Tegretol should be used cautiously.
In rare cases, after weeks or months since initiation, patients can have multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions.
Liver dysfunction can occur in patients taking Carbamazepine.
Interactions
The most common drug interaction with Tegretol included:
- Cimetidine
- Diltiazem
- Macrolides
- Acetazolamide
- Verapamil
- Grapefruit juice
- Doxorubicin
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Carbamazepine.
Storage
Store below 86 ºF. Protect Tegretol from moisture and light.
Pharmacist Tips
- Look for the early warning signs of skin and liver problems when starting Tegretol.
- Tegretol can interact with a lot of drugs, so make sure to speak with your doctor before starting or stopping any medications.
- Use caution when using alcohol, because it can increase the drowsiness of Carbamazepine.
Carbamazepine FAQs
What doe Tegretol do to the brain?
Tegretol reduces the amount of glutamate released in the brain, to stabilize the electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.
What can you not take with Tegretol?
There are a number of drug interactions with Carbamazepine, for a full list speak with your doctor. But it is best to avoid alcohol with Tegretol because it can increase your risk of drowsiness.
What is the best time to take Tegretol?
Tegretol is typically prescribed twice a day so the doses should be taken as close to 12 hours apart as possible.
Does Tegretol work immediately?
You should see Carbamazepine start to work in a few days.
Does Tegretol affect memory?
It is possible that Carbamazepine can affect your memory, and cause memory problems.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Tegretol {package insert}. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2007.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/016608s098lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.